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Geranium Pusillum

Geranium Pusillum

Description

Geranium Pusillum, also known as Small-flowered Cranesbill, is a herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the Geranium family. It is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa and has been introduced to North America. The plant grows up to 30 cm tall and spreads up to 30 cm wide. Geranium Pusillum has small, pink-purple flowers that bloom from May to August. Its leaves are deeply divided into five to seven lobes.

Taxonomic Information

Domain Eukaryota
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Spermatophyta
Class Angiospermae
Order Geraniales
Family Geraniaceae
Genus Geranium

Appearance

Geranium Pusillum has a bushy habit and soft green foliage. Its leaves are deeply divided into five to seven lobes, which are toothed and slightly hairy. The plant produces small, pink-purple flowers that have five petals and bloom from May to August. The flowers are about 1 cm in diameter and grow in clusters at the top of the stems. Geranium Pusillum can grow up to 30 cm tall and spreads up to 30 cm wide.

Care Guide

Geranium Pusillum is an easy-to-grow plant and requires minimal care. Here are some care tips:

  • Water: The plant prefers moist soil but can tolerate some drought. Water the plant deeply once a week.
  • Fertilization: Geranium Pusillum does not require much fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
  • Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil pH levels.
  • Sunlight: Geranium Pusillum prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun. In hot climates, it may require some afternoon shade.
  • Hardiness Zones: Geranium Pusillum is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.

Common Pests & Diseases

Geranium Pusillum is generally pest and disease-free. However, it may be susceptible to the following pests and diseases:

  • Slugs and snails: These pests can damage the foliage of the plant. Use organic slug and snail bait to control them.
  • Botrytis blight: This fungal disease can cause leaf spot and stem rot. Remove infected plant parts and apply a fungicide to control the disease.
  • Verticillium wilt: This fungal disease can cause the plant to wilt and die. There is no cure for the disease, so infected plants must be removed and destroyed.

Habitat

Geranium Pusillum is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa and has been introduced to North America. It grows in a variety of habitats, including meadows, woodland edges, and rocky slopes. The plant prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade.

Question and Answer

Q: Can Geranium Pusillum be grown in containers?

A: Yes, Geranium Pusillum can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant and has drainage holes.

Q: How often should I fertilize Geranium Pusillum?

A: You should fertilize Geranium Pusillum once a month during the growing season.

Q: Can Geranium Pusillum tolerate full sun?

A: Yes, Geranium Pusillum can tolerate full sun, but it prefers partial shade.

Q: Does Geranium Pusillum attract pollinators?

A: Yes, Geranium Pusillum attracts bees and butterflies with its flowers.

Related Plants

  • Geranium maculatum
  • Geranium sanguineum
  • Geranium pratense

References

  • “Geranium Pusillum.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 30 Aug 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=281561&isprofile=0&basic=geranium%20pusillum
  • “Geranium Pusillum.” Plantwise Knowledge Bank. Accessed 30 Aug 2021. https://www.plantwise.org/knowledgebank/datasheet/47523
  • “Geranium Pusillum.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed 30 Aug 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/10676/Geranium-pusillum/Details

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