Geranium, Cranesbill
Geranium incanum
Family: Geraniaceae
What it is like
Bloom Color: Purple. Main Bloom Time: Early summer, Early fall, Late summer, Mid summer, Mid fall. Form: Spreading or horizontal.
Geranium incanum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.4 m (1ft 4in) by 0.6 m (2ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.4
Where it is found
Scrub, dunes and forest clearings.
S. Africa.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
The leaves are a tea substitute.
Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Landscape Uses:Border, Container, Ground cover, Massing, Rock garden. Succeeds in any moderately fertile retentive soil in a sunny position. Tolerates a wide range of soil types. Plants are not very hardy in Britain. They tolerate occasional falls in temperature down to about -10°c, though if killed by cold they usually reappear from seed. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits. The plant often adopts a climbing habit, sprawling through scrub. Special Features:Attractive foliage, Fragrant foliage, Suitable for cut flowers, Extended bloom season in Zones 9A and above, Attractive flowers or blooms.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring or autumn. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 4-9
Growth: Fast
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist