Geranium molle
dove's foot cranesbill
An annual wildflower to about 30cm with hairy, grey-green, deeply lobed leaves and tiny, dark pink to white, notched flowers from spring to autumn followed by explosive seed pods. Often found in dry, poorly growing garden lawns. Can be a useful addition to a wildlife garden or meadow for attracting pollinators
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Pink White | Green Grey Silver | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink White | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Pink White | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Geraniaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Geranium can be annuals, biennials and perennials, herbaceous or evergreen, with rounded, usually palmately lobed or divided leaves, and lax inflorescences of rounded, 5-petalled flowers
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Europe, N Africa, SW Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows naturally in dryish soils in cultivated and waste areas, and in grassland. A pretty addition to a species-rich lawn, though may need hand-weeding in fine lawns. See dove's foot cranesbill for more information
Propagation
Explosive seed pods mean this annual can spread rapidly across a lawn if allowed to flower
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
- Wildflower meadow
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews
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