Hedgerow Geranium: A Charming European Wildflower for North American Gardens
If you’ve ever wandered through a cottage garden and admired those delicate pink flowers peeking out from between other plants, you might have encountered hedgerow geranium (Geranium pyrenaicum). This unassuming little perennial has quietly made itself at home in parts of North America, bringing a touch of European charm to our landscapes.
What is Hedgerow Geranium?
Hedgerow geranium is a herbaceous perennial forb – basically a non-woody plant that dies back to the ground each winter and returns the following spring. Don’t let its modest appearance fool you; this little trooper has been spreading its wings far from its European homeland, particularly the Pyrenees mountains where it originally called home.
As a non-native species, hedgerow geranium has established itself in several regions across North America, including California, Ontario, Quebec, Michigan, and Vermont. It reproduces on its own in the wild and tends to stick around once it settles in.
Why Consider (or Not Consider) Hedgerow Geranium?
Here’s the scoop on whether this European transplant deserves a spot in your garden:
The Good Stuff
- Low maintenance: Once established, it pretty much takes care of itself
- Pollinator friendly: Bees and other small pollinators appreciate its modest flowers
- Adaptable: Tolerates a variety of growing conditions
- Long blooming: Produces flowers throughout much of the growing season
- Cottage garden charm: Adds that relaxed, informal look to plantings
Things to Consider
- Non-native status: While not invasive, it’s not supporting local ecosystems like native plants do
- Self-seeding: Can spread more than you might want if left unchecked
- Modest appearance: Won’t be the star of your garden show
Growing Hedgerow Geranium Successfully
If you decide to give hedgerow geranium a try, you’ll find it refreshingly easy to grow. This adaptable little plant thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4-8, making it suitable for much of the northern United States and southern Canada.
Preferred Growing Conditions
- Light: Partial shade to full sun (though it appreciates some afternoon shade in hot climates)
- Soil: Adaptable to various soil types, but prefers well-draining conditions
- Water: Drought tolerant once established, but appreciates regular water during dry spells
- Space: Typically reaches 12-18 inches tall and wide
Planting and Care Tips
- Plant in spring after the last frost
- Space plants about 12-15 inches apart
- Water regularly the first season to help establish roots
- Deadhead spent flowers to prevent excessive self-seeding
- Cut back in late fall or early spring
- Divide every 3-4 years if clumps become overcrowded
Garden Design Ideas
Hedgerow geranium works best in informal, naturalized settings. Consider using it in:
- Cottage garden borders
- Wildflower meadows
- Understory plantings beneath trees
- Rock gardens
- Informal groundcover areas
Native Alternatives to Consider
While hedgerow geranium isn’t problematic, native geraniums offer similar charm while supporting local wildlife better. Consider these North American natives instead:
- Wild geranium (Geranium maculatum): Lovely pink flowers and attractive foliage
- Spotted geranium (Geranium maculatum): Beautiful spring bloomer with great fall color
- Richardson’s geranium (Geranium richardsonii): White flowers with pink veining
The Bottom Line
Hedgerow geranium is one of those nice but not necessary garden plants. It won’t cause problems in your landscape, but it won’t be working as hard for local wildlife as native alternatives would. If you already have it and enjoy it, no need to rip it out – just consider native options for future plantings. And if you do grow it, keep an eye on its self-seeding tendencies to prevent it from wandering where it’s not wanted.
Whatever you decide, remember that the best garden plant is one that makes you smile when you see it – whether it’s a globe-trotting European or a local North American native!
