How much sun does Bicknell's Cranesbill need?

Bicknell's Cranesbill grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Bicknell's Cranesbill bloom?

Bicknell's Cranesbill blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Bicknell's Cranesbill native?

Bicknell's Cranesbill (Geranium bicknellii) is native to CA, CO, CT, FL and 25 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Bicknell's Cranesbill attract?

Bicknell's Cranesbill draws bees and flies.

Is Bicknell's Cranesbill HOA-friendly?

Bicknell's Cranesbill takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Bicknell's Cranesbill

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Geranium bicknellii

Last reviewed: August 2026

Light

part sun

Water

low

Size

4"–20" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

CA, CO, CT, FL and 25 more states

Pollinators

bees, flies

Before you buy

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Great Plains Northern Forests Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains Central Corn Belt Plains

Bicknell's cranesbill is a small annual wildflower with delicate pink to purple blooms and deeply divided leaves. This low-growing native produces flowers throughout the summer months and naturally reseeds for the following year.

In an HOA neighborhood

Bicknell's Cranesbill takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Small size makes it appear weedy in formal settings
Annual growth habit creates gaps and inconsistent coverage
Self-seeding nature may look uncontrolled

Wildlife value

The small flowers attract native bees and beneficial flies during the summer blooming period. Seeds provide food for small birds and ground-dwelling wildlife.

Common questions

How much sun does Bicknell's Cranesbill need?: Bicknell's Cranesbill grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Bicknell's Cranesbill bloom?: Bicknell's Cranesbill blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Bicknell's Cranesbill native?: Bicknell's Cranesbill (Geranium bicknellii) is native to CA, CO, CT, FL and 25 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Bicknell's Cranesbill attract?: Bicknell's Cranesbill draws bees and flies.
Is Bicknell's Cranesbill HOA-friendly?: Bicknell's Cranesbill takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Bicknell's Cranesbill? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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