Wild Geranium

Wild Geranium, botanically known as Geranium maculatum, is an herbaceous perennial and part of the American Beauties Native Plant program. It has a mound-forming habit and features deeply cut, attractive foliage with 1-1 1/2”, lavender, five-petalled flowers floating above the fine foliage in late spring to early summer, sometimes blooming longer in cooler climates. Wild Geranium grows naturally in dense patches, forming colonies near woodland openings. It is sure to please in dappled sun-lit borders, serving as an easy-care, spring-flowering groundcover. 

Wild Geranium grows in a loose cluster of broad, deeply lobed leaves, each up to 6 inches wide with 5 lobes. The overall size of the plant can reach 24 inches tall with a 12-18-inch spread. Wild Geranium is an easy-care, native perennial that grows in hardiness zones 3-8. Its beautiful, 5-petaled, lavender flowers are an important nectar source for honeybees, bumblebees, and many pollinators. 

Wild Geranium Care

As a woodland native, Wild Geranium prefers rich, slightly acidic soil with plenty of organic matter. Plant it in full to dappled shade areas of your garden. Wild Geranium will grow in full sun, as long as you keep the soil moist, especially when first planted. Wild Geranium does well in humid environments, as the extra moisture in the air helps keep the foliage fresh. 

Wild Geranium can easily be propagated from rhizome division in early spring, and by seeds sown outdoors in late fall. Apply a covering of natural mulch over the root zone before the first frost to help protect the roots from extreme winter temperatures. 

Wild Geranium Spacing

Wild Geranium can be massed in groups to create an attractive groundcover in dappled shade/sun locations. This easy-care perennial makes a lovely flowering border. When planted in groups, allow for the mature spread of 18 inches between each plant.

Wild Geranium Information