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Round-leaved Cranesbill

Geranium rotundifolium

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
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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:
40 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Gardens, grassland, hedgerows, meadows, roadsides, seaside, walls, wasteland, woodland.

Flower:
֍
Pink, 5 petals
 
Pink flowers which are sometimes slightly notched at the tip. Flowers are 10 to 12mm across in size. Pollinated by insects.
Fruit:
Hairy, smooth, beaked fruits, 8 to 10mm long.
Leaves:
The leaves are roundish and 5 to 9-lobed. The lobes are cut half way down to the base of the leaf. Annual.
Other Names:
Roundleaf Geranium, Round-leaved Geranium.
Frequency (UK):
Occasionally seen  

Other Information

Summary

Geranium rotundifolium, also known as round-leaved cranesbill or round-leaved geranium, is a perennial herb in the family Geraniaceae. It is native to Europe and Asia, and is found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, meadows, and grasslands. Round-leaved cranesbill has small, pink or purple flowers that bloom in the summer, and its leaves are round or kidney-shaped and hairy. The plant gets its common name from the distinctive shape of its seed capsule, which resembles the bill of a crane. Round-leaved cranesbill is often grown as an ornamental plant, and it is also used in traditional medicine.

Blog

Round-leaved Cranesbill, Geranium rotundifolium, is a beautiful and versatile plant native to the forests and meadows of Europe and Asia. It is a member of the Geraniaceae family and is a low-growing, spreading perennial that is commonly found in gardens and woodland edges.

The plant is easy to recognize with its round, scalloped leaves and delicate pink or purple flowers that bloom in the summer. The flowers are small, but they are produced in large numbers, creating a stunning display of color that attracts bees and other pollinators.

In addition to its beauty, Round-leaved Cranesbill has a number of practical uses. It is a great ground cover plant and is often used to control erosion on slopes and in areas where grass will not grow. It is also a valuable plant for improving soil health, as its roots are known to fix nitrogen in the soil, making it a great choice for gardeners looking to improve soil fertility.

Round-leaved Cranesbill is also a great choice for rock gardens and as an understory plant in woodlands. It prefers partial shade and well-drained soil and is relatively low maintenance. It can be propagated easily from seed or cuttings and is very resistant to pests and diseases.

One of the most interesting things about Round-leaved Cranesbill is its historical uses. In medieval times, the plant was used to treat wounds, cuts and burns and was also used to treat digestive problems and menstrual disorders. The plant's leaves and stems were also used to make a fragrant oil that was used in perfumes and soaps.

Round-leaved Cranesbill is a wonderful plant that is both beautiful and practical. It is easy to grow, low maintenance and is a great choice for gardeners looking to improve soil health and add some color to their gardens. Whether you are looking for a ground cover plant, a woodland understory plant or simply a beautiful perennial to add to your garden, Round-leaved Cranesbill is a great choice.

Round-leaved Cranesbill is a plant that can be grown in many different parts of the world and is particularly well-suited to temperate climates. It is also a great choice for gardeners who want to create a wildflower meadow or a naturalized garden.

In addition to its pink or purple flowers, Round-leaved Cranesbill also produces attractive seedheads that are often used in dried flower arrangements. The plant is also a great choice for attracting wildlife, including bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, as well as birds that feed on the seeds in the fall and winter.

When it comes to planting Round-leaved Cranesbill, it is important to choose the right location and soil type. The plant prefers moist, well-drained soils and partial shade, but it can also tolerate full sun if the soil is moist enough. It is also important to avoid planting it in areas with standing water, as this can lead to root rot.

In terms of maintenance, Round-leaved Cranesbill is a low-maintenance plant that requires very little care. It can be cut back in the fall to remove any dead foliage, but it is not necessary. The plant is also very hardy and can withstand cold temperatures, making it a great choice for gardeners in colder climates.

Round-leaved Cranesbill is a versatile and beautiful plant that is a great choice for gardeners who want to add some color and interest to their gardens. Whether you are looking for a ground cover plant, a woodland understory plant or simply a beautiful perennial to add to your garden, Round-leaved Cranesbill is a great choice that is sure to provide years of beauty and enjoyment.

Round-leaved Cranesbill is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of garden designs. It works well in mixed borders, rock gardens, and wildflower meadows, and can be used as an edging plant or as a ground cover in woodland gardens. It can also be used in containers or as a filler in cut flower arrangements.

When it comes to planting Round-leaved Cranesbill, it is important to consider the mature size of the plant. It can reach a height of 10-20 cm and spread up to 60 cm, making it a great choice for covering large areas of ground. When planting, space the plants about 30-45 cm apart to allow for adequate room for spreading.

Round-leaved Cranesbill is a hardy plant that is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but it is important to avoid over-watering, as this can lead to root rot. The plant is also drought tolerant once established, making it a great choice for gardeners in areas with limited rainfall.

One of the most interesting things about Round-leaved Cranesbill is its ability to naturalize in the wild. If left to its own devices, it will self-seed, creating colonies of plants that can spread over time. This makes it a great choice for gardeners who want to create a naturalized garden or a wildflower meadow.

In conclusion, Round-leaved Cranesbill is a versatile and beautiful plant that is a great choice for gardeners who want to add some color and interest to their gardens. Its low-maintenance, hardy nature and ability to naturalize make it a great choice for gardeners of all skill levels. Whether you are looking for a ground cover plant, a woodland understory plant or simply a beautiful perennial to add to your garden, Round-leaved Cranesbill is a great choice that is sure to provide years of beauty and enjoyment.


Distribution Map

Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

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