Photo: Ivar Leidus, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Perennial
Meadow cranesbill: when and how to prune
Geranium pratense
Meadow cranesbill is best pruned in March and July–August.
| Pruning months | March and July–August |
|---|---|
| Flowering | June–August |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
Meadow cranesbill: when to prune it?
After flowering, in late July or August, and the old stems in March.
Meadow cranesbill: how to prune it?
- After flowering, cut all the flower stems and old leaves back to 5–10 cm above the ground.
- Within a few weeks fresh new leaves appear, and sometimes a second, smaller flush of flowers.
- If you want it to self-seed, in a meadow for instance, leave a few stems until the seed is ripe.
- In March, cut away dead leaves and stems.
How much to cut, and how often?
- There are 2 pruning periods a year: March and July–August. You don’t have to prune in every one.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Meadow cranesbill flowers in June–August, when it attracts bees.
- If pruning falls during flowering, wait until it is over or leave part of the plant to flower, so bees and butterflies still benefit.
- As a native plant, it feeds more insects than a non-native species.
Caution: Do not wait too long: as soon as the fruits are ripe they burst open and fling the seeds well away from the plant.
Nearby: related pruning guides
- Armenian cranesbill
- Bigroot cranesbill
- Bloody cranesbill
- Cambridge cranesbill (Geranium × cantabrigiense)
- Druce’s cranesbill (Geranium × oxonianum)
- Dusky cranesbill
Plant profile: Meadow cranesbill · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.