How much sun does Richardson's Geranium need?

Richardson's Geranium grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Richardson's Geranium bloom?

Richardson's Geranium blooms in May, June, July, and August.

Where is Richardson's Geranium native?

Richardson's Geranium (Geranium richardsonii) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 8 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

Is Richardson's Geranium toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Richardson's Geranium as toxic to livestock.

What pollinators does Richardson's Geranium attract?

Richardson's Geranium draws bees and butterflies.

Is Richardson's Geranium HOA-friendly?

Richardson's Geranium is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Richardson's Geranium

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Geranium richardsonii

Last reviewed: June 2026

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Richardson's Geranium as toxic to livestock.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

8"–24" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, ID and 8 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Sierra Nevada Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range

Richardson's geranium is a compact native wildflower with deeply lobed leaves and delicate white to pale pink flowers with prominent veins. It blooms reliably from late spring through summer, forming neat clumps that work well in both formal and naturalistic gardens. The plant goes dormant in winter, leaving behind attractive seed heads.

In an HOA neighborhood

Richardson's Geranium is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Goes completely dormant in winter

Wildlife value

The flowers attract native bees and butterflies throughout the long blooming season. Seeds provide food for small birds and the foliage occasionally hosts butterfly larvae.

Common questions

How much sun does Richardson's Geranium need?: Richardson's Geranium grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Richardson's Geranium bloom?: Richardson's Geranium blooms in May, June, July, and August.
Where is Richardson's Geranium native?: Richardson's Geranium (Geranium richardsonii) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 8 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Richardson's Geranium toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Richardson's Geranium as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Richardson's Geranium attract?: Richardson's Geranium draws bees and butterflies.
Is Richardson's Geranium HOA-friendly?: Richardson's Geranium is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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

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