Cranesbill (hardy geranium) Geranium x magnificum
Cranesbill (hardy geranium) (Geranium x magnificum) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Geraniaceae family, native to Garden hybrid (Geranium ibericum x G. platypetalum); parents from the Caucasus. It grows 40–60 cm (16–24 in) tall and 50–70 cm (20–28 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -34 °C (-29 °F). Space plants about 50 cm (20 in) apart.
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Cranesbill (hardy geranium) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Geraniaceae |
| Mature height | 40–60 cm (16–24 in) |
| Mature spread | 50–70 cm (20–28 in) |
| Spacing | 50 cm (20 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -34 °C (-29 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 3–5 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Garden hybrid (Geranium ibericum x G. platypetalum); parents from the Caucasus |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇳🇴 Norway |
Is Cranesbill (hardy geranium) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
Hardy Geranium is not Pelargonium (which ASPCA lists as toxic to pets); cranesbill itself has no documented toxicity.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Cranesbill (hardy geranium)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Cranesbill (hardy geranium)
- How far apart should I plant Cranesbill (hardy geranium)?
- About 50 cm (20 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 50–70 cm (20–28 in).
- Does Cranesbill (hardy geranium) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Cranesbill (hardy geranium) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Cranesbill (hardy geranium)?
- It tolerates about -34 °C (-29 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Cranesbill (hardy geranium) flower?
- From about June for 3–5 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Cranesbill (hardy geranium) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not known to be toxic. Hardy Geranium is not Pelargonium (which ASPCA lists as toxic to pets); cranesbill itself has no documented toxicity.
- What grows well with Cranesbill (hardy geranium)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Cranesbill (hardy geranium). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Sterile hybrid with a single main flush in early summer; shearing after flowering gives fresh foliage and sometimes a few more flowers.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Geranium (Pelargonium) Pelargonium x hortorum
- Tree pelargonium Pelargonium cucullatum
- Wild geranium (spotted cranesbill) Geranium maculatum
- Sunflower Helianthus annuus
- French marigold Tagetes patula
- English lavender Lavandula angustifolia
- Zinnia Zinnia elegans
- Cosmos Cosmos bipinnatus