Cranesbill Geranium 'Ann Folkard'
ABOUT
Geranium 'Ann Folkard' is characterized by its vibrant foliage and striking flowers. The leaves of this lovely plant are heart-shaped, with a deep green hue often edged with a hint of maroon. As the growing season progresses, the foliage can transform, taking on a brighter green tone that adds a lively burst of color to any garden. In contrast, the flowers of Ann Folkard truly captivate onlookers. They boast a vivid magenta hue, and each petal is distinctively marked with a bold, black eye at the base, which creates a dramatic contrast against the lighter throat of the flower. The petals splay outward from the center, resembling the classic cranesbill shape associated with Geraniums, inviting pollinators such as bees and butterflies into the garden. These visually pleasing blooms possess a certain delicacy that belies their hardy nature, as they emerge prolifically from spring until the first frosts of fall. The plant's sprawling habit and long, trailing stems contribute to a sense of fullness and abundance wherever it is planted, making it an excellent choice for gardeners looking to infuse their outdoor spaces with both color and vitality.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Cranesbill, Hardy Geranium
Common names
Geranium 'Ann Folkard'
ToxicityTo humans
Geranium 'Ann Folkard', commonly known as cranesbill, is not known to be toxic to humans. Generally, geraniums are considered non-toxic and safe when touched or ingested in small quantities. However, ingestion of large amounts could potentially cause mild upset stomach due to the unusual nature of the plant material, although this is quite unlikely. It is always wise to exercise caution and avoid ingesting plants that are not specifically grown for food.
To pets
Cranesbill is not considered toxic to pets. While it is generally safe, ingestion of any non-food plant can potentially lead to gastrointestinal upset in pets such as vomiting or diarrhea. If your pet consumes a large amount of the plant and shows signs of distress, it would be advisable to contact a veterinarian. However, cranesbill is not known to cause serious or long-term health problems in pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Varies
Flower color
Purple
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Foliage: The plant has striking chartreuse foliage, adding a vibrant splash of color to the garden throughout the growing season.
- Long Flowering Period: It produces vivid magenta flowers with black centers over a long blooming season, from early summer to fall.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has good tolerance to drought, making it suitable for gardens in dry climates.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal upkeep beyond occasional watering and deadheading to promote continued blooming.
- Pest Resistance: Generally resistant to pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity and aiding in pollination of nearby plants.
- Ground Cover: Can be used as an effective ground cover due to its spreading habit, reducing weed growth.
- Versatility: Suitable for borders, rock gardens, and as underplanting for roses and taller perennials, providing flexibility in garden design.
- Easy Propagation: Can be easily propagated by cuttings, making it simple to expand the garden display or share with other gardeners.
- Seasonal Interest: Adds interest throughout the seasons, with foliage in spring, flowers in summer and fall, and sometimes with attractive seed heads in winter.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Natural Dye Source: The petals of the Geranium can be used to create natural dyes for textiles, yielding a range of colors from pink to red and even purple hues.
- Insect Repellent: The aromatic leaves of the Geranium can be rubbed onto the skin or placed around the home to naturally ward off mosquitoes and other pesky insects.
- Culinary Garnish: The Geranium's vibrant flowers can be used as an edible garnish on salads and desserts, adding both color and a subtle floral flavor to dishes.
- Photography Subject: With its striking purple-magenta flowers, Geranium 'Ann Folkard' makes an excellent subject for photographers looking for vibrant, natural beauty.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists may use this Geranium as a muse for botanical drawings, watercolor paintings, and other art forms due to its distinctive color and form.
- Fragrance Extraction: The Geranium's essential oils can be extracted and used in homemade perfumes or scented candles for a fresh, floral fragrance.
- Companion Planting: The Geranium can be planted alongside roses and other perennials to help deter pests and encourage a thriving garden ecosystem.
- Natural Potpourri: Dried Geranium leaves and petals can be bundled into potpourri, adding fragrance to drawers and closets without the use of artificial chemicals.
