Geranium sessiliflorum

Common Names

Cranesbill, Red-Flowered Cranesbill, Short-Flowered Cranesbill

Summary

Short-flowered cranesbill is a perennial herb forming a prostrate mat with a thick, usually branched taproot and woody caulorrhiza; stems short or absent; leaves 1–3 cm, reniform to orbicular with lobes; flowers solitary with white petals; peduncle to 3 cm, bracteoles linear-subulate; sepals 4–7 × 1.5–2.5 mm with long white hairs; mericarps 2–3 mm with beak 8–10 mm; seed 1.5–2 mm, flowering Oct–Apr; habitat from lowland to alpine short grassland, rocky/open ground, forest margins and modified habitats in New Zealand (var. novaezelandiae, var. arenarium coastal dunes).

Cultivation emphasizes sunny rock crevices with poor, drained soil and protection from winter wet; alpine house cultivation is recommended; propagation features seed in spring (germination ~1 month, 10–16°C), division in early spring and fall, and cuttings in late summer.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

12-18 inches

Spread

18-24 inches

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun to partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained soil, pH 6.0–7.0, with organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

6.0–7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Time

Spring, Summer, Fall

Foliage Color

Green, bronze or purplish green, silvery grey

Fall Foliage Color

Green, bronze, or purplish green

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Moderate

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division, Cuttings

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees and butterflies