Geranium maculatum, commonly known as Spotted Geranium or Wild Geranium, is a charming native woodland perennial prized for its delicate, five-petaled pink to lavender flowers and deeply lobed foliage. Blooming in spring to early summer, it typically reaches 12 to 24 inches tall and slowly forms clumps through rhizomes. Ideal for shade gardens, naturalized borders, or woodland plantings, Spotted Geranium supports early-season pollinators and adds graceful color and texture to low-light areas. It thrives in part to full shade and well-drained, rich soils.

Why choose Spotted Geranium:

• Native woodland bloomer: Soft pink flowers light up shady spaces in spring

• Pollinator-friendly: Supports early bees and native insects

• Low-maintenance: Long-lived and adaptable in naturalized settings

Cultivating tips:

• Sun exposure: Best in part shade; tolerates full shade in moist, rich soils

• Soil needs: Prefers humus-rich, well-drained soils; tolerates average garden soil

• Maintenance: Very low; cut back after flowering if tidiness is desired

Designs for your garden:

• Woodland borders: Blends beautifully with native ferns and spring ephemerals

• Shade gardens: Adds early-season color and soft texture beneath trees

• Pollinator plantings: Provides nectar to early-emerging insects

Ecological benefits:

• Native species: Supports biodiversity and regional pollinator populations

• Groundcover use: Slowly spreads to create lush clumps in shaded landscapes

• Deer-resistant: Generally unbothered by browsing wildlife