About
Geranium dalmaticum, the Dalmatian cranesbill, is a low-growing, spreading, semi-evergreen perennial forming a mat to 10 cm tall with glossy, dark-green, scented, deeply lobed leaves and flat, clear light-pink flowers to 2.5 cm across in summer. An excellent and ornamental ground-cover cranesbill for a sunny, well-drained position.
About the genus
Geranium, the cranesbills, are annuals, biennials and herbaceous or evergreen perennials with rounded, usually palmately lobed or divided leaves and loose clusters of rounded, five-petalled flowers in white, pink, purple or blue. Among the most versatile and garden-worthy of all perennial genera.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Full sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, Wildlife gardens, Gravel garden, Rock garden, Mediterranean climate plants
Native toBalkans
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationEffective ground cover plant, good in wildlife garden. Can be invasive
PruningRemove flowered stems and old leaves to encourage the production of fresh leaves and flowers
PropagationPropagate by seed or basal cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptble to vine weevil, capsid bug and sawflies
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to downy mildews and powdery mildews