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Description
Geranium Cinereum, also known as Dwarf Cranesbill, is a hardy perennial plant that belongs to the Geranium family. This plant is native to the mountainous regions of Europe and Asia, but it has become popular among gardeners all over the world due to its attractive flowers and ease of care. Geranium Cinereum produces small, delicate flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white. The leaves are deeply cut and have a distinctively crinkled texture. This plant is perfect for garden borders, rock gardens, or as a ground cover.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Angiospermae |
| Order | Geraniales |
| Family | Geraniaceae |
| Genus | Geranium |
Appearance
Geranium Cinereum is a low-growing plant that reaches a height of only 10-20 cm. The flowers are small, measuring about 2-3 cm in diameter, and they grow in clusters on short stems. The petals are usually pink, purple, or white, and they have a distinctive vein pattern. The leaves are deeply cut and have a crinkled texture. They are typically green or bluish-green in color.
Care Guide
Geranium Cinereum is a hardy plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to grow and care for this plant:- Water: Geranium Cinereum prefers well-drained soil that is kept moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant regularly during the growing season, but reduce watering in winter.- Fertilization: This plant does not require much fertilizer. You can apply a balanced fertilizer once a year in the spring.- Soil: Geranium Cinereum grows best in well-drained, slightly acidic soil. If your soil is heavy, add some sand or perlite to improve drainage.- Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it will not flower as well in low light conditions.- Hardiness Zones: Geranium Cinereum is hardy to USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Geranium Cinereum is relatively pest and disease resistant. However, it can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and rust. These can be prevented by ensuring good air circulation around the plant and avoiding overhead watering. Aphids and spider mites can also be a problem, but these can be controlled using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Geranium Cinereum is native to the mountainous regions of Europe and Asia, where it grows in rocky, well-drained soil. It is commonly found in alpine meadows, on rocky slopes, and in open woodlands. This plant is well-suited to growing in rock gardens or as a ground cover in sunny, well-drained areas.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Geranium Cinereum deer-resistant?
A: Yes, this plant is deer-resistant.
Q: Can Geranium Cinereum be grown in containers?
A: Yes, this plant can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-drained and the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: When is the best time to prune Geranium Cinereum?
A: You can prune Geranium Cinereum in the spring or after it has finished flowering in the summer. Cut back any dead or damaged stems, and remove any spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
Q: How often should Geranium Cinereum be divided?
A: Geranium Cinereum can be divided every 2-3 years in the spring or fall. Dig up the plant and separate the root ball into smaller sections, replanting each section in a new location.
Related Plants
– Geranium macrorrhizum- Geranium sanguineum- Geranium x cantabrigiense- Geranium pratense- Geranium phaeum
References
– “Geranium cinereum.” Missouri Botanical Garden. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=279670&isprofile=0&basic=geranium%20cinereum- “Geranium cinereum.” RHS. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/10316/i-geranium-cinereum-i/details- “Geranium cinereum.” PlantFiles. https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/818/
