Contents
Description
Geranium Robertianum, commonly known as Herb Robert or Red Robin, is a herbaceous plant belonging to the Geranium family. It is native to Europe and North America and can be found growing in meadows, woodlands, and hedgerows. It is a hardy plant that can grow up to 50 cm tall and has a spread of 30 cm. The plant is known for its medicinal properties and has been used for centuries to treat various ailments.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Angiospermae |
| Order | Geraniales |
| Family | Geraniaceae |
| Genus | Geranium |
Appearance
Geranium Robertianum has small, deeply divided leaves that are fern-like in appearance. The leaves are green and turn reddish in autumn. The plant produces small, pink flowers that bloom from May to October. The flowers have five petals and are approximately 1 cm in diameter. After the flowers have bloomed, the plant produces fruit that resembles a crane’s bill.
Care Guide
Geranium Robertianum is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:
Water
The plant requires regular watering during the growing season, especially in dry weather. However, be careful not to overwater the plant, as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
The plant does not require much fertilizer, but you can fertilize it with a balanced fertilizer once a year in the spring.
Soil
Geranium Robertianum prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can grow in a variety of soil types, but it thrives in loamy soil.
Sunlight
The plant prefers partial shade to full sun. It can grow in full shade, but it will not produce as many flowers.
Hardiness Zones
Geranium Robertianum is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Geranium Robertianum is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be affected by some common pests and diseases, including:
Slugs and snails
These pests can damage the leaves of the plant. You can control them by using slug pellets or by handpicking them off the plant.
Mildew
This fungal disease can affect the leaves of the plant, causing them to turn yellow and fall off. You can control mildew by removing affected leaves and improving air circulation around the plant.
Habitat
Geranium Robertianum is native to Europe and North America and can be found growing in meadows, woodlands, and hedgerows. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade to full sun.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Geranium Robertianum poisonous?
A: No, Geranium Robertianum is not poisonous. In fact, it is known for its medicinal properties and has been used for centuries to treat various ailments.
Q: Can Geranium Robertianum be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Geranium Robertianum can be grown in containers. However, it will require more frequent watering than if it were planted in the ground.
Q: How often should Geranium Robertianum be fertilized?
A: Geranium Robertianum does not require much fertilizer. You can fertilize it once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: How often should Geranium Robertianum be watered?
A: Geranium Robertianum requires regular watering during the growing season, especially in dry weather. However, be careful not to overwater the plant, as this can lead to root rot.
Related Plants
Here are some plants that are related to Geranium Robertianum:
- Geranium maculatum
- Geranium sanguineum
- Geranium cinereum
- Geranium pratense
References
- “Geranium Robertianum (Herb Robert).” Plant Identification. https://www.naturegate.net/en/foraging/geranium-robertianum.
- “Geranium Robertianum.” Plant Finder. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c172.
- “Herb Robert (Geranium Robertianum).” Wildflower Finder. https://www.wildflowerfinder.org.uk/Flowers/R/Robertianum(Geranium)/Robertianum(Geranium).htm.
