Bigroot cranesbill: when and how to prune

Bigroot cranesbill: when to prune it?

JFMAMJJASOND

Little needed. After flowering in July you can cut off the flower stems, and in March remove old, withered leaves.

What else to prune in those months? March · July

Bigroot cranesbill: how to prune it?

1. After flowering, cut the spent stems off just above the leaves.
2. In March, remove brown and damaged leaves so the new foliage comes through nicely.
3. If the mat has become bare and leggy, cut it back hard in spring: it soon regrows.
4. Wear gloves if you like: the scent of the leaves lingers on your hands for a long time.

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?

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

Plant profile: Bigroot cranesbill · Pruning calendar and basic rules