Crane Dance Cranesbill

Light Needs

Partial Sun to Full Sun

(At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

2-3 Feet

Mature Spread

2-3 Feet

Growing Zones

4 to 8

The hardy perennial Geranium Crane Dance Cranesbill delivers three seasons of interest in a low-maintenance package. The foliage is a deep green during the spring and summer, changing to brilliant shades of red and orange for the fall as the plant goes into dormancy for the winter. The pale blue flowers are magnets for attracting all local bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies and steal the show as the early spring bulbs die back for the summer. This versatile perennial fits seamlessly in either a shady woodland garden or a sunny open cottage garden. 

Geranium maculatum ‘Crane Dance’ is a cultivar of the woodland native also commonly called the spotted Cranesbill. The native growing range is the eastern half of North America, spanning both Canada and the United States. Crane Dance is highly resistant to deer and most diseases and requires little to no maintenance. The bright blue flowers are slightly more upright, giving the whole plant a taller look than other spreading types of Cranesbill. Add this herbaceous perennial to planters when cool-season annuals such as pansy or lobelia are finished for the summer. 

Crane Dance Cranesbill Care

Shady or sunny garden beds are perfect for this versatile perennial. Choose a location with well-drained soil that is on the acidic side of the pH scale. Regular fertilizing is rarely required for Cranes Dance. Apply a slow-release granular fertilizer in early spring every two to three years to maintain strong growth. In the fall, apply a topdressing of organic mulch like compost, shredded leaves, or arborist chippings to aid in moisture retention and cooling of the root zone during the summer months. Cranesbill likes moist soil but will tolerate periods of dryness after it is well established in the landscape. 

Cutting back Cranesbill once or twice a growing season will help to keep the overall shape compact and encourage a second or even third flush of blooms in the warmer growing zones. Shear the plant back by one-third after blooming. Avoid cutting this plant back after August to allow the larger and older leaves to develop good fall color. In late winter or early spring, cut back all of the dead top growth to reveal new shoots from the crown. Regular deadheading of spent flower stems and damaged foliage will keep the plant tidy and healthy.  

Crane Dance Cranesbill Spacing

Crane Dance Cranesbill looks best when it is planted in large groups and will quickly spread to 36 inches across. Space plants 24-30 inches apart. Cranesbill also grows well in containers with at least a 3-gallon capacity or 12-inch diameter.

SKU:

1231020617-pc