Carpet Geranium Geranium incanum
ABOUT
Geranium incanum, commonly known as the carpet geranium, is a perennial plant characterized by its sprawling habit and scalloped leaves that boast deep veins, giving them a crinkled appearance. These leaves are often soft to the touch and can have a slightly sticky texture. They typically exhibit a vibrant green color, sometimes with a hint of grayish undertone. The carpet geranium is admired for its bountiful flowers which can vary in shade, usually presenting hues of violet, lavender, or occasionally pink, with distinctive veining that is often a slightly darker color than the petals themselves. The blooms are composed of five rounded petals that spread out from a central point, creating a classic geranium flower shape. While the plant is known for its ground-covering abilities, its branching stems add to its tangled, yet aesthetically pleasing, appearance. The stems and the undersides of the leaves may have a hint of red or purple, adding to the plant's visual interest. This little geranium makes for an enchanting display when in full bloom, with its profusion of flowers creating a carpet-like effect that is especially attractive when utilized in rock gardens, slopes, or as border fronts. It is the kind of plant that not only adds a touch of wild beauty to a garden with its informal look but is also appreciated for its hardiness and relatively easy care. The foliage may emanate a pleasant scent when brushed against or crushed, contributing an additional sensory experience to its presence in the garden.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Geraniaceae.
Synonyms
Carpet Geranium, Bermudiana.
Common names
Geranium incanum.
ToxicityTo humans
Geranium incanum, commonly known as Carpet Geranium, is not known to be toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning or adverse effects from ingesting this plant. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities can occur, so it is still wise to avoid ingesting plants not meant for consumption.
To pets
Carpet Geranium is also not known to be toxic to pets. It should not cause any significant symptoms of poisoning if ingested by animals such as cats and dogs. However, digestive upset is a possibility with the ingestion of any non-food plant material, so monitoring your pet for signs of gastrointestinal discomfort is advisable if they consume this plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Violet
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Geranium incanum is known to attract bees and butterflies, which are vital for pollinating other plants in the garden.
- Drought-tolerant: Once established, this plant has low water requirements, making it suitable for xeriscaping and dry climate gardens.
- Easy to Grow: It is considered easy to cultivate, requiring minimal maintenance, which is ideal for beginner gardeners.
- Ground Cover: Its spreading habit makes it an excellent ground cover plant, helping to reduce soil erosion and suppress weeds.
- Ornamental Value: The plant produces vibrant flowers that add color and aesthetic appeal to gardens and landscapes.
- Perennial Growth: Being a perennial, it will regrow every spring after dying back in the winter, providing a long-lasting garden presence.
- Tolerant of Poor Soil: Geranium incanum can thrive in less fertile soil, making it a versatile plant for different garden conditions.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Geranium incanum may be used for its anti-inflammatory properties to help reduce inflammation.
- Antiseptic: The plant may contain antiseptic properties, potentially useful for cleansing wounds.
- Astringent: It is sometimes used as an astringent to help tighten tissues and reduce secretions.
- Diuretic: Geranium incanum might be used as a diuretic to promote the excretion of urine.
- Antibacterial: Components within the plant could have antibacterial effects against certain strains of bacteria.
- Antioxidant: The plant may have antioxidant properties that help to protect cells from oxidative stress.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Geranium incanum can be used as a ground cover in landscaping due to its dense and spreading habit, which helps suppress weeds and cover bare spots efficiently.
- The plant's vibrant flowers provide a long-lasting display of color in rock gardens, where it can thrive in poor soil conditions.
- Because of its drought-resistant nature, Geranium incanum is suitable for xeriscaping, contributing to water conservation in garden design.
- Its leaves can be used in potpourri for their aromatic scent, which intensifies when the leaves are dried and crushed.
- Geranium incanum can serve as a companion plant, deterring pests from nearby vegetable and herb gardens with its fragrance.
- In floral arrangements, the cut flowers of Geranium incanum offer a delicate and wildflower-like appearance that provides a natural aesthetic.
- The flowers can be used to create natural dyes for fabric, yielding subtle shades of color depending on the mordant used.
- In culinary arts, the flowers are sometimes used as an edible garnish to beautify salads and desserts with their bright coloration.
- Beekeepers value Geranium incanum as it is a nectar-producing plant, supporting the local bee populations and promoting pollination.
- Geranium incanum can be planted along slopes or banks for erosion control, as its roots help hold the soil in place.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Carpobrotus edulis is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Carpobrotus edulis is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection: Geraniums are traditionally associated with protection due to their strong scent which is believed to repel negative energies and harmful insects.
- Friendship: Sharing a geranium plant or its cuttings is seen as an act of kindness, representing the bond and positive wishes between friends.
- Health: With its medicinal properties, geranium symbolizes good health and the power of healing.
- Fertility: Some cultures see geraniums as a symbol of fertility and reproduction due to their prolific blooming nature.
- Happiness: The bright and colorful flowers of the geranium are often associated with happiness and positive vibes, making them popular in gardens and as gifts.
WaterCarpet Geraniums should be watered thoroughly once the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. This generally means watering approximately every 7 to 10 days, but this can vary based on climate and environmental conditions. It's important to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot, so ensure that excess water can drain freely from the pot. During the active growing season in spring and summer, they might need more frequent watering. An average watering would involve providing about 16 to 24 ounces of water for a medium-sized pot, ensuring even soil moisture.
LightCarpet Geraniums thrive in conditions where they can receive full sun to partial shade. The best spot for these plants is in an area that receives at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. They can tolerate some shade, particularly in hotter climates where some afternoon shade can prevent scorching.
TemperatureCarpet Geraniums prefer a temperate climate with temperatures ranging between 50°F and 75°F. They can survive minimally at 30°F, but temperatures below freezing can damage or kill the plant. The ideal conditions are when nights are cool and days are moderately warm, which promotes healthy growth and flowering.
PruningCarpet Geraniums should be pruned to maintain shape, promote bushier growth, and remove any dead or yellowing leaves. The best time for pruning is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Pruning can be done every few months or as needed to remove leggy stems and encourage a compact form.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCarpet Geranium thrives in well-draining soil mixed with sand and peat for aeration. The best soil pH for Carpet Geranium ranges from neutral to slightly acidic, around 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingCarpet Geranium should be repotted every 1-2 years or when it outgrows its current container to encourage healthy growth.
Humidity & MistingCarpet Geranium prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate the dry indoor air.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade with well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleCarpet Geranium (Geranium incanum) begins its life cycle when a seed germinates, typically in spring when moisture and temperatures are favorable. The seedling emerges and develops into a juvenile plant, establishing a root system and foliage. As it matures, the plant enters the vegetative growth stage, producing a low-growing mound of finely cut leaves. Upon reaching maturity, Carpet Geranium produces small, purple to violet flowers with noticeable darker veins, usually from spring to summer, attracting pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into fruit capsules, which, when ripe, can eject seeds some distance from the parent plant, ensuring dispersal. The plant may die back in adverse conditions but can re-sprout from the rootstock, completing its perennial cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
For the Carpet Geranium, a commonly practiced method of propagation is through cuttings, typically performed in the spring or early summer when the plant's growth is most active. To propagate by cuttings, a healthy stem of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) is selected and cut just below a node. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is often dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The stem is then inserted into a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix, ensuring that at least one node is below the soil surface. The cutting should be kept moist and placed in indirect sunlight until roots have developed and new growth is evident, which may take a few weeks. Once the cutting has established a strong root system, it can be transplanted to a larger pot or directly into the garden.
