Sticky Purple Geranium: A Hardy Native Wildflower for Western Gardens
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance native plant that brings color and ecological value to your garden, meet the sticky purple geranium (Geranium viscosissimum var. viscosissimum). This charming wildflower might not be as well-known as its garden geranium cousins, but it’s a true gem for gardeners who appreciate native plants and sustainable landscaping.
What Makes Sticky Purple Geranium Special?
The sticky purple geranium gets its common name from two distinctive features: its beautiful pink to purple flowers and its notably sticky, glandular stems and leaves. When you brush against this plant, you’ll immediately understand where the sticky part comes from! This tactile quality isn’t just quirky—it actually helps protect the plant from small crawling insects.
As a native forb (that’s botanist-speak for a non-woody flowering plant), this geranium is perfectly adapted to western North American conditions. It’s also known by the synonym Geranium attenuilobum, though most gardeners simply call it sticky geranium or sticky purple geranium.
Where Does It Call Home?
This hardy native has an impressive natural range across western North America. You’ll find wild populations throughout Alberta, British Columbia, California, Saskatchewan, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington, and Wyoming. It’s truly a plant of the mountains and prairies, thriving in the varied climates of these regions.
Why Plant Sticky Purple Geranium in Your Garden?
There are several compelling reasons to give this native wildflower a spot in your landscape:
- Low maintenance: Once established, it’s quite drought tolerant and requires minimal care
- Pollinator magnet: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects
- Extended bloom period: Flowers appear from late spring through summer
- Native plant benefits: Supports local ecosystems and wildlife
- Interesting foliage: The deeply divided, palmate leaves add texture to garden beds
- Self-seeding: Will naturalize in suitable conditions, creating drifts of color
Perfect Garden Settings
Sticky purple geranium shines in several garden styles:
- Native plant gardens and prairie restorations
- Rock gardens and xeriscapes
- Mountain and alpine-style landscapes
- Naturalized meadow areas
- Cottage gardens with a wildflower theme
- Pollinator gardens
It works beautifully as ground cover in informal settings or as part of mixed native plant communities.
Growing Conditions and Care
One of the best things about sticky purple geranium is how easy it is to grow, especially if you’re gardening in USDA hardiness zones 3-8. Here’s what this adaptable native prefers:
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade (though it flowers best with good sun exposure)
- Soil: Well-drained soils of various types; not picky about soil fertility
- Water: Drought tolerant once established, but appreciates occasional watering during dry spells
- Maintenance: Minimal—mainly just deadheading spent flowers if you want to prevent self-seeding
Planting and Care Tips
Getting started with sticky purple geranium is straightforward:
- Timing: Plant seeds in fall for spring germination, or start with nursery plants in spring
- Spacing: Allow adequate room for the plant to spread naturally
- Establishment: Water regularly the first year, then reduce watering as the plant establishes
- Propagation: Easily grown from seed; will often self-seed in favorable conditions
- Winter care: Very hardy; no special winter protection needed in its range
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
While sticky purple geranium is generally well-behaved, it can self-seed enthusiastically in ideal conditions. If you prefer a more controlled garden, simply deadhead the flowers before they set seed. The sticky stems and leaves can be a bit messy if you’re working closely with the plants, but most gardeners find this a minor consideration given all the benefits this native offers.
The Bottom Line
Sticky purple geranium is an excellent choice for western gardeners who want to incorporate more native plants into their landscapes. It’s tough, beautiful, ecologically valuable, and incredibly low-maintenance once established. Whether you’re creating a formal native plant garden or just want to add some wildlife-friendly color to a naturalized area, this hardy geranium delivers both beauty and ecological benefits with minimal fuss.
Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about growing a plant that’s been thriving in your region for thousands of years—it’s like welcoming home an old friend who knows exactly how to make themselves comfortable in your garden!
