Meadow Cranesbill 'Boom Chocolatta'
Geranium pratense 'Boom Chocolatta'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
24 inches
Width
24 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average garden humidity
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Europe and Asia
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
The Story
Plant Bio
Geranium pratense, or meadow cranesbill, is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial. It features deeply lobed, palmate leaves and saucer-shaped, five-petaled flowers that bloom from late spring to summer. Distinguished by its unique, dark bronze to chocolate-brown foliage which provides season-long interest. The striking leaves create a dramatic backdrop for the profuse, saucer-shaped, violet-blue flowers that appear in late spring and summer.
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring.
- Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist.
- Thin seedlings to 12 inches apart after germination.
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring.
- Deadhead spent flowers to promote continuous blooming.
- Divide plants every 3 years in early spring or fall.
Pro Tip
Ensure well-drained soil and partial shade for best growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water consistently during dry spells 🌱
- Deadhead to encourage more blooms
- Mulch to retain moisture
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t plant in heavy, poorly-drained soil
- Refrain from fertilizing in late fall
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Meadow Cranesbill 'Boom Chocolatta' questions
What zones can Meadow Cranesbill 'Boom Chocolatta' grow in?
Meadow Cranesbill 'Boom Chocolatta' is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Meadow Cranesbill 'Boom Chocolatta' deer resistant?
Yes — Meadow Cranesbill 'Boom Chocolatta' is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Meadow Cranesbill 'Boom Chocolatta' bloom?
Meadow Cranesbill 'Boom Chocolatta' typically blooms in late spring to early summer through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Meadow Cranesbill 'Boom Chocolatta' need full sun?
Meadow Cranesbill 'Boom Chocolatta' does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Meadow Cranesbill 'Boom Chocolatta' drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Meadow Cranesbill 'Boom Chocolatta' handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Geranium to compare
Bigroot Geranium
Geranium macrorrhizum
Wild Geranium
Geranium maculatum
Cranesbill 'Rozanne'
Geranium x magnificum 'Rozanne'
Showy Cranesbill
Geranium x magnificum 'Bevan's Variety'
Azure Rush Geranium
Geranium incanum 'Azure Rush'
Cranesbill 'Orion'
Geranium maculatum 'Orion'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Meadow Cranesbill 'Boom Chocolatta' with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
