Spreading Cranesbill

Geranium procurrens (jer-AY-nee-um pro-KUR-renz)

Family: Geraniaceae Unknown Herbaceous

Trailing geranium is a deciduous, herbaceous perennial with a compact, prostrate to semi-upright, trailing or scrambling habit, found in the Himalayas of Southern Tibet and Nepal, as well as in Assam at 6,800 to 11,400 feet. It grows 1 to 2 feet tall and up to 3 feet wide, with long greenish-red, hairy trailing stems. It has green, segmented, deeply lobed leaves, and solitary, 5-petaled, dark red-purple or magenta flowers with dark purple veining and a black central eye. Blooming occurs in late summer to early fall and attracts pollinators. It is a member of the geranium family (Geraniaceae). The genus name, Geranium, is derived from the Greek word geranos, meaning crane. The fruits of this plant have a pointed beak just like a crane; hence, the common name cranesbill. The specific epithet, procurrens , is Latin, meaning "to run forward' and likely refers to the plant's scrambling habit. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained, acidic, fertile soil. It prefers cool summers and most likely would not tolerate the heat and humidity of the Southeastern United States. The plant can tolerate temperatures down to -10 degrees F. Deadheading will encourage reblooming. This plant forms new colonies by creeping across the soil and rooting along the way. Propagated by division, cuttings, or seeds. Trailing geranium is an attractive groundcover for flower borders and cottage gardens. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems. Monitor of weevils, sawflies, slugs, and snails. May be susceptible to powdery mildew and downy mildew.

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 53 attributes.