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Geranium 'Dilys'

Phonetic Spelling
jer-AY-nee-um
Description

Geranium 'Dilys', introduced by Axle Tree Nursery, is a hybrid cultivar of the species G. sanguinium and G. procurrens.  It has deep magenta-purple flowers and a sprawling habit that lends it for use as a groundcover.

The genus name is derived from the Greek géranos meaning ‘crane’ hence the common name of cranesbill

This plant does best in moist, rich, well-drained soil and full sun to partial or light shade. In hot summer areas, it will need some shade from the hot afternoon sun. It tolerates some drought as well as deer and rabbits.  Deadhead or trim back to revigorate blooming.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems. Some susceptibility to leaf spots and rusts.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#purple flowers#low maintenance#cottage garden#mounding#spreading#herbaceous perennial#hybrids#groundcover#rock garden#border planting#clumping#partial shade tolerant#container plant#perennial#sun
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#purple flowers#low maintenance#cottage garden#mounding#spreading#herbaceous perennial#hybrids#groundcover#rock garden#border planting#clumping#partial shade tolerant#container plant#perennial#sun
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Geranium
    Family:
    Geraniaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Root Cutting
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Hybrid origin
    Dimensions:
    Height: 0 ft. 8 in. - 0 ft. 10 in.
    Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Ground Cover
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Perennial
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Clumping
    Mounding
    Spreading
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    High Organic Matter
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Occasionally Dry
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Black
    Brown/Copper
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
    Fruit Length:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Width:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Description:
    Classic "crane's bill" fruit with a long beak.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Purple/Lavender
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Solitary
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Funnel
    Saucer
    Flower Petals:
    4-5 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    1-3 inches
    Flower Description:
    5-petaled red-purple to magenta-purple flowers just over an inch large. Each petal has dark purple veining. Blooms from late spring through summer. Cut back to encourage late summer to early fall blooming.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Leathery
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Opposite
    Leaf Shape:
    Palmatifid
    Leaf Margin:
    Lobed
    Hairs Present:
    Yes
    Leaf Length:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Palmately-lobed leaves in 5-7 sections. Slightly pubescent.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Green
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Surface:
    Hairy (pubescent)
    Stem Description:
    Prostrate, sprawling stems.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Patio
    Landscape Theme:
    Butterfly Garden
    Cottage Garden
    Drought Tolerant Garden
    Rock Garden
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Mass Planting
    Attracts:
    Butterflies
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Drought
    Rabbits