Planting guide

When to plant Cranesbill?

Best month and methodGeranium 'Rozanne'

Plant your cranesbill in March, April, May, September and October — the optimal month is usually May.

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You're in the planting season right now — a good moment to start.

Cranesbill (Geranium 'Rozanne')
Foto: Alvesgaspar / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0

Spacing

Distance between plants

60 cm

For 1 m²

3 plants

For an X m² border, calculate: X × 3 plants.

Step by step: plant cranesbill

Geranium 'Rozanne' thrives in full sun or partial shade, making it adaptable to a range of garden positions. It performs best in well-drained soil, whether loam, sandy, or chalky, and tolerates most soil types as long as they don't become waterlogged. Before planting, dig over the area and incorporate some well-rotted compost or garden organic matter to improve soil structure and drainage, particularly in heavier soils. Plant 'Rozanne' in March, April, or May for spring planting, or in September and October for autumn planting. Both windows work well, though spring planting gives the roots a full growing season to establish before winter. Space plants 60 cm apart to allow for their eventual spread of 40–80 cm; they will knit together to form excellent ground cover without becoming invasive. Dig a planting hole slightly larger than the root ball and set the plant at the same depth it was growing in its pot—avoid planting too deeply. Firm the soil gently around the roots to eliminate air pockets, then water thoroughly to settle the plant in. Apply a 5 cm layer of mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the crown to prevent rot. This helps retain moisture and suppress weeds while the geranium establishes. Water regularly for the first few weeks, especially during dry spells, until you see strong new growth. Once established, 'Rozanne' is reasonably drought-tolerant but performs best with moderate moisture. No staking is required; the plant forms a low, sprawling mound that supports itself naturally.

More about cranesbill

Also plant in March, April, May, September and October