Geranium pratense Summer Skies
USPP #10695, COPF
" Meadow Crane's Bill"

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BENEFITS
Delightfully double flowers that do not self-seed therefore reducing maintenance requirements.

Crane's Bills are very popular in Europe and most experts feel their use will soon become widespread in North America. They get their common name from the resemblance of their seedpod's shape to that of a crane's bill or beak. Members of this genus should not be confused with the common annual geranium of summer gardens.

BLOOM SEASON & HABIT
Soft, violet-blue double flowers have distinctive dark veins. Flower centers sometimes whiten to provide an interesting contrast. Blooms all summer atop compact bushy clumps of finely cut gray-green foliage.

LOCATION
Full sun to partial shade (warmer zones). USDA Hardiness Zones 5 to 8; AHS Heat Zones 8 to 1. See our Growing Zones page to reference growing zones in your area.

USE
Place in middle of beds or borders. Wonderful for cottage gardens. 'Summer Skies' is a versatile plant that combines nicely with Siberian Iris (Iris siberica), Garden Phlox (try Phlox paniculata 'Eva Cullum' or 'Franz Schubert'), Hosta and Fragaria.

SIZE
24" tall by 24" wide. Use 3 to 4 plants per square yard.

CULTURE
Prefers average well-drained soils. Moist organic soils will promote spread. Tolerates summer heat better when given ample moisture and partial shade. There is generally better flowering in partial shade. Support may be needed. Plants can be sheared to 3" to rejuvenate. Rarely needs division. Also see our General Planting Tips for more information.