Geranium molle

RHS Plant Profile
dove's foot cranesbill

Other common names

culver root, dove's foot, starlight, troed y glomen

Plants for pollinators
Annual Biennial

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

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical 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