Photo: Paul Hermans, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Perennial
Dusky cranesbill: when and how to prune
Geranium phaeum
Dusky cranesbill is best pruned in March and June–July.
| Pruning months | March and June–July |
|---|---|
| Flowering | May–June |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
Dusky cranesbill: when to prune it?
After flowering, in late June or July. In March, tidy away the old, damaged leaves.
Dusky cranesbill: how to prune it?
- After flowering, cut all flower stems and old leaves back to 5–10 cm above the ground.
- Then water: within a few weeks a fresh clump of new leaves grows, sometimes with a few late flowers.
- If you want seedlings, leave a few stems until the seed is ripe.
- In March, cut away any leaves that have become shabby over winter.
How much to cut, and how often?
- There are 2 pruning periods a year: March and June–July. You don’t have to prune in every one.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Dusky cranesbill flowers in May–June, 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.
Caution: Do not wait too long after flowering: as soon as the beaks turn brown, it is already flinging out its seed.
Nearby: related pruning guides
- Armenian cranesbill
- Bigroot cranesbill
- Bloody cranesbill
- Cambridge cranesbill (Geranium × cantabrigiense)
- Druce’s cranesbill (Geranium × oxonianum)
- French cranesbill
Plant profile: Dusky cranesbill · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.