- Teaching Tool: The plant's growth habit and response to environmental conditions can be used as an educational example in botany and horticulture classes.
- Creative Crafts: The flowers and leaves of the Geranium can be incorporated into homemade paper, greeting cards, or pressed flower arrangements for a touch of natural beauty.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Geranium is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Geranium is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Friendship: Geraniums are often seen as a symbol of friendship, as they are commonly gifted to close friends as a sign of deep and lasting companionship.
- Health: Historically, geraniums have been associated with good health and used in folk medicine to promote wellness and healing.
- Positive Emotions: The vibrant colors of the Geranium 'Ann Folkard', with its magenta and purple tones, are thought to evoke happiness, positivity, and emotional balance.
- Peace: The soothing nature of geraniums is believed to bring peace and tranquility to a home or garden, making it an emblem of serenity.
WaterThe Cranesbill, commonly known as 'Ann Folkard', should be watered deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. During the growing season in spring and summer, you might need to water more frequently, especially if conditions are very dry or hot. Regular watering is important when the plant is newly planted or during dry spells, using approximately one gallon of water for mature plants each time you water. Reduce watering in fall and the frequency even more during winter to prevent overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
LightCranesbill thrives best in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate a wide range of light conditions but prefers a spot that receives morning sunlight with some afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates. Too much shade can lead to leggy growth and fewer flowers, while too much intense afternoon sun may scorch the foliage.
TemperatureCranesbill can tolerate a broad range of temperatures but grows best when daytime temperatures are between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. At night, temperatures should ideally be 10 to 15 degrees cooler. While they can survive temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit, they should be protected from frost. Cranesbills are generally hardy in zones 5 through 9, ensuring they can handle most temperate climates.
PruningPruning Cranesbill helps to maintain its shape, encourage new growth, and improve air circulation. Deadheading spent blooms can promote a longer flowering period. Cut back the foliage by one-third to one-half in midsummer to rejuvenate the plant, especially if it gets leggy or sprawling. The best time for major pruning is late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Cranesbill (Geranium 'Ann Folkard') is well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A mixture with equal parts of loam, peat, and perlite or sand is ideal. The pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.8 to 7.
RepottingCranesbill (Geranium 'Ann Folkard') should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and encourage healthy growth. More frequent repotting may be necessary if the plant outgrows its container or if the soil becomes compacted.
Humidity & MistingCranesbill (Geranium 'Ann Folkard') prefers moderate humidity levels. It can thrive in average household humidity but does well if the air isn't too dry.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light, and maintain moderate humidity.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade, protect from harsh afternoon sun.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleGeranium 'Ann Folkard', also known as the cranesbill geranium, begins its life cycle with seed germination, typically occurring in the spring when temperatures warm sufficiently. The seedling emerges and develops into a juvenile plant, characterized by rapid vegetative growth and the establishment of a root system. As it matures, the plant forms a mound of deeply lobed, chartreuse foliage, and then enters the reproductive stage, producing distinctive magenta flowers with black centers throughout the summer, attracting pollinators. After pollination, seeds develop and are eventually dispersed, either by wind or wildlife, to begin a new generation. In the autumn, the plant's growth slows down, and it may die back partially, especially in colder climates, entering a period of dormancy over the winter. With the arrival of the next spring, the geranium 'Ann Folkard' re-emerges from its rootstock to start the cycle anew, with some plants also capable of vegetative propagation via division.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Geranium 'Ann Folkard', commonly known as cranesbill geranium, is typically propagated through cuttings. The best time for taking cuttings is during late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate by cuttings, select a healthy stem about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) in length. Cut just below a node, where there is a concentration of hormones to encourage root growth, using a sharp, sterile knife or scissors. Remove the lower leaves, leaving just a few at the top, and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone to improve the chances of successful rooting. Then, insert the cutting into a pot filled with a mix of peat and perlite or a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a warm area with indirect sunlight. Roots will typically develop within a few weeks, after which the new plant can be transplanted into a larger pot or into the garden.
