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Description
Geranium Sinense, commonly known as the Chinese geranium or the Shan-Lu geranium, is a perennial flowering plant that belongs to the Geranium family. It is native to China and Taiwan, but it is also found in other parts of Asia. The plant grows up to a height of 30-45cm and spreads around 30-45cm wide. It produces beautiful pink or purple flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer. The plant is known for its medicinal properties and is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various ailments.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Geraniales |
| Family | Geraniaceae |
| Genus | Geranium |
Appearance
Geranium Sinense has a compact and bushy growth habit with deeply lobed leaves that are slightly hairy. The leaves are green in color and have a length of 5-10cm. The plant produces beautiful pink or purple flowers that are 2-3cm wide and have five petals. The flowers are arranged in clusters and bloom from late spring to early summer. The plant is deciduous and loses its leaves in winter.
Care Guide
Geranium Sinense is a low maintenance plant that is easy to grow. Here is a detailed care guide:Water: Water the plant regularly, especially during the growing season. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer every four weeks during the growing season.Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be neutral to slightly acidic.Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but will produce fewer flowers.Hardiness Zones: Geranium Sinense is hardy in USDA zones 7-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Geranium Sinense is susceptible to some pests and diseases, including:Pests: Aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies can attack the plant.Diseases: The plant is susceptible to root rot, powdery mildew, and rust.Prevent pests and diseases by keeping the plant well-watered and well-fertilized. Remove any infected leaves or stems immediately.
Habitat
Geranium Sinense is native to China and Taiwan, but it is also found in other parts of Asia. The plant grows in a wide range of habitats, including forests, meadows, and rocky areas.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Geranium Sinense a medicinal plant?
A: Yes, Geranium Sinense is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various ailments, including diarrhea, bleeding, and inflammation.Q: Can Geranium Sinense tolerate cold temperatures?
A: No, Geranium Sinense is only hardy in USDA zones 7-9 and cannot tolerate extreme cold temperatures.Q: How often should I fertilize Geranium Sinense?
A: Fertilize the plant every four weeks during the growing season.Q: Does Geranium Sinense attract pollinators?
A: Yes, Geranium Sinense attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators with its beautiful flowers.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Geranium Sinense:
- Geranium sanguineum
- Geranium maculatum
- Geranium pratense
- Geranium pyrenaicum
References
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/geranium/growing-chinese-geraniums.htm
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/geranium-sinense-shan-lu-geranium
- https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/13130/geranium-sinense/details
- https://www.gardenersworld.com/plants/geranium-sinense/
