Summer Skies Meadow Cranesbill

Summer Skies Meadow Cranesbill (Geranium pratense 'Summer Skies') is a true hardy geranium with full, double flowers that are cream in the centre and shade to lilac on the outer petals. They sit above soft green, deeply cut leaves on a clump about 50cm tall and 70cm wide. It is made for dappled shade, it is really cold hardy, and it does not self-seed.

Why you'll love it

• Fully double flowers. Most cranesbills have single blooms. These are full and layered, shaded from cream to soft lilac.
• A gentle colour scheme. The lilac and cream tones suit a quiet, European summer look rather than a loud one.
• Made for shade. Dappled light is ideal, which makes it useful for the difficult ground under trees.
• Really cold hardy. It comes through hard winters, so it suits the coldest parts of the country.
• Well behaved. It will not self-seed, so it stays where you put it.

Where it works best

Under trees. Plant 60cm apart beneath deciduous trees, where dappled shade protects the flowers and the leaves fill the ground.

Part-shade borders. Use it as a soft mound at the front of a shaded bed, beside ferns, hostas and other shade-lovers.

Baskets and containers. A 30cm pot in dappled light holds one plant, which spills gently over the rim.

Growing Summer Skies Meadow Cranesbill in Australia

Position and climate. Choose a partly shaded position, because dappled sunlight is perfect. It suits cool temperate, warm temperate and Mediterranean gardens best. The sunnier the spot, the more water it needs, and in hot climates shelter it from harsh afternoon sun.

Soil. Any soil in a partly shaded location, though it should not stand in water.

Water and feed. Mulch after planting to hold moisture and regulate soil temperature as the young plant establishes. A native slow release fertiliser in spring helps keep the plant healthy.

Pruning. Trim away tired stems after the main flush to tidy the clump. In cold regions the plant dies back in winter, so clear the dead growth before spring.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Summer Skies Meadow Cranesbill as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives as a small plant that settles into its spot in a few weeks and builds a clump through the growing season. Water it in well and mulch around it to keep the roots cool.

Our grower supplies the tube stock, and supply is not constant. If the tube shows as sold out, the grower has none at that moment, and the notify button on this page emails you the day it returns.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Plants for partial shade
• Groundcover plants
• Ground cover plants for shade
• Perennial plants for a cottage garden

Common questions

Can it grow in full sun?

It prefers dappled shade. In full sun it needs more water, and in hot climates the flowers and leaves can scorch in afternoon heat, so give it shelter.

When does it flower?

Meadow cranesbills flower in late spring and summer, and this one carries double flowers cream at the centre and lilac at the edge.

Is it the same as a pelargonium?

No. It is a true cranesbill, a hardy perennial that is really cold hardy and different from the pelargoniums commonly called geraniums.