Wallich’s cranesbill (Geranium wallichianum): when and how to prune

Wallich’s cranesbill (Geranium wallichianum): when to prune it?

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In March, before the new leaves emerge. Do not prune it in summer, or you lose the late flowers.

What else to prune in those months? March

Wallich’s cranesbill (Geranium wallichianum): how to prune it?

1. In March, cut the old, dead stems and old leaves back to the rootstock.
2. Take care not to damage the young buds in the centre of the plant.
3. Stems that smother smaller neighbours can be shortened in summer; it costs a few flowers but does the plant no harm.

How much to cut, and how often?

• One pruning period a year: March.

What does it mean for wildlife?

• Wallich’s cranesbill (Geranium wallichianum) flowers in July–October, when it attracts bees.
• If you only cut back in March, the old stems stand through the winter: insects overwinter in them and birds eat the seeds.

Nearby: related pruning guides

• Armenian cranesbill
• Bigroot cranesbill
• Bloody cranesbill
• Cambridge cranesbill (Geranium × cantabrigiense)
• Druce’s cranesbill (Geranium × oxonianum)
• Dusky cranesbill

Plant profile: Wallich’s cranesbill (Geranium wallichianum) · Pruning calendar and basic rules