Geranium pyrenaicum aka Hedgerow Cranesbill

Geranium pyrenaicum is a perennial in the Geraniaceae family. Its common names include hedgerow cranesbill and mountain geranium. Mountain cranesbill is another name for this plant. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. It has become naturalised in the UK. It grows in meadows, along roadsides, and in open woods. It also grows on ground that people have disturbed.

The plant forms a bushy clump from a central leaf rosette. It reaches about 1.6 feet (0.5 metres) in height. Its spread can also reach 1.6 feet (0.5 metres). The RHS lists both dimensions from 0.3–1.6 feet (0.1–0.5 metres). Plants take two to five years to reach full size. The rounded leaves have lobes cut into their edges. Its semi-evergreen foliage can retain some leaves through winter. Small flowers are purple-pink, though some may be pale blue. The supplied profile gives no clear flowering months or fruit details.

Grow this cranesbill in full sun or partial shade. It accepts chalk, clay, loam, and sandy soils. Acid, neutral, and alkaline soils all suit it. Good drainage matters, with dry to moist soil suitable. The RHS lists sites facing any direction as suitable. It also accepts both exposed and sheltered places in gardens. Its H6 rating indicates hardiness across the UK and northern Europe. This rating covers winter lows of about −20 to −15°C. It describes cold tolerance under UK growing conditions.

Self-seeding makes this plant a choice for a wild garden. New plants may appear beyond the spot where it first grew. This habit suits places where some spread is welcome. The RHS suggests wildlife gardens and wildflower meadows as uses. It also lists coastal gardens, cottage gardens, beds, and borders. Its loose placement in informal schemes allows room for seedlings. Seed is the stated means of raising more plants. No pruning is needed as part of routine care.

The RHS reports few usual problems with pests or disease. This supports a low-maintenance role where the site suits it. That does not mean every plant will remain free of trouble. The supplied evidence gives no edible uses or safety assessment. It therefore does not establish whether people or pets can eat it.