Geranium columbinum
Geranium columbinum
Long-stalked Crane's-bill
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Taxonomy
Family Geraniaceae · Genus Geranium
Description
Geranium columbinum, known as Long-stalked Cranesbill, is a delicate annual or short-lived biennial with finely cut foliage and small pink to magenta flowers. It thrives in sunny, well-drained, often chalky soils and cheerfully self-seeds, making it a charming, low-effort addition to wildflower plantings, dry borders, and gravel gardens.
Common Names
Long-stalked Crane's-billLong-stalked Cranesbill
Context
nativeRegion
Native to much of Europe and western Asia; locally in North Africa; naturalized in parts of North America.
usdaZones
3–9 (grown as an annual; readily self-seeds)
companionPlants
Achillea millefolium (Yarrow), Salvia nemorosa, Festuca glauca (Blue Fescue), Origanum vulgare (Oregano), Papaver rhoeas (Corn Poppy), Echium vulgare (Viper’s Bugloss)
culturalUses
Used in wildflower meadows, dry borders, rock and gravel gardens, and pollinator-friendly plantings; valued for low-input, naturalistic designs.
Care
Care Requirements
LightFull sun to light partial shade; best flowering in full sun.
WateringLow to moderate. Water sparingly once established; allow the topsoil to dry between waterings.
SoilWell-drained sandy or loamy soil; prefers neutral to alkaline (calcareous) conditions; tolerates poor soils.
FertilizerGenerally unnecessary; excessive feeding encourages leafy growth over flowers. For containers, a light, balanced feed once in spring is sufficient.
HumidityAverage outdoor humidity; good air circulation helps prevent mildew.
TemperatureBest growth at 50–80°F (10–27°C). Tolerates light frost; typically grown as an annual in temperate climates.
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitAiry, branching, mounded annual/short-lived biennial with finely divided leaves.
Mature Size6–16 in tall and 6–12 in wide (15–40 cm by 15–30 cm).
Growth RateFast-growing from seed.
BloomingLate spring to midsummer; small pink to magenta flowers; may continue sporadically if deadheaded.
DormancyAnnual lifecycle; plants die after setting seed. Overwinters as seed in cold climates.
Propagation
MethodsSeed (direct sow), Seed (indoors in trays), Self-seeding in place
DifficultyEasy; seeds germinate best with light exposure; a brief cold stratification (2–4 weeks) can improve germination.
Best SeasonEarly spring or fall (direct sow). Indoors: late winter to early spring for earlier blooms.
Maintenance & Notes
PruningDeadhead to extend bloom; leave some seedheads to self-sow if desired. Light trim to tidy spent stems.
RepottingNot typically repotted; if grown in containers, refresh soil each season and re-sow.
Pests & DiseasesGenerally trouble-free. Possible aphids, slugs/snails on young plants; in humid conditions may see powdery mildew or leaf spots—improve airflow and avoid overhead watering.
ToxicityGenerally considered non-toxic to humans and pets; ingestion of large quantities may cause mild stomach upset.
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