Dalmatian Geranium Geranium dalmaticum
ABOUT
Geranium dalmaticum, commonly known as Dalmatian cranesbill, is an herbaceous perennial plant that boasts a lush, spreading habit with rounded, lobed leaves that often turn attractive shades of red in the fall. The foliage forms a dense mat, providing a rich backdrop for the eye-catching flowers. The blooms, which appear in late spring to early summer, are typically bright pink with rounded petals and contrasting darker pink veins creating a veined pattern, adding depth and dimension. These flowers are held aloft on slender stems above the foliage, creating a delightful display when the plant is in full bloom. Despite the exclusion of dimensional descriptions, this plant will fit well in various garden settings without overwhelming adjacent plants.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Geraniaceae
Synonyms
Dalmatian Cranesbill, Dalmatian Geranium
Common names
Geranium dalmaticum
ToxicityTo humans
Geranium dalmaticum, more commonly known simply as geranium, is not considered highly toxic to humans. However, ingestion of any part of the plant can potentially cause minor symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In general, it is advisable to avoid eating plants that are not specifically grown for consumption.
To pets
Geranium, specifically Geranium dalmaticum, is considered mildly toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. If a pet ingests any part of a geranium, they could experience mild vomiting, diarrhea, or dermatitis. In most cases, the symptoms of poisoning are relatively mild, but it's best to keep these plants out of reach of pets and consult a veterinarian if you suspect ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
6 inches (15 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Balkans
Benefits
General Benefits- Landscape Aesthetics: Adds visual appeal to gardens with its delicate pink to white flowers and lush green foliage.
- Habitat for Wildlife: Attracts beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, which are important pollinators.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can withstand periods of low water, making it suitable for xeriscaping and reducing the need for irrigation.
- Erosion Control: Its dense growth habit helps to stabilize soil in sloped gardens and prevent erosion.
- Low Maintenance: Generally requires minimal care, including less frequent watering and fertilizing than some other garden plants.
- Ground Cover: Spreads effectively to cover ground, suppressing weeds and reducing the need for mulches.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers seasonal blooms and, in some areas, evergreen foliage providing year-round garden interest.
- Companion Planting: Works well with other plants, helping to create harmonious garden designs.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Geranium dalmaticum, commonly known as Dalmatian cranesbill, can be used as ground cover in gardens due to its spreading habit and attractive foliage.
- The dense mat of the Dalmatian cranesbill can help prevent soil erosion on slopes and in areas prone to erosion.
- The flowers of the plant can be used for decorative purposes in the form of fresh flower arrangements to add a touch of color indoors.
- Dalmatian cranesbill can attract beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies to the garden, which aid in pollination.
- The leaves of the plant, when crushed, can emit a pleasant scent and can be used in potpourri blends for a natural fragrance.
- It can be planted as part of a cottage garden design, providing a romantic and informal look with its soft foliage and flowers.
- Dalmatian cranesbill can create a beautiful underplanting for taller perennials or shrubs due to its low-growing nature.
- The plant can be used in rock gardens because of its tolerance for dry conditions and its ability to thrive in rocky soil.
- The leaves of Dalmatian cranesbill may sometimes be used to add greenery in culinary presentations or as a natural plate decoration.
- When included in a sensory garden, the textured leaves of the plant can provide tactile interest for a stimulating garden experience.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Geranium is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Geranium is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: Geraniums are often associated with healing due to their use in traditional medicine and aromatherapy to help alleviate stress and promote emotional wellness.
- Friendship: Giving geraniums is a common way to signify a deep friendship or to extend an olive branch for reconciliation, as the flowers represent companionship.
- Good Health: Their lush foliage and growth are symbols of good health and vitality, suggesting a wish for the recipient's well-being.
- Peace: The soothing scent of the geranium is believed to foster peace of mind and calmness, making it a symbol often used in gardens and homes to promote tranquility.
- Positive Spirit: The bright and varied colors of geranium blossoms stand for positivity and an uplifting spirit, which is why they are commonly planted to encourage cheerfulness.
- Protection: In folk traditions, geraniums were used to ward off evil spirits, and they are sometimes planted with the belief that they will protect the household.
WaterDalmatian geraniums require moderate watering, receiving about 1 inch of water per week. Water the plants deeply to encourage root growth, but allow the soil to dry out between watering sessions to prevent root rot. These geraniums do not tolerate overwatering well, so it's important to ensure that the pot or ground has good drainage. During hot, dry periods, you may need to water the plants twice a week, but always check the soil moisture level first. In cooler weather or when the plants are not actively growing, reduce the watering frequency accordingly, sometimes watering as little as once every two weeks.
LightDalmatian geraniums thrive in full sun to partial shade. They prefer a spot that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day, but they can also do well in areas with dappled light or morning sun followed by afternoon shade. Avoid deeply shaded locations, as insufficient light can lead to leggy growth and fewer blooms.
TemperatureDalmatian geraniums are hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures, but they grow best when daytime temperatures are between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive temperatures as low as 30 degrees Fahrenheit, but frost can damage the foliage and flowers. Avoid exposing the plants to temperatures above 85 degrees Fahrenheit for extended periods, as this can cause stress.
PruningPruning Dalmatian geraniums is important to maintain their shape and encourage bushier growth. Prune the plants in early spring before new growth begins, cutting back leggy stems and removing any dead or damaged foliage. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, can be done regularly throughout the blooming season to promote continuous flowering. Pruning is typically done annually, but deadheading can occur as often as needed.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDalmatian cranesbill prefers a well-draining soil mix with good organic content. The best soil mix for Dalmatian cranesbill can consist of loamy garden soil, peat, and sharp sand or perlite to ensure drainage. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging between 5.8 and 7.2 for optimal growth.
RepottingDalmatian cranesbill does not require frequent repotting and should generally be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. Over time, the soil can become compacted or nutrient-depleted, prompting the need for repotting.
Humidity & MistingDalmatian cranesbill is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels but thrives best in moderate humidity conditions. The best humidity level for Dalmatian cranesbill is around 40-60%, which is typical of many home and garden environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and water when soil is dry.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, well-draining soil, water regularly.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleDalmatian cranesbill (Geranium dalmaticum) begins its life cycle as a seed, which requires a period of cold stratification to break dormancy. Upon germination in early spring, the seedling emerges and develops into a rosette of leaves. As the season progresses, the plant undergoes vegetative growth, forming a mound of rounded, fleshy leaves. Flowering occurs in late spring to early summer, producing clusters of attractive pink to purple flowers that are pollinated by insects. Following pollination, the plant produces distinctive beak-like seed capsules that help in seed dispersal. The plant is a perennial, so after flowering, it will enter a period of dormancy in the fall and winter, then regrow from the same root system the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The Dalmatian geranium (Geranium dalmaticum) is a perennial often propagated during the late spring to early summer months, when it has finished blooming and the weather is warm. The most popular method of propagation for this plant is through division. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the plant and use a sharp spade or knife to split the rootball into smaller sections, each with a fair amount of roots and shoots. These sections are then planted in well-preparing planting holes, ensuring that the top of the rootball is level with the soil surface. Water the new plants well to help establish them. This method allows the gardener to quickly multiply their stock of Dalmatian geraniums while maintaining the characteristics of the parent plant.
