Geranium molle
dove's foot cranesbill
An annual 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. Mainly found in dry, poorly growing garden lawns. Despite the potential to become a nuisance, it can be a useful addition to a wildlife garden or meadow for attracting bees
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
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 grassland, and may appear as a lawn weed. See dove's foot cranebill for further information and advice on how to control
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
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.