Species

Geranium x cantabrigienseCambridge Geranium

3 other cultivars

perennial

St. Ola Cranesbill

The Story

Plant Bio

Geranium x cantabrigiense 'St. Ola' is a low-growing perennial with a mounding habit, featuring finely divided, aromatic green foliage and delicate, five-petaled white flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer.

This cultivar is appreciated for its compact form, pure white blooms, and excellent tolerance to drought, making it ideal for ground cover and rock gardens.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides vibrant pink flowers and lush foliage, enhancing shaded garden areas with year-round interest.

Acts as a resilient groundcover that suppresses weeds and prevents soil erosion.

Supports pollinators like bees and butterflies, contributing to garden biodiversity.

SpeciesGeranium x cantabrigienseCambridge Geranium

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

12 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Garden origin

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Mid-spring – Late spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck seeds or divisions into well-drained soil in early spring.
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not soggy.
Fertilize lightly with a balanced fertilizer in spring.
Mulch around plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Deadhead faded flowers to promote continuous blooming.
Divide every 3-4 years in early spring to maintain vigor.

Pro Tip

Plant in well-drained soil with some shade for best results.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water consistently during dry spells 🌱
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms
Mulch to retain soil moisture

Don't

Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
Don’t fertilize with high nitrogen fertilizers
Refrain from heavy pruning 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

Shaded rock gardenWildflower borderGroundcover in shady spots

Companion Plants

Hostas Ferns Heuchera Astilbe Brunnera

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

St. Ola Cranesbill questions

What zones can St. Ola Cranesbill grow in?

St. Ola Cranesbill 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 St. Ola Cranesbill deer resistant?

Yes — St. Ola Cranesbill is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does St. Ola Cranesbill bloom?

St. Ola Cranesbill typically blooms in mid-spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does St. Ola Cranesbill need full sun?

St. Ola Cranesbill does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is St. Ola Cranesbill drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), St. Ola Cranesbill handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.