Photo: Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Pruning guide · Perennial
Cambridge cranesbill (Geranium × cantabrigiense): when and how to prune
Geranium × cantabrigiense
Cambridge cranesbill (Geranium × cantabrigiense) is best pruned in March and July.
| Pruning months | March and July |
|---|---|
| Flowering | May–July |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
Cambridge cranesbill (Geranium × cantabrigiense): when to prune it?
After flowering, in July, and a light tidy in March.
Cambridge cranesbill (Geranium × cantabrigiense): how to prune it?
- In July, cut off the spent flower stems just above the leaves.
- If the carpet has become untidy, shear it back to 5–10 cm with a hedge trimmer: it soon regrows.
- In March, cut away brown or damaged winter leaves; the green ones can stay.
How much to cut, and how often?
- There are 2 pruning periods a year: March and July. You don’t have to prune in every one.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Cambridge cranesbill (Geranium × cantabrigiense) flowers in May–July, 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.
Nearby: related pruning guides
- Armenian cranesbill
- Bigroot cranesbill
- Bloody cranesbill
- Druce’s cranesbill (Geranium × oxonianum)
- Dusky cranesbill
- French cranesbill
Plant profile: Cambridge cranesbill (Geranium × cantabrigiense) · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.