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Herbaceous PerennialSynonym

Geranium cristatum
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

crested cranesbill

A clump-forming perennial up to 50cm high, with a scrambling habit, slender stems trailing from the base and downy, deeply dissected bright green leaves. Pale pink flowers that mature to magenta, with rounded petals and fine purple veining, are produced from late spring to mid summer

Synonyms
Geranium cristatum
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Pink Green
Summer Pink Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Geraniaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Habit
Spreading branched, Trailing
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
Caucasus to N Iran

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, well drained soil, may benefit from afternoon shade in hot summers. Evergreen in milder areas, may die back in colder winters

Propagation

Propagate by seed, by division or by basal softwood cuttings in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Banks and slopes
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Ground cover
Pruning

This species benefits from being lightly sheared back after flowering, to encourage the production of fresh leaves

Pests

May be susceptible to vine weevil, geranium sawfly, slugs and snails

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews, downy mildews, rust diseases and virus diseases

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