Hardy geranium

Geranium

Family: Geraniaceae

Hardy Perennial
Bees and Butterflies
Not Pelargonium

Pet & Human Safety

People: No hazard foundPets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

No hazardous parts found.

Preparation

not applicable

Hazard type

Not yet checked.

Hazard route

not applicable

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

No source we checked assesses this plant for pets, so the app makes no pet claim either way.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Look-alike warning

Could be mistaken for Bedding geranium (Pelargonium). To tell them apart: Hardy geranium / cranesbill (Geranium) is not bedding geranium (Pelargonium).. ASPCA's 'Geranium' page is Pelargonium (toxic to dogs and cats). Cranesbill has no ASPCA page. Never carry either verdict across.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

Get the app: coming soon

Care

Hardiness zones: G. sanguineum: USDA zones 3a-9b (NC State). Other species are not covered.
Light: full sun to part shade
Water needs: moderate
Mature size: G. sanguineum: 10-20 in tall and 12-24 in wide (NC State). Colorado State: G. cinereum 4-8 in; G. macrorrhizum 9-12 in; cranesbill hybrids 1-2 ft; G. sanguineum 1-1.5 ft.
Where it comes from: Varies by species. G. sanguineum: Europe to the Caucasus, native to Europe and temperate Asia (NC State). RHS lists meadow, wood and bloody cranesbill as Britain's native species.

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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