Spotted Geranium
Geranium maculatum
Last reviewed: July 2026
Geranium maculatum is a native wildflower found throughout eastern North America, blooming with pink flowers from May through July. This spotted geranium thrives in partial shade and attracts bees, butterflies, and beetles.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
12"–24" H × 12"–18" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 32 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, beetles
Deer
Resistant (per Prairie Moon Nursery)
Spotted geranium is a charming native wildflower with deeply lobed leaves and delicate pink to purple five-petaled flowers that bloom from late spring through summer. This woodland perennial forms neat clumps and goes dormant in late summer, disappearing completely until the following spring. It thrives in partial shade with average moisture and requires minimal care once established.
Growing Spotted Geranium
Grow Spotted Geranium in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 12 to 18 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Spotted Geranium is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: foundation, mid zone.
- Goes completely dormant by late summer
- May spread by self-seeding
- Informal wildflower appearance
Wildlife value
Host plant for silver-spotted skipper, Henry's elfin.
The flowers attract native bees, butterflies, and beetles during its long blooming period from May through July. Seeds are also consumed by various songbirds.
Common questions
- When does Geranium maculatum bloom?
- Spotted geranium blooms from May through July, producing pink to purple flowers that attract various pollinators.
- What pollinators visit Geranium maculatum?
- This native geranium attracts bees, butterflies, and beetles, making it valuable for supporting diverse pollinator populations.
- Where is Geranium maculatum native?
- Spotted geranium is native to most eastern and central states, from Maine to Florida and west to North Dakota and Oklahoma.
- What growing conditions does spotted geranium prefer?
- Geranium maculatum grows best in partial shade with medium moisture, though it tolerates a range of light and water conditions.
- Is Spotted Geranium HOA-friendly?
- Spotted 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 Spotted Geranium? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz