Meadow Cranesbill

Meadow cranesbill (Geranium pratense) is a clump-forming perennial with deeply lobed green leaves and saucer-shaped flowers in white, blue, or violet. It typically flowers in early to mid-summer and grows about 60–90 cm tall, with broader published size ranges reaching 0.5–1 m ([RHS](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/7914/geranium-pratense/details); [KPU Plant Database](https://plantdatabase.kpu.ca/PlantPrint/gepr)). ## Garden use Use meadow cranesbill in an informal border, meadow-style planting, or a lightly shaded garden where it can form a substantial clump. It combines well with grasses and other summer perennials, and the bill-shaped seed capsules give the plant its familiar common name. ## Growing conditions Choose full sun or partial shade and moderately fertile, well-drained soil. The species adapts to some sun when moisture is available and can also tolerate drier shaded sites. Leave enough space for a broad mature clump; source estimates differ with growing conditions and reference plant size. ## Seasonal interest The open flowers bring blue, violet, or white color in early and midsummer above green, divided foliage. The plant is deciduous, so its stems die back after the growing season. ## Maintenance Remove flowered stems and old leaves to encourage fresh growth. Divide established clumps in spring if needed, or grow new plants from seed.