The Ground Cover Geranium; Dalmation Pink Cranesbill

The Ground Cover Geranium

Dalmatian pink cranesbill (Geranium dalmaticum) is petite in stature but carries a big footprint for usefulness in the garden.  It is perfectly suited to use in the rock garden, where the low growing foliage serves as a wonderful ground cover and filler.  It covers itself with pretty pink flowers in spring and early summer.  It shines as a ground cover beneath shrubs providing a finishing touch to areas often neglected for planting.  At the front edge of a perennial border, Geranium dalmaticum serves as a neat perimeter plant.  The foliage has pretty scalloped leaves that set off the flowers.  In late summer and fall, the leaves take on reddish tones and extend the season of interest into the weeks of autumn.  When all is said and done, Geranium dalmaticum is a little workhorse of a plant.  It will do well in sun or light shade and is very versatile as to where you want to enjoy it in your garden.

View the plant profile here

Dalmation pink cranesbill

Geranium dalmaticum

Type:  Perennial

Height: 6”- 8 “

Width:  6”- 8”

Blooms:  Pink – late spring to early summer

Hardiness:  USDA zones 5-7 (up to 8150′ elevation)

Culture:  Loam or sandy soils

Pairs Well With:

  • dwarf beach-head iris
  • dwarf pinon pine
  • desert moss and most of the other Plant Select Petites.

 

Submitted by:  Harriett McMillan, Horticulture Specialist, Echter’s Garden Center

4 responses to “The Ground Cover Geranium; Dalmation Pink Cranesbill”

  1. Nancy Van Galder says:

    Can this plant be used as a perennial ground cover when the temp dips below 20 degrees in the winter ?

    • Ross Shrigley-Plant Select says:

      Yes, it can survive -25F. It does not spread quickly, so you’ll need to plant several to fill the area. Enjoy!

  2. sandra says:

    can this do good on the shade?

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