Geranium versicolor: Pencilled Cranesbill

Geranium versicolor, known as Pencilled Cranesbill or Veiny Geranium, is a charming, clump-forming perennial native to Europe. Its common names derive from the distinctive flowers: pale pink to white with prominent, deep pink to magenta veins that look like delicate pencil lines. The blooms appear in late spring to early summer over a mound of deeply divided, mid-green leaves. It has a relaxed, slightly sprawling habit, making it lovely for informal borders and cottage gardens.

Plant Profile

This hardy geranium grows well in sun or partial shade and tolerates a range of soils, provided they are not waterlogged. It self-seeds gently but is rarely invasive. After the main flush of bloom, cutting back the foliage encourages a fresh flush of leaves and often a second, lighter flowering in late summer. It pairs beautifully with other shade-tolerant perennials like hostas and ferns.