Meadow Geranium is a clump-forming perennial native to northern Europe, central Asia, and China that brings reliable color to gardens across zones 4 through 8. Rising 24 to 36 inches tall, it produces showy clusters of blue-purple flowers, each roughly 1.5 inches across, that bloom from late spring through mid-summer in dense arrangements above deeply lobed green foliage. Thriving in full sun to partial shade with moderate water needs and virtually no maintenance, this hardy plant also attracts butterflies and resists deer and rabbit pressure, making it a genuinely low-fuss addition to mixed borders and meadow gardens.
18
Partial Sun
Moderate
4-8
36in H x 36in W
—
High
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Blue-purple flowers in dense clusters bloom reliably from late spring through mid-summer, with the tantalizing possibility of sparse rebloom in late summer or fall if you cut plants back after their main show. The deeply lobed foliage, each leaf reaching 3 to 6 inches wide and carved into 7 to 9 toothed segments, provides visual interest even before the flowers arrive. Best performance comes in moist, organically rich, well-drained soil in full sun, though it tolerates partial shade and even appreciates afternoon shade in hot climates like the St. Louis area.
Meadow Geranium serves primarily as an ornamental flower in herbaceous borders, mixed perennial gardens, and meadow plantings where its showy clusters of blue-purple blooms contribute months of color. Its low-maintenance nature and deer resistance make it particularly valuable in gardens where wildlife pressure would eliminate more tender plants. The long flowering season and reliable hardiness also recommend it for naturalistic gardens and landscape designs seeking sustainable color without constant fussing.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Cut plants back after the primary bloom period (which ends by mid-summer) to encourage sparse late-summer or fall rebloom in some areas. Deadheading spent flower clusters will also extend the blooming period and keep plants tidy. Tall stems may benefit from light staking in spring if plants are growing in partial shade or windy locations.
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“Geranium pratense originates from the meadows, grasslands, and cool mountain regions of northern Europe, central Asia, and China, where it has naturalized for centuries. The common name meadow cranesbill refers to the long, crane-like seed pods that follow flowering. This species has long been valued in European gardens and was distributed widely as a reliable, hardy perennial that thrived in cool climates where many other flowering plants struggled.”