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Description
Geranium Collinum, commonly known as Collin’s Cranesbill, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Geraniaceae family. It is native to the mountainous regions of Europe and Asia, but it can also be found in North America, where it was introduced as an ornamental plant. This plant has delicate, five-petaled flowers that come in shades of pink and purple. It blooms from late spring to early summer and can grow up to a height of 45 cm.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Geraniales |
| Family | Geraniaceae |
| Genus | Geranium |
Appearance
The Geranium Collinum has deeply lobed leaves that are green in color and can grow up to 10 cm in diameter. Its flowers have five petals, are typically pink or purple, and are approximately 2 cm in diameter. The flowers bloom in late spring and early summer, and they have a distinctive pattern of purple veins that run through the petals. The plant can grow up to 45 cm in height and spreads out to a width of approximately 30 cm.
Care Guide
The Geranium Collinum is a low-maintenance plant that can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:
- Water: The plant prefers a well-drained soil and should be watered regularly during the growing season. However, it can tolerate short periods of drought.
- Fertilization: The plant does not require a lot of fertilizer, but a slow-release fertilizer can be applied in the spring to promote healthy growth.
- Soil: The plant prefers a well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, but it does not do well in heavy clay soils.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade, but it can also tolerate full shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 5-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Geranium Collinum is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if it is grown in poorly drained soil. Some common pests that may affect this plant include aphids and spider mites. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
The Geranium Collinum is native to the mountainous regions of Europe and Asia. It grows in open woods, meadows, and rocky slopes. In North America, it is often grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Geranium Collinum a good plant for beginners?
A: Yes, the Geranium Collinum is a good choice for beginners because it is easy to care for and can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions.
Q: Can the Geranium Collinum be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the Geranium Collinum 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: How often should the Geranium Collinum be fertilized?
A: The Geranium Collinum does not require a lot of fertilizer. A slow-release fertilizer can be applied in the spring to promote healthy growth.
Q: Can the Geranium Collinum be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, the Geranium Collinum can be propagated from cuttings taken in the spring or early summer. The cuttings should be approximately 10 cm long and should be rooted in a well-drained potting mix.
Related Plants
- Geranium sanguineum
- Geranium psilostemon
- Geranium maculatum
- Geranium pratense
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Geranium collinum. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=279447
- RHS. (n.d.). Geranium collinum. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/14489/Geranium-collinum/Details
- University of Illinois Extension. (n.d.). Geranium. Retrieved from https://web.extension.illinois.edu/hortanswers/plantdetail.cfm?PlantID=257&PlantTypeID=5
