Geranium Brevicaule

Description

Geranium Brevicaule, also known as Short-stalked Cranesbill, is a small herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Geraniaceae family. It is native to the Caucasus Mountains and can be found in rocky areas and meadows. The plant has a short rhizome and forms a small clump of basal leaves that are deeply divided into five to seven lobes. The flowers of Geranium Brevicaule are small, pink or purple, and bloom from late spring to early summer.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Geranium Brevicaule is a small plant that grows up to 15 cm in height and 20 cm in width. The leaves are basal, deeply divided into five to seven lobes, and have a bright green color. The flowers are small, pink or purple, and are about 1 cm in diameter. They have five petals that are slightly notched at the tip and ten stamens. The plant blooms from late spring to early summer and can produce a second flush of flowers in the fall.

Care Guide

Water

Geranium Brevicaule prefers moist but well-drained soil. Water the plant regularly during the growing season, but avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot.

Fertilization

Fertilize Geranium Brevicaule with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer in the spring. Be careful not to over-fertilize as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.

Soil

Geranium Brevicaule prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types, but it does best in slightly acidic to neutral soil.

Sunlight

Geranium Brevicaule thrives in full sun to partial shade. In hot climates, it may benefit from some afternoon shade.

Hardiness Zones

Geranium Brevicaule is hardy in USDA zones 5-8.

Common Pests & Diseases

Geranium Brevicaule is generally pest and disease-resistant. However, it can be susceptible to rust and powdery mildew. These fungal diseases can be prevented by providing good air circulation around the plant and avoiding overhead watering.

Habitat

Geranium Brevicaule is native to the Caucasus Mountains and can be found in rocky areas and meadows. It prefers well-drained soil and thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Geranium Brevicaule a good plant for containers?

A: Yes, Geranium Brevicaule can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-drained and the plant is watered regularly.

Q: Can Geranium Brevicaule be grown indoors?

A: No, Geranium Brevicaule is an outdoor plant that requires full sun to partial shade.

Q: Does Geranium Brevicaule attract pollinators?

A: Yes, Geranium Brevicaule is attractive to bees and butterflies.

Q: How often should I fertilize Geranium Brevicaule?

A: Fertilize Geranium Brevicaule once a year in the spring with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer.

Related Plants

• Geranium Macrorrhizum
• Geranium Rozanne
• Geranium Sanguineum
• Geranium x cantabrigiense

References

• “Geranium Brevicaule.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=281781. Accessed 6 Jul. 2021.
• “Geranium Brevicaule.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/plants/188988/geranium-brevicaule/details. Accessed 6 Jul. 2021.
• “Short-stalked Cranesbill.” PlantFiles, Dave’s Garden, davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/191075/. Accessed 6 Jul. 2021.