Marsh crane's-bill (Geranium palustre)

Marsh crane's-bill

Marsh crane's-bill (Geranium palustre) is an herbaceous plant that is native to Europe. It has vivid pink or purple flowers that are trumpet-shaped at first before the petals open and become more star-shaped. Marsh crane's-bill is recognized by the Royal Horticultural Society as an important plant for bees and other nectar-eating pollinators.

Scientific classification

Species

Marsh crane's-bill (Geranium palustre)

Geraniums, bridal wreaths, and allies

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Herb

Plant Type

Summer

Bloom Time

30 cm to 50 cm

Plant Height

50 cm to 1 m

Spread

Green, Orange

Leaf Color

2.5 cm to 3 cm

Flower Size

Pink, Purple

Flower Color

Green, Purple, Pink, Orange

Stem Color

Deciduous

Leaf type

Images of Marsh crane's-bill

Distribution of Marsh crane's-bill

Distribution Map

Marsh crane's-bill is a plant native to the temperate zones of Eurasia, spanning marshes and wetlands across the continent. Its natural range embraces northern, central, and eastern regions of Europe, inclusive of the fringes of Western Asia. Moreover, marsh crane's-bill not only thrives in its indigenous locales but has also been successfully cultivated beyond its original habitat, indicating a broader adaptability.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Damp meadows, ditches, hedgerows, forest margins, broad-leaved forests, gardens

Culture

Garden Use

Marsh crane's-bill is characterized by low, clumping growth, lush foliage, and prolific flowering, even in the shade. Thus, it is ideal for front rows in shady beds and perennial borders or for creating a long-lasting groundcover. By its looks, it is the best fit for cottage and informal gardens. Undemanding and resilient, it can cover slopes and other unhospitable spots. It is also great as an underplanting for roses and shrubs.

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Care Guide for Marsh crane's-bill

Every week

Water

Partial sun

Sunlight

5 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Marsh crane's-bill thrives in wetland habitats, requiring consistent moisture and regular hydration. Weekly watering mimics its natural conditions. As an herbaceous perennial, it benefits from seasonal rainfall, which supports its growth cycles.

Fertilize: For optimal growth, marsh crane's-bill requires a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season to enhance robustness and resilience. Dilute for young plants and incorporate gently. Reduce fertilizer during dormancy and avoid over-fertilization for environmental safety.

Pruning: Marsh crane's-bill flourishes in moist environments, showcasing vibrant pink-purple flowers. Prune in early to late spring to eliminate damaged stems and enhance growth. Regularly trimming old growth and spent blooms fosters healthy blooms and a tidy appearance. Use clean, sharp tools to minimize disease risk.

Propagation: Marsh crane's-bill can be propagated via cuttings taken from healthy, non-flowering shoots. Cut just below a leaf node, dip in rooting hormone, and plant in well-draining potting mix. Water moderately and acclimatize to outdoor conditions after roots develop in a few weeks.

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