Geranium maderense aka Giant Herb Robert

Taxonomy

Geranium maderense, also known as giant herb-Robert or the Madeira cranesbill, is a species of flowering plant in the family Geraniaceae. This robust but short-lived evergreen perennial or biennial is native to the island of Madeira and can grow up to 150 cm in height and width. It has deeply divided ferny leaves and produces spectacular pink flowers on hairy red stems in large panicles during the summer. It is sometimes confused with another Madeira endemic, Geranium palmatum. G. maderense is a popular ornamental plant in temperate regions, where it is hardy in mild or coastal areas down to −5 °C (23 °F). It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. Geraniums can be annuals, biennials, and perennials, herbaceous or evergreen, with rounded, usually palmately lobed or divided leaves, and lax inflorescences of rounded, 5-petalled flowers. As a houseplant, the Giant Herb-Robert is super rare and needs regular watering to thrive. It does best in long-lasting, direct light and should be less than 1 foot from a window. This plant prefers soil that is good at retaining moisture and does not require added fertilizers if repotted each time it doubles in size.

Common names

Giant Herb Robert, Madiera Cranesbill, Madeira Cranesbill

How to care for Giant Herb Robert

Difficulty

Giant Herb Robert presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

Giant Herb Robert should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

If you're planting Giant Herb Robert, you need to make sure you use a potting soil that can retain moisture. While the soil should still be able to drain well, it should contain plenty of organic matter like coco coir or sphagnum moss to help it stay moist and nourish the roots of your plants. This is especially important since Giant Herb Robert is especially sensitive to dry soil. You can also add other amendments, such as compost, to help retain moisture and provide extra nutrients to your plants. Be sure to keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy, throughout the growing season. With the right soil and proper care, your Giant Herb Robert will thrive!

Lighting

Giant Herb Robert thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Madeira Cranesbill.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Fertilizer

Once the Giant Herb Robert has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.


More info:
Wikipedia