Geranium pratense aka Meadow Crane's Bill

Taxonomy

Geranium pratense, also known as the meadow crane's-bill or meadow geranium, is a herbaceous perennial native to Europe and Asia. It forms a clump up to 1 m broad and has hairy stems. The leaves are deeply divided into 7-9 lobes and are around 3-6 inches wide. The flowers, which have 5 petals, are saucer-shaped and pale blue, fading towards the center. The stamens have pink-purple stalks with dark purple anthers. This species is extremely hardy, withstanding temperatures as low as -20 °C. It originates from the Altai Mountains in central Asia. There are also cultivars available for garden use, such as 'Mrs Kendall Clark' and 'Plenum Violaceum', which have received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. Another variety of Geranium pratense is a compact, clump-forming deciduous perennial with cherry-red leaves that mature to dark green, edged with dark red. It produces mainly semi-double deep blue-purple flowers with a dark red frill from early to late summer. Meadow Geranium is a rare houseplant that thrives with regular watering and long-lasting, direct light. It prefers soil that retains moisture well and does not usually require added fertilizers if repotted when it doubles in size. Meadow Geranium belongs to the Geranium genus and is native to Europe and Asia.

Common names

Meadow Crane's Bill, Meadow Geranium

How to care for Meadow Crane's Bill

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, Meadow Crane's Bill is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Water

Meadow Crane's Bill should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

When growing Meadow Crane's Bill, it is important to pay attention to the soil type you are using. This plant is very sensitive to dry soil and needs a potting soil that retains moisture. A good soil should still be well-draining and contain lots of organic matter. Coco coir or sphagnum moss are great options to provide the Meadow Geranium with the nutrients and moisture it needs. The added organic matter will also help the soil retain water and prevent the Meadow Crane's Bill from drying out too quickly. Before planting, make sure to mix compost or manure into the soil for extra nutrients. Also, make sure to water the Meadow Geranium regularly, making sure to keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy. With the correct soil and watering regimen, the Meadow Crane's Bill will thrive and bring lots of beauty to your home.

Lighting

Meadow Crane's Bill requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Meadow Geranium is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Meadow Crane's Bill should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Meadow Crane's Bill’s native range is Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to Spain, the Himalayas and N. Asia.


More info:
Wikipedia