The cranesbill (botanically geranium, but not to be confused with the closely related pelargoniums, also known as geraniums) is a very popular plant that no garden should be without. The perennial, which usually blooms very luxuriantly and has beautiful foliage, impresses not only with its appearance: as a native species, the plant is also very hardy and otherwise very easy to care for.
Is the cranesbill hardy and how do I prepare it for winter?
The cranesbill (geranium) is hardy and does not require winter preparation in the garden. Only potted plants should be protected from freezing. In spring, pruning and fertilization promote the growth and flowering of the perennial.
Easy-care cranesbill ideal for gardening beginners or people with little time
If you don't have much gardening experience or have a large garden but little time, planting cranesbill is a good idea. In general - with a few exceptions - the perennial is considered to be very easy to care for, but it grows and blooms more easily. Many varieties that have only been horticulturally refined reproduce very reliably even without your intervention, so that you only have to weed excess seedlings - otherwise your garden will soon be overgrown by cranesbills.
Preparing cranesbills for winter
You don't have to worry about overwintering either, because the cranesbill is absolutely hardy and therefore doesn't need any winter protection. You should only protect cranesbills grown in pots from freezing in the winter - after all, their roots are very unprotected in the narrow planter during the cold season. For this purpose, however, it is sufficient to place the bucket on an insulating Styrofoam base (€7.00 on Amazon). Also, don't forget to water the plant occasionally on frost-free days. Some cranesbill species are also prepared for winter by cutting back the wilted leaves in autumn.
Luring cranesbills out of hibernation
For most cranesbills, however, this caring pruning is only carried out in spring so that the perennial can sprout new and vigorously. After pruning, fertilization is recommended to lure the cranesbill out of its hibernation and stimulate growth. A good complete fertilizer is suitable for this, but also organic fertilizer such as mature mixed compost orHorn shavings can be incorporated. Fertilization is repeated during the flowering period or after the first flowering and further pruning in summer.
Tip
You don't have to worry about pests and diseases either. The cranesbill is very robust and is only very rarely affected by any pathogens. Even with the otherwise voracious snails, the perennial is not particularly popular.
