Species cranesbill
light purple flower with five petals and white stamens

cranesbill

Geranium 'Nimbus'

Cranesbill, otherwise known as Geranium 'Nimbus', is an amazing plant species for a multitude of reasons. It is known for its beautiful, bright white blooms with contrasting yellow centers, creating an eye-catching yet subtle display. The foliage is lush and green, and the plant grows to a modest height of between 8 to 15 inches, making it an ideal flower for containers or window boxes. It is easy to care for, requiring little more than the occasional deadheading and watering. Generally, cranesbill is resistant to pests and diseases and can last up to three years with proper care. It provides cheerful color throughout the spring and summer, bringing cheer to any space.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Layering Propagation,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 8

Flowers:

Bluish-purple Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Cranesbill (Geranium 'Nimbus') should be watered regularly during its growing season from spring to late summer. This plant prefers a well-drained soil and should not be left in an overly moist condition. Water when the soil feels dry to the touch, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) down, and provide enough to thoroughly wet the soil. Allow the top inch (2.5 cm) of soil to dry out before watering again. During long dry periods, water once per week. After it blooms, water less in fall and winter. Check your soil moisture before watering and add a 2-inch (5 cm) layer of mulch to help with moisture retention.

sunlight

Cranesbill (Geranium 'Nimbus') grows best when placed in areas with full sunlight, 6 to 8 hours per day. During the early morning and late afternoon hours of the day, partial shade is acceptable for this variety, but it should be placed in full sun by mid-day. This sun exposure is beneficial for blooming, flowering, and overall plant health. To ensure optimal health and maximum blooms, supplement bright natural light with occasional grow lights indoors.

pruning

Cranesbill (Geranium 'Nimbus') should be pruned in early spring, before the start of the growing season. This is when it is easiest to prune the plant as the excess growth of the previous year will be easier to see and shape. Trim off any dead or dying flower shoots and then thin out the plant by pruning back stems to ground level. This will help encourage more side shoots to be produced and a more bushy, full plant to grow. Some of the taller stems may need to be carefully tied up to help support the plant. If the plant is leaning or has weak stems, these should also be tied up or removed. Deadheading will also help encourage more flowering and should be done regularly throughout the summer months.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Geranium 'Nimbus' typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Geranium 'Nimbus' typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Hardiness Map