Welcome to the next part of our “Know Your Natives!” series, in which we talk about the amazing plants that grow naturally in the United States. Every time we write a post, we talk about a different native plant species’ ecology, appearance, and growing needs. We also talk about how important these plants are for the environment. Whether you are a plant expert or a beginner, we hope this series has helped you understand the benefits of using native plants in your garden and landscaping, from their ability to protect local ecosystems to their beautiful looks. Come along with us on this trip to learn about the variety and value of native plants and how you can use them in your own gardens.
With its delicate purple blooms and lush, lobed foliage, wild geranium (Geranium maculatum) is a woodland jewel. Also called cranesbill, it thrives in dappled shade and adds elegance to any native planting. But can you grow wild geranium in full sun instead? What about full shade? Understanding this plant’s ideal light needs ensures success.
Wild Geranium’s Native Habitat
Wild geranium is native to eastern North America from Canada south to Georgia and west to the Dakotas It grows in moist woods, along stream banks, and in other semi-shaded habitats Dappled sunlight filtering through the forest canopy provides the ideal lighting.
This gives us clues about growing wild geranium in gardens. It prefers partial sun with some midday shade. Morning or evening sun is tolerable. It also appreciates light shade from trees or shrubs. Sheltered eastern exposures are ideal.
How Much Sun Can Wild Geranium Handle?
Wild geranium is adaptable to both shade and sun if other conditions like soil moisture are met. But too much of either can stress the plant.
Full Sun Conditions
Full sun is tolerable provided the soil remains consistently damp. Morning sun is better than afternoon sun. Avoid hot, dry sites that bake plants under intense midday rays.
In too much sun, wild geranium will wilt, scorch, and potentially decline or die Growth will be stunted and flowers fewer Supplement water frequently, mulch heavily, and consider temporary shade if attempting full sun exposure.
Full Shade Conditions
At the other end of the spectrum, wild geranium also adapts to full shade It will grow and flower in densely shaded woodland settings However, growth may be leggy and weaker as the plants reach for light.
Insufficient sunlight can reduce blooms and limit the plant’s full potential. But it will survive and spread. Just don’t expect robust growth and masses of flowers without a few hours of filtered sunlight.
Best Light Conditions for Optimal Growth
Based on its native habitat and adaptability, the best lighting for wild geranium includes:
-
Dappled or partial sun – A few hours of direct sun with shade the rest of the day is ideal. Morning sun is better than afternoon. Bright shade under trees suits it perfectly.
-
Light shade – Open grown with no direct sun but lots of indirect illumination works well. A high open canopy or east facing site provides suitable light shade.
-
Part sun to part shade – A balance of sun and shade during the day keeps wild geranium happy. No more than 4-6 hours of sun is recommended.
When in doubt, err on the shadier side for wild geranium, especially in southern zones. A little sun with bright shade is safer than too much direct exposure. Sheltered, humus-rich soil and ample moisture also help counteract strong sun.
Adjusting Other Growing Conditions for More Sun
If you must grow wild geranium in full sun, support it by modifying other conditions:
-
Enrich the soil with extra organic matter like compost or leaf mold
-
Mulch heavily around plants to retain soil moisture and cool roots
-
Provide supplemental water as needed to keep soil evenly moist
-
Allow more spacing between plants for air circulation
-
Consider adding temporary shade like a sheer curtain if afternoon sun is intense
These adjustments help compensate for increased light exposure and keep wild geranium happy. It may grow and bloom slower than in ideal conditions but should still perform.
Key Site Selection Factors
When choosing the best spot to grow wild geranium, consider:
-
Canopy density overhead – Moderate shade is better than deep or no shade
-
Direction of exposure – East or north facing is ideal over southern
-
Hours of direct sun – Limit to early morning if possible
-
Soil enrichment – Boost with organic matter for moisture retention
-
Available irrigation – Must provide supplemental water in sunnier sites
Monitor the plants and adjust to improve performance. With its native adaptability, wild geranium can thrive in both sun and shade if properly sited and cared for.
Companion Plants for Wild Geranium
Wild geranium partners beautifully with other native woodland edge or dappled shade plants like:
- Ferns – Christmas, maidenhair, ostrich
- Wild phlox
- Foamflower
- Blue-eyed Mary
- Columbine
- Wild ginger
- Woodland sedges
Blend it with spring ephemerals and summer perennials to echo a natural forest understory. It also mingles nicely with shrubs like serviceberry, witch hazel, and chokeberry.
Tips for Growing Wild Geranium
Follow these tips to successfully grow wild geranium:
-
Plant in humus-rich, evenly moist soil. Avoid hot, dry sites.
-
Provide dappled sun or part shade. A few hours of morning sun is ideal.
-
Mulch spring planted pots to conserve moisture and cool roots.
-
Water weekly during drought, keeping soil moderately moist but not soggy.
-
Remove spent flower stems to encourage rebloom and tidy growth.
-
Divide congested clumps every 2-3 years in early spring.
-
Cut back any damaged foliage in late fall before winter dormancy.
