You might not have heard of geraniums, but they are a common flower that has been around for centuries. Although they are still commonly known as crane’s beak due to their form, they have many other names in many other cultures. Some common names are: Chinese cranesbill, Japanese geranium, and Indian cranesbill. With this wide range of names, it is no wonder why geraniums go by several other common names: cabbage rose and bleeding heart.
If you’re looking for a flower that is both beautiful and rugged, geraniums are the perfect choice. These flowers are known as “cranesbeaks” because of their beak-like petals. Despite their delicate appearance, geraniums are tough enough to thrive in a variety of climates. Whether you grow them in your garden or buy them at your local florist, these flowers will add brightness to any space.
What Is a Geranium?
Geranium is a genus of 422 species of annual, biennial, and perennial plants widely known as geraniums or cranesbills. They can be found throughout the temperate zones of the world, including the mountains of the tropics, but are particularly prevalent in eastern Europe’s Mediterranean region.
Leaves of the palmately cleft variety are generally round in shape. Flowers are white, pink, purple, or blue and have veining, often with five petals. Geraniums thrive in any soil that is not waterlogged. In the summer, semi-ripe cuttings, seed, or division are used to promote growth.
The name of the genus is derived from the Greek word géranos or geranós, which means “crane.” The English name cranesbill comes from the fruit capsule’s resemblance to a crane’s head and bill. The ovary portion forms the head and the long stigma creates the impression of a beak.
The blooms are typically white to purple and have five petals. Palmate-divided, narrow, pointed segments make up the leaves.
Geranium is also the general name for geraniaceae plants in the family Geraniaceae, which include pelargoniums and other plants. Pelargoniums are members of an ethnobotanical plant known as “geranium.” Geranium species are generally herbaceous plants that die down in the winter, whereas Pelargonium species are evergreen perennial plants native to warm temperate and tropical climates worldwide, with many of them found in southern Africa.
Cultivation and Usage of Geraniums:
Pelargoniums are frequently exhibited in flower shows and competitive events, with a number of clubs dedicated to only their cultivation. They may be grown from “vegetative” cuttings with relative ease. Zonal geraniums thrive in USDA hardiness zones 9 through 12, which is the same as southern Africa. Zonal geraniums are essentially tropical perennials that may overwinter in regions as chilly as zone 7 if grown as annuals.
The first species of Pelargonium known to be cultivated was P. triste, a South African native. It was most likely carried to the Botanical Garden in Leiden aboard ships that had docked at the Cape of Good Hope before 1600. In 1631, John Tradescant the younger purchased seeds from René Morin in Paris and brought them to England. By 1724, P. inquinans, P. odoratissimum, P. peltatum, P. vitifolium, and P. zonale had been introduced to Europe.
The number of potted flowering plants sold is exceptionally high, and the wholesale value is correspondingly large, among Pelargoniums. Other than being attractive, species such as P. graveolens are important in the perfume industry and are cultivated and distilled for their fragrances. Rose-scented pelargoniums are the most commercially significant varieties, since they include smells of citrus, mint, pine, spices, or other fruits. Edible leaves and flowers are also used in sweets, cakes, jellies, and tea as a flavor.
Leaves of scented pelargoniums can be used to flavor jellies, cakes, butters, ice cream, iced tea and other foods. The rose-, lemon- and peppermint-scented varieties are most popular. Other fragrances include peachy notes, cinnamon accents, and delicious citrus smells. P. crispum and P. citronellum are two lemon-scented culinary species that are commonly utilized.
Geraniums: The Flower Known as Cranesbeak Result
Geraniums can be grown just about anywhere. They prefer partial to full sun, but will grow in the shade. Cranesbeaks can survive hot summers and cold winters, wet soils, dry soils, and even salt air. With a little care, you can have these gorgeous flowers adorning your home for years to come.
F.A.Q
Do cranesbill geraniums spread?
As lovely as these plants may be, it’s important to remember to use them responsibly in your landscaping plans. If you’re going to grow them for ornamental purposes, keep in mind that they can spread if not properly contained. And when propagating them, do so carefully to ensure that you are not unintentionally spreading their seeds into the environment.
How do you keep a cranesbill blooming?
Watering a cranesbill geranium should be done sparingly. The plant does much better in hot and dry climates than in cool and moist areas, so it will need minimal watering. In fact, if the plant is too moist, the branches will begin to rot.
