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Cut-leaved Cranesbill

Geranium dissectum

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Contents

Plant Profile

Flowering Months:
JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Order:
Geraniales
Family:
Geraniaceae (Cranesbill)
Type:
Flower
Life Cycle:
Annual
Maximum Size:
30 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Fields, grassland, hedgerows, meadows, roadsides, wasteland, woodland.

Flower:
֍
Pink, 5 petals
 
Pink to purple, 5 deeply notched petals, up to 1cm.
Fruit:
Elongated beak-shaped pods.
Leaves:
Deeply lobed, simple, opposite leaves. The leaves are divided into much narrower sections as compared to the other Cranesbills, hence why the plant is named 'cut-leaved' Cranesbill.
Other Names:
Cutleaf Geranium, Cut-leaved Geranium, Fernleaf Geranium, Fern-leaved Cransesbill.
Frequency (UK):
Common  

Similar Species

Other Information

Summary

Geranium dissectum, also known as fern-leaved cranesbill or fernleaf geranium, is a species of flowering plant in the geranium family (Geraniaceae). It is native to North America and is found in a variety of habitats, including meadows, woodland clearings, and rocky slopes. The plant is known for its deeply dissected leaves and small, pink or purple flowers that bloom in the spring and summer months. It is a perennial plant, meaning it will come back year after year. It is often grown in gardens for its attractive foliage and flowers.

Blog

Cut-leaved Cranesbill, also known as Geranium dissectum, is a beautiful and unique perennial flower that is native to Europe and Asia. This hardy plant is well known for its delicate, fern-like leaves and gorgeous pink or purple blooms that appear in the spring and summer months.

The plant is named after its distinctive leaves, which are deeply dissected, giving the plant a lacy and delicate appearance. The leaves are green and glossy, making them an attractive addition to any garden. The foliage of Cut-leaved Cranesbill is also fragrant, which is another reason why gardeners love this plant.

The blooms of Geranium dissectum are stunning and eye-catching, and are usually a rich shade of pink or purple. They are star-shaped, with five petals and a yellow center. The blooms are produced on delicate, long stems, which make them ideal for cut flower arrangements.

One of the best things about Cut-leaved Cranesbill is that it is very easy to grow and maintain. This plant is hardy and can tolerate a variety of growing conditions, including drought and poor soil. In fact, it is often used in rock gardens and as a ground cover in areas where other plants may struggle to thrive.

Another great aspect of this plant is that it is not prone to pest and disease problems, making it an ideal choice for gardeners who want a low-maintenance plant. It is also deer and rabbit resistant, which is a bonus for those who live in areas where these creatures are common.

If you are looking for a beautiful and low-maintenance plant for your garden, consider Cut-leaved Cranesbill. This hardy plant is sure to add beauty and fragrance to your outdoor space, and will provide you with years of enjoyment.

Geranium dissectum is a versatile, low-maintenance, and beautiful perennial flower that is perfect for any garden. With its delicate foliage, gorgeous blooms, and ease of care, it is a must-have for any gardener who wants to add some beauty and charm to their outdoor space.

In addition to its ornamental qualities, Cut-leaved Cranesbill is also a valuable plant for wildlife. It is a favorite food source for many species of butterflies and bees, which makes it an excellent choice for a wildlife garden. The nectar-rich blooms also attract hummingbirds, adding even more interest to your garden.

One of the keys to growing a healthy and vibrant Geranium dissectum is to plant it in a location that provides it with plenty of sunlight. While it can tolerate some shade, it will produce more blooms and have a more lush appearance if it is grown in a sunny spot. It is also important to provide the plant with well-draining soil and to avoid over-watering, as this can lead to root rot.

If you are interested in propagating Cut-leaved Cranesbill, it is relatively easy to do so. The plant can be divided in the spring or fall, or you can start new plants from seed. Geranium dissectum will also self-seed, which means that new plants will appear in your garden each year, creating a natural and beautiful display.

Another great aspect of Cut-leaved Cranesbill is its versatility. It is suitable for a wide range of gardening styles and can be used in many different ways in the landscape. For example, it can be used as a border plant, in rock gardens, as a ground cover, or in mixed beds with other perennials.

This plant is also well-suited for container gardening. Its delicate appearance and compact size make it an attractive addition to any patio or balcony. Container-grown Geranium dissectum can be easily moved to different locations to enjoy its beauty throughout the seasons.

In addition to its ornamental qualities, Cut-leaved Cranesbill also has some medicinal uses. The leaves and stems of the plant have been used to treat various ailments, including skin conditions, digestive problems, and respiratory issues.

When planting Cut-leaved Cranesbill, it is important to take into consideration its mature size. This plant can grow up to 30 cm tall and wide, so it is important to provide it with enough space to grow and spread. However, it can be easily controlled with regular pruning, making it a great choice for smaller gardens as well.

In conclusion, Cut-leaved Cranesbill, or Geranium dissectum, is a versatile, low-maintenance, and beautiful perennial flower that is perfect for any garden. With its delicate foliage, gorgeous blooms, and ease of care, it is a must-have for any gardener who wants to add some beauty and charm to their outdoor space. Whether you are looking to add some color to your rock garden, create a beautiful display on your patio, or just want to attract more wildlife to your garden, Geranium dissectum is an excellent choice.


Video

Cut-leaved Cranesbill filmed mainly at Bourton-on-the-water in Gloucestershire on the 24th June 2023. The video was also filmed partly in Little Rissington, Gloucestershire on the 26th June 2023, and in Chorley, Lancashire on the 22nd June 2023.

 

Music credits
Prelude No. 4 by Chris Zabriskie is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Source: http://chriszabriskie.com/preludes/
Artist: http://chriszabriskie.com/

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Distribution Map

Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

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