Cranesbill, commonly known as hardy geranium, is a diverse genus of flowering perennial plants. These plants are distinct from the annual geraniums (Pelargonium) often used in bedding displays. Hardy geraniums are valued for their toughness and extended flowering periods, making them a popular addition to many gardens. Native to temperate regions, cranesbill varieties exhibit diverse growth habits, from low-mounding to spreading forms. They are recognized for their attractive foliage and wide array of flower colors.
Ornamental Appeal
Cranesbill plants enhance garden beauty with their varied visual characteristics. Their cup-shaped or saucer-shaped flowers appear in a broad spectrum of colors, including pinks, purples, blues, whites, and magentas. Many varieties showcase attractive veining or contrasting centers, adding depth to their delicate blooms. The foliage also contributes to their charm, with leaves often deeply lobed or dissected, and some displaying bronze, purple, or chartreuse hues.
This diverse foliage provides a beautiful backdrop for the flowers and offers additional interest with fall color. Cranesbill varieties have a long blooming period, extending from late spring through summer and often into fall. This sustained floral display ensures continuous visual appeal in the garden. Their adaptable growth habits, including upright, mounding, or creeping forms, allow them to fit seamlessly into various garden designs, from cottage gardens and mixed borders to rockeries and containers.
Ecological Contributions
Cranesbill plants support local garden ecosystems. Their nectar-rich flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. This food source sustains these beneficial insects throughout their long blooming season. By providing nectar, cranesbills contribute to the health and diversity of pollinator populations.
Cranesbill can create a more vibrant and biodiverse garden environment. Some varieties also offer dense foliage that provides shelter for small insects. While their primary ecological benefit is pollinator support, some mat-forming or spreading varieties also aid in soil health and erosion control on slopes by forming a protective ground cover.
Practical Garden Advantages
Hardy geraniums offer practical benefits for gardeners due to their robust nature. They are adaptable to a wide range of growing conditions, thriving in light exposures from full sun to partial shade, depending on the variety. Many types tolerate diverse soil conditions, including clay, loam, or sandy soils, as long as they are well-drained. Once established, some cranesbill varieties exhibit drought tolerance, reducing the need for frequent watering.
These plants are known for their low maintenance, being resistant to most common pests and diseases when grown in suitable conditions. Their vigorous, often spreading, growth habit makes them effective ground covers, suppressing weeds by forming a dense carpet. Many cranesbill species are deer and rabbit resistant, making them a desirable choice for gardens where these animals are present.
Historical and Traditional Uses
Cranesbill has a history of traditional use in folk medicine, particularly among indigenous North American tribes and early European settlers. The plant was valued for its astringent properties, attributed to its tannin content. Historically, various parts, especially the rootstock, were used to address ailments like diarrhea and to stop bleeding, both internally and externally.
Traditional applications included treating gastrointestinal issues, sore throats, and mouth sores. Decoctions of cranesbill were also applied topically for wound healing, inflammation, and as gargles or mouthwashes. It is important to note that these uses are part of historical and traditional practices and are not recommendations for modern medical treatment. The plant’s historical significance highlights its long-standing interaction with human well-being.