Round-leaved Crane's-bill
Geranium rotundifolium · Geraniaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant round-leaved crane's-bill: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- Spring to summer (May to August)
- Adult size
- 20 to 40 cm in height, bushy form
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Hardy down to -15°C
- Origin
- Central and southern Europe
- Soil type
- Well-drained, light, tolerant
Care
Watering
Keep the soil slightly moist during growth, without excess. Reduce watering in winter when the plant is dormant. Avoid stagnant water which causes root rot. Moderate watering in late afternoon is ideal.
Light exposure
Place this plant in a sunny to partially shaded location. It tolerates partial shade but will flower more abundantly in full sun. Protect it from strong winds that can damage its delicate foliage.
Pruning and maintenance
Pinch back young stems in spring to encourage a compact, bushy form. Remove faded flowers regularly to prolong flowering. In late winter, you can cut the plant back by half to revitalize it.
Soil and planting
Use a well-drained, light and fertile substrate. This plant appreciates well-decomposed compost added at planting time. It tolerates slightly sandy and slightly alkaline soils.
Fertilizing
Apply balanced fertilizer every 15 days during the growth and flowering period (May to September). Reduce applications in autumn and stop in winter. Excess nitrogen promotes foliage at the expense of flowering.
Diseases and pests
Watch for powdery mildew and rust in case of excessive humidity. Ventilate the plant regularly. Spider mites can affect indoor or greenhouse plants; increase ambient humidity to prevent their development.
Did you know?
The round-leaved geranium lives up to its name: its circular leaves with slightly scalloped edges resemble small coins. Historically, geraniums of the Geranium genus were highly prized in Europe during the 19th century for their medicinal properties, particularly as an astringent, before being replaced by intensively hybridized decorative pelargoniums.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Meadow geraniumGeranium pratense
- Bloody Crane's-billGeranium sanguineum
- Rock crane's-billGeranium macrorrhizum
- French crane's-billGeranium endressii
- Purple-vein geraniumGeranium wallichianum
- Himalayan crane's-billGeranium himalayense
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.