Geranium palmatum

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Non-toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Geranium palmatum, commonly known as the Canarian cranesbill, is a perennial plant that exhibits a rosette of deeply lobed, palmate leaves, which are lush and green. The foliage gives it a textured and full appearance, creating a visually soft and rounded structure. Throughout its blooming period, it produces an abundance of magenta-pink flowers that are gathered in large, airy, dome-shaped clusters hovering above the leafy base. These flowers add a touch of vibrant color and decorative contrast to the rich green of the leaves. The overall look of the plant is one that suggests both delicacy and volume due to its intricate leaves and plentiful, striking blossoms.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Geraniaceae
- Synonyms
  Canary Island Geranium, Palmate Geranium
- Common names
  Geranium palmatum
Toxicity
- To humans
  Geranium palmatum, commonly known as Canary Island geranium, is not considered highly toxic to humans. However, as with many plants, some individuals may experience mild irritation or allergic reactions after handling the plant or ingesting parts of it. The most common symptoms could include skin irritation, upset stomach, or diarrhea if ingested. It is generally recommended to avoid eating any parts of ornamental plants due to the potential for adverse reactions.
- To pets
  Canary Island geranium is also not highly toxic to pets. While it is generally not considered poisonous, ingestion of the plant may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some animals. Symptoms of ingestion can include vomiting, diarrhea, or drooling. As with humans, it is wise to prevent pets from consuming ornamental plants as they might cause digestive discomfort or an allergic reaction in sensitive pets.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Evergreen
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Magenta
- Height
  3 feet (0.9 meters)
- Spread
  3 feet (0.9 meters)
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  10
- Native area
  Madeira

Benefits

General Benefits
- Ornamental Beauty: Geranium palmatum adds aesthetic value to gardens with its palmate leaves and vibrant purple-pink flowers.
- Attracts Pollinators: The plant is known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators.
- Low Maintenance: It is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal maintenance once established.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of drought, making it suitable for drier climates.
- Seasonal Interest: It provides seasonal interest with its long blooming period from late spring into summer.
- Variety of Uses: Suitable for use in borders, container gardening, and as a specimen plant.
- Erosion Control: Can be used to help prevent soil erosion on banks and slopes.
Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Geranium palmatum leaves can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, providing a range of colors from green to brown, depending on the mordants used.
- The blossoms of this geranium can be candied or used as edible decoration for desserts, adding a splash of color and a mild flavor.
- Dried and crushed leaves of Geranium palmatum can serve as a natural insect repellent for warding off mosquitoes and other pests.
- Fresh Geranium palmatum leaves can be placed between layers of linens to impart a pleasant scent and potentially deter moths.
- The plant can be grown as a living fence or privacy screen, thanks to its dense foliage and height.
- Geranium palmatum can be used in a cut flower arrangement for its long-lasting blooms and attractive foliage.
- As a companion plant, Geranium palmatum may help deter certain pests from more sensitive plants in the garden.
- The plant's striking appearance makes it suitable for ornamental horticulture and landscape design in parks and large gardens.
- When included in a rain garden, Geranium palmatum can assist in soil erosion control due to its dense roots.
- Geranium palmatum leaves can be used in potpourri mixes to add fragrance and a touch of color to a room.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The Geranium is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Geranium is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Enduring Friendship: Geraniums, in general, are associated with friendship due to their hardy and reliable nature. Geranium palmatum's persistent presence and longevity in a garden mirrors the enduring qualities of deep-rooted friendship.
- Happiness and Positive Energy: The brightly colored flowers of Geranium palmatum are often connected to positivity and an uplifted mood, making them a symbol of cheerfulness and good vibes.
- Comfort: Geraniums have a reputation for creating a feeling of comfort in homes and gardens, often used to provide a welcoming atmosphere. Geranium palmatum, with its large palmate leaves and soft texture, contributes to a sense of coziness and solace.
- Healing: The geranium has been used traditionally in some cultures for its medicinal properties, and as such, Geranium palmatum can represent healing and the restoration of health.
- Protection: Some belief systems hold that geraniums have protective qualities, warding off negative influences and pests. Planting Geranium palmatum might be symbolically aligned with safeguarding one's personal space.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 1-2 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring-Early Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
The Canarian Geranium requires even moisture and should be watered thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry. Typically, it needs watering once or twice a week, depending on the environmental conditions. Use lukewarm water to avoid shocking the plant's roots. In warmer months, or if the plant is in a particularly sunny spot, you may need to water it more frequently. During the winter, reduce watering but do not let the soil completely dry out. Each time you water, aim to use about one gallon of water, ensuring excess water can drain freely to prevent root rot.
Light
Canarian Geranium thrives in conditions where it receives full sun to light shade. The ideal spot for the Canarian Geranium is in a south or west-facing window if grown indoors. Ensure that the plant gets at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight daily, but protect it from the harsh afternoon sun which can scorch the leaves.
Temperature
The ideal temperature range for Canarian Geranium is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum temperatures down to approximately 50 degrees Fahrenheit and maximum temperatures around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid exposing the Canarian Geranium to temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, as cold conditions can damage or kill the plant.
Pruning
Pruning Canarian Geranium encourages bushier growth and prevents the plant from becoming leggy. Prune the plant in early spring or after flowering by cutting back leggy stems and removing any dead or yellowed leaves. It's recommended to prune once a year or as required to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Canary Island Geranium thrives best in a soil mix that is well-draining and rich in organic matter. A balanced blend could be one part garden soil, one part peat or coconut coir, and one part perlite or vermiculite. Additionally, a pH range of 5.8 to 6.3 is ideal for optimal growth and health.
Repotting
The Canary Island Geranium should be repotted every two to three years to ensure it has enough room for growth and to refresh the soil. When repotting, choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one to prevent excess moisture retention.
Humidity & Misting
Canary Island Geranium prefers moderate humidity levels and does well in normal household humidity. If the air is too dry, especially in winter, a regular misting can help improve the humidity around the plant.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Place Canary Island Geranium in bright, indirect light indoors.
- Outdoor
  Choose a sunny spot with shelter from harsh winds for outdoor planting.
- Hardiness zone
  9-11 USDA
Life cycle
Geranium palmatum, commonly known as the Canary Island Geranium, begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates in warm, moist soil conditions. The seedling stage follows, where the initial roots and leaves develop, allowing the plant to photosynthesize. It then enters a vegetative state, growing larger leaves and a robust root system, in preparation for the flowering stage. The plant matures and produces vivid pink-purple flowers, typically in its second year, which attract pollinators and help in the process of seed production. After the flowering stage, seeds are dispersed naturally, sometimes with the aid of wind or animals. Finally, while Geranium palmatum can be a short-lived perennial, after a few years, the plant will die, completing its life cycle and potentially leaving behind seeds to start the process anew.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring-Early Summer
- Geranium palmatum, commonly known as Canary Island Geranium, is a plant that can be propagated through seed or by division. The most popular method of propagation for this plant is by seed. To propagate Canary Island Geranium from seed, it is best to start the seeds indoors in late winter or early spring. Fill a tray with a moist seed starting mix, sprinkle the seeds lightly over the soil, and cover them with a thin layer of the mix. Place the tray in a warm area with plenty of indirect sunlight and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Germination typically occurs within a few weeks, and once the seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be potted up individually and eventually moved outdoors after all danger of frost has passed.