Cut-leaved Cranesbill (Geranium dissectum)

Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist

Cut-leaved Cranesbill Plant Care

Geranium dissectum L.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

This plant's deeply lobed leaves give it a unique and striking appearance. Originating from the Mediterranean region, it is highly sought after by plant collectors for its delicate pale pink flowers and ability to thrive in a variety of conditions.

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Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Full sun to part shade

Temp

50–80°F

Humidity

40–60%

At a glance

How do you care for Cut-leaved Cranesbill?

Plant Cut-leaved Cranesbill in full sun to part shade (USDA zones 12a) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C). Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Cut-leaved Cranesbill Native To?

Native range40 countries

What Is the Cut-leaved Cranesbill?

Cut-leaved Cranesbill (Geranium dissectum) belongs to the Geraniaceae family within the Geranium genus. Cut-leaved Cranesbill is native to Europe. Cut-leaved Cranesbill is also known as Jagged Cranesbill, Cutleaf Geranium, Meadow Cranesbill.

Cut-leaved Cranesbill displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Cut-leaved Cranesbill produces clusters of colorful, five-petaled flowers in various shades.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Cut-leaved Cranesbill?

Water a young or newly planted Cut-leaved Cranesbill every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–10 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Cut-leaved Cranesbill Need?

Cut-leaved Cranesbill thrives in full sun to part shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to part shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Cut-leaved Cranesbill Prefer?

Geranium dissectum tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Cut-leaved Cranesbill prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Temperature

50–80°F

Humidity

40–60%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Cut-leaved Cranesbill?

Well-draining soil with a mix of loam, sand, and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Cut-leaved Cranesbill to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Cut-leaved Cranesbill?

Feed Cut-leaved Cranesbill every 4 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

Fertilizing

Every 4 months

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Where Should You Plant a Cut-leaved Cranesbill?

Choose a spot with full sun to part shade and well-draining soil with a mix of loam, sand, and perlite. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Cut-leaved Cranesbill is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Cut-leaved Cranesbill?

Cut-leaved Cranesbill can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

How Do You Prune a Cut-leaved Cranesbill?

Prune Cut-leaved Cranesbill while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

How Do You Care for a Cut-leaved Cranesbill in Winter?

Cut-leaved Cranesbill is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

How Do You Propagate a Cut-leaved Cranesbill?

Cut-leaved Cranesbill can be propagated through stem cuttings, division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to spiny geranium plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Cut-leaved Cranesbill Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Cut-leaved Cranesbill, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Cut-leaved Cranesbill?

Cut-leaved Cranesbill is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Cut-leaved Cranesbill Need?

Cut-leaved Cranesbill grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Cut-leaved Cranesbill is native to Europe. In cooler regions, grow Cut-leaved Cranesbill as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 12a

Keep exploring plants

Cut-leaved Cranesbill is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Geranium genus — compare its care with other Geranium species on PlantoScan.

Geranium is part of the Geraniaceae plant family — browse all Geraniaceae genera and species.

Cut-leaved Cranesbill thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Geranium Species

Other Geranium species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Geranium dissectum L., family Geraniaceae (first published in Cent. Pl. I : 21 (1755)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Cut-leaved Cranesbill, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Photo: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — original.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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