Also known as Bog Cranesbill · Marsh Crane's-Bill · Marsh Cranesbill
Marsh Crane’s-Bill (Geranium palustre) is a perennial herb native to Europe and western Asia, featuring attractive pink flowers and palmate leaves, thriving in damp soils
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full sun to partial shade
75% intensity
Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Consistently moist
75% intensity
Prefers damp soil; avoid waterlogging.
Clay, Loam, Sand
50% intensity
Hardy
50% intensity
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures; can tolerate some heat.
Aquatic
50% intensity
Low
25% intensity
Heavy feeding is not required; over-fertilizing can be detrimental.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Geranium palustre thrives in damp conditions, similar to its native marshy habitats.
Water regularly, especially during dry spells, to prevent the soil from drying out completely. Ensure good drainage to avoid root rot, despite its preference for moisture.
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage more blooms and maintain a tidy appearance. Cut back any leggy or overgrown stems in late spring or early summer to promote bushier growth.
Remove dead or damaged foliage as needed throughout the growing season.
Propagate by division in early spring or autumn. Carefully dig up established clumps and divide them into smaller sections, ensuring each section has roots and shoots.
Alternatively, propagate from seed sown in autumn or early spring, though division is generally easier.
Repotting is generally not required for Geranium palustre as it is typically grown in garden beds. If grown in a container, repot every 2-3 years in early spring before new growth begins, moving it to a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining potting mix.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Marsh Crane’s-Bill (Geranium palustre)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Geraniales |
| Family | Geraniaceae |
| Genus | Geranium |
| Species | Geranium palustre |
Similar in genus Geranium
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
