PlantFiles: Wild Geranium, Spotted Geranium
Geranium maculatum

Hardy, reliable little plants that ask virtually nothing of the gardener but a drink during really hot dry spells.
They will spread, but not aggressively - very easy to keep under control. Mine live happily in shade along with native ferns at the woodland edge.

I have a large patch of wild geraniums that I would like to move to another place in my yard. Two questions I have are how well does is transport and if I put down weedblock will that prevent it from spreading? I want it to spread to fill in the space but don't want the dandelions or creeping charlie that are lurking nearby. Thanks!

One of the most shade tolerant geranium you can find anywhere - this native of the Eastern United States will bloom and thrive in woodland shade but will become more vigorous in more sun. Espresso is a maroon leaf variety of this species.

My daughter discovered a small cluster of these growing on the lot we were clearing to build our house on. She thought they were lovely (as did I) and transplanted them to a "safe area." That was in 2005. They are growing very well and I have never regretted saving them from the backhoe. They are a favorite of everyone in the family.
These are great native plants that ask nothing of the grower other than a somewhat shadey place to live. I had actually planned to find some to plant here before we found them growing amid weeds, brush, and several decades worth of total neglect. The conditions in which we found them are a testimony to their hardiness! What a wonderful "housewarming gift" they have been!

Just now discovered the name of this plant. I planted it last year and forgot about it. It did not do very well last year, kind of died out. However, this spring, they are beautiful! It looks a whole lot like woodland phlox. The other posts are accurate about this plant. I'm going to try to propagate it.

Montreal, Quebec (Zone 5a)

A few years ago I planted 2 cuttings, which I thought were dead. The first year one produced about 5 leaves and one bloom. The other produced 2 leaves and no bloom. Two years later, after a beautiful sunny spring, both plants were over a foot in diameter and covered in blooms! But last spring we had 11 straight days of rain and both plants were small and their leaves rusty. There was only a single bloom between the two plants.

There is no sign of either plant this year and I am heartbroken. Judging by my other plants, the geraniums would be almost ready to bloom by now.

Also, my sister grows these in Zone 4b further east and north of me.

Beautiful foliage with substance, not floppy or trailing. Easily propagated by division or basal cuttings from the crown. A great geranium for the front of the border

Wild Geranium or Spotted Geranium forms large clumps 12 to 24 inches tall covered with delicate 1.5 inch rosy-lavender to soft pink flowers. Wild Geranium is a favorite in the wild garden due to its attractive foliage and flowers that require little or no maintenance and is spectacular as a mass in an open woodland, perfect for the border of a shade garden, or naturalized in sweeps at the base of large trees. Wild Geranium prefers moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil and high open shade and accepts sunny conditions with moisture but will go dormant in drought conditions.

Here in Ohio, we have tons of these that grow wild, mostly the pink variety, years ago I acquired this lovely near dark purple colored one and have now about 6 plants around my yard, they grow wonderfully with no care, and a such a delight in the garden.

The Cranesbill Geranium is native to Alabama and I am sure to several other southeastern states. It is a lovely spring
bloomer and needs little attention.
Linda in Alabama