About

Geranium dissectum, the cut-leaved cranesbill, is a creeping annual with deeply cut, hairy, green foliage and tiny, pink-purple flowers with slightly notched petals and hairy sepals from late spring to late summer. A native annual of farmland, hedgebanks and disturbed grassland, occasionally used in wildflower plantings.

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 sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7

Plant details

Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens

Care notes

CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in partial shade
PruningNo pruning required. Remove flowered stems and old leaves to encourage the production of fresh leaves and flowers
PropagationPropagate by division in spring or propagate by basal cuttings in early to mid spring and root with bottom heat
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to vine weevil, capsid bug and geranium sawfly
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to downy mildew and powdery mildews