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Annual Biennial

Geranium molle
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

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

Other common names
culver root
dove's foot
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
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
H6
Botanical details
Family
Geraniaceae
Native to the UK
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

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