With proper siting and care focusing on its shade preference and moisture needs, wild geranium will flourish as a beloved woodland garden classic.
Common Problems With Wild Geranium
When grown in unsuitable conditions, wild geranium may experience:
- Wilting, scorching, stunted growth in too much sun
- Leggy, weak growth and reduced blooms in too much shade
- Root rot in soggy soil, especially in winter
- Foliar diseases like leaf spot in humid, crowded conditions
Adjusting light exposure, soil drainage, air circulation, and watering practices can help prevent most issues. Remove diseased foliage promptly to encourage healthy new growth.
Interesting Facts About Wild Geranium
-
Clusters of purple-veined white stamens give the flowers an elegant, lacy appearance. The five petals are rounded and slightly overlapped.
-
Wild geranium is also called cranesbill due to the long, pointed seed pods that resemble a crane’s bill. As the pods ripen, the projections eject the seeds out several feet when touched.
-
Wild geranium foliage often exhibits a maroon splotch along the veins, adding lovely contrasting color. Leaves turn bronze in fall.
-
Tea brewed from the roots was used historically by Native Americans for diarrhea, dysentery, heavy bleeding, and hemorrhoids. The plant also had veterinary medicine uses.
With its graceful blooms and lush foliage, wild geranium is a must-have for woodland gardens. Understanding its light preferences along with its shade tolerance ensures you can succeed with this native beauty.
An Introduction to Wild Geraniums
There are many types of geraniums sold in garden centers, but Wild Geraniums (Geranium maculatum) are hardy and beautiful native wildflowers that grow in most of eastern North America. They usually live in deciduous forests, along the edges of forests, streams, and riverbanks, where they can get both sun and shade. These plants often grow in groups, and when they bloom in late spring or early summer with tiny, five-petaled flowers in pink to lavender shades, they can be a beautiful sight. Wild Geraniums are very adaptable plants that do well in a wide range of soils and lighting conditions. This makes them a great choice for gardeners who want to add a touch of natural spring beauty to their shady borders or open woodland gardens. They are also an important source of nectar and pollen for many pollinators, including bees and butterflies.
At-A-Glance – Wild Geraniums
Common Name(s): Wild Geranium, Spotted Geranium, Cranes Bill (also Cranesbill), Wood Geranium
Scientific Name:Â Geranium maculatum
Type: Herbaceous Perennial
Root Structure: Taproot with lateral rhizomes
Sun Exposure: Full Shade to Partial Shade (less than 6 hours a day); can tolerate some direct sunlight
Soil Moisture: Prefers well-drained medium to moist soils. Drought tolerant once established.
Soil Types: Can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. Will thrive in rich soil .
Other Benefits: Pollinator favorite; Erosion control; Ground cover; Deer resistant
Bloom Color: Lavender to pale pink flowers
Bloom Period: Mid spring through early summer
pH: Prefers somewhat Acidic to Neutral (5.0 to 7.5)
Native Range: Broadly native across central and eastern North America.
Range Map: Created by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and based on historical species records, this range map shows you the native distribution of Wild Geraniums in the United States and Canada. Grey indicates no data; Greens indicate state present (dark) and county listed (light) as native.
Flowers: In the spring, it has small flowers with five petals that are a light shade of pink to lavender (rarely white). They have prominent stamens with bright purple anthers, and the petals have a slightly ruffled edge. The flower stalks rise above the plant’s leaves and gather in loose clusters at the end of each stem. The blooms have a delicate, pleasant scent and are attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Dark green leaves that are attractive, deeply lobed, and palmate. Each leaf has 5 to 7 lobes that are arranged alternately along the stem. The edges of the leaves may be slightly serrated or toothed. The leaves also have slightly coarse hairs.
Shape: It grows in mounds or clumps and is usually as wide as it is tall, with a spread of one to two feet. Spreads to form dense colonies.
Height: Stems reach up to 2 feet
Pollinators like bumblebees, butterflies, and moths are drawn to their nectar- and pollen-rich flowers, making them popular with wildlife. The plants dense foliage also serves as cover for small mammals and insects. Wild geraniums are a valuable addition to any garden seeking to promote biodiversity and support local wildlife.
Do Geraniums Like Full Sun?
Can geraniums grow in full sun?
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.
Can geraniums grow in a garden?
Although a native plant in our area, wild geranium is easily cultivated and can be grown as an ornamental plant in gardens. Plant it in rich soil with plenty of organic matter in full sun or light shade and provide plenty of moisture for the best growth. Plants flower more prolifically the more sun they receive.
How to grow wild geranium?
Here is an overview of how to grow wild geranium. 1. Choose the site. Wild geranium flowers can tolerate full sun and light shade or part shade. However, they will flower more with increased sun exposure. Choose a site in your garden with plenty of sun if you want showy flowers.
Is wild geranium Hardy?
It’s tough to beat wild spotted geranium for shady to full sun color. This perennial spreads happily but not aggressively in medium, well-drained soil. Leaves turn pretty hues of red and orange in fall. Plants are hardy in Zones 5 to 9. Wild geranium is a great choice for planting in beds beneath trees.