The popular cranesbill (geranium, not to be confused with the no less popular balcony plant geranium!) is sometimes quite demanding in terms of its location, but is therefore easier to care for. You just have to be careful when it comes to moisture, because some cranesbill species need a lot of water, while others prefer it dry.
How do you properly care for the cranesbill?
Caring for the cranesbill is uncomplicated: water at different frequencies depending on the species, fertilize at the beginning of the growing season and, if necessary, cut back to stimulate a second flowering or new growth. Cranesbill is hardy and usually robust against pests and diseases.
How often do you have to water the cranesbill?
The water requirements of the individual cranesbill species differ quite greatly from one another. You can find more details in the table below.
Do you have to fertilize the cranesbill? If yes, when and with what?
Basically, the cranesbill only needs to be fertilized at the beginning of the growing season with a liquid complete fertilizer (€18.00 on Amazon) or perennial fertilizer.
Can the cranesbill also be cultivated in a bucket?
Many cranesbill species can be cultivated wonderfully in pots, provided you ensure good drainage in the pot. Make sure to water and fertilize the plant regularly.
When and how is the cranesbill cut?
Pruning is actually not necessary, but it can stimulate the growth of the plant. You can see how each type is cut in the table below.
How can the cranesbill be stimulated to bloom a second time?
Some cranesbill species can be stimulated to a second flowering period by pruning after flowering.
Which diseases/pests are common in cranesbills?
The cranesbill is a very robust plant and is rarely attacked by pests or fungi.
Is the cranesbill hardy?
As a native perennial, the cranesbill is absolutely hardy.
Care instructions for individual cranesbill species
| Storksbill species | Latin name | Water requirements | Special features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cambridge cranesbill | Geranium cantabrigiense | water when dry | cut back in spring |
| Gray Cranesbill | Geranium cinereum | rather dry | cut back in spring |
| Clarke's Cranesbill | Geranium clarkei | moderately humid | cut back after flowering |
| Rozanne | Geranium x cultorum | moderately humid | support older plants |
| Himalayan Cranesbill | Geranium himalayense | moderately humid | cut back after flowering |
| Heart-leaved cranesbill | Geranium ibericum | rather dry | cut back in spring |
| Rock Cranesbill | Geranium macrorrhizum | moderately humid | water when dry |
| Splendid Cranesbill | Geranium magnificum | moderately dry | Cut leaves close to the ground in winter |
| Gnarled Mountain Forest Cranesbill | Geranium nodosum | dry to moist | cut back wilted leaves in autumn |
| Oxford cranesbill | Geranium oxonianum | moist | cut back after flowering |
| Brown Cranesbill | Geranium phaeum | moist | support older plants |
| Armenian cranesbill | Geranium psilostemon | moderately humid | support older plants |
| Caucasus Cranesbill | Geranium renardii | dry | can tolerate a lot of drought |
| Bloody Cranesbill | Geranium sanguineum | moderately dry | cut back wilted leaves in autumn |
| Siberian Cranesbill | Geranium wlassovianum | dry to moderately dry | cut back wilted leaves close to the ground in autumn |
Tip
Make sure to water newly planted cranesbills heavily. Water the plants until they have grown vigorously and can take care of themselves.