Sign In 
Get Premium Purple Cluster Geranium
(Geranium caespitosum)
Purple Cluster Geranium (Geranium caespitosum)
/
/
Shalana Gray
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Shalana Gray
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Shalana Gray | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Shalana Gray | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-07-27T16:22:47Z |
Estimated Native Range
Climate Requirements for Savage, Minnesota
| This Plant | Your Site | Plant Suitability for Your Location | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| • Precipitation | 5" - 49" | 30" | Your precipitation may be too high for this plant. | Too high |
| • High Temp. | 59°F - 102°F | 83°F | Your summer temperatures are normal for this plant. | Excellent |
| • Low Temp. | -7°F - 45°F | 3°F | Your winter temperatures are normal for this plant | Excellent |
This plant may not grow well at your location - your precipitation is too high.
Summary
Geranium caespitosum, commonly known as purple cluster geranium, is a perennial herb that is native to montane meadows, open woodlands, and rocky slopes in the western United States and northern Mexico. This species typically grows to a height of 10-50 cm and features a clumping habit with deeply palmately lobed leaves that provide a textured backdrop for its showy flowers. The flowers, which bloom from May to September, are a striking purple to magenta color, with five petals and five stamens, and they attract a variety of pollinators.
The purple cluster geranium is valued for its drought tolerance and long blooming period, making it a suitable choice for xeriscaping and native plant gardens. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soils, although it can tolerate damp soils in its natural habitat. While it is used medicinally by Native American tribes and as turkey food, in cultivation, it is primarily appreciated for its ornamental qualities and its ability to adapt to various garden conditions. Care should be taken to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.CC BY-SA 4.0
The purple cluster geranium is valued for its drought tolerance and long blooming period, making it a suitable choice for xeriscaping and native plant gardens. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soils, although it can tolerate damp soils in its natural habitat. While it is used medicinally by Native American tribes and as turkey food, in cultivation, it is primarily appreciated for its ornamental qualities and its ability to adapt to various garden conditions. Care should be taken to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub, Herb
- Height: 0.5-1.5 feet
- Width: 0.5-1.5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Pink, Purple, Red
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Semi-deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Groundcover, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
native to montane meadows, open woodlands, and rocky slopes in the western United States and northern Mexico
Other Names
Common Names: Purple Cluster Geranium, Tufted Geranium
Scientific Names: Geranium caespitosum, Geranium atropurpureum, Geranium atropurpureum var. atropurpureum, Geranium atropurpureum var. cowenii, Geranium atropurpureum var. furcatum, Geranium caespitosum f. albiflorum, Geranium caespitosum subsp. atropurpureum, Geranium caespitosum var. caespitosum, Geranium caespitosum var. eremophilum
GBIF Accepted Name: Geranium caespitosum