Cambridge Geranium Geranium × cantabrigiense 'Berggarten'
ABOUT
Geranium × cantabrigiense 'Berggarten' is a hybrid hardy geranium with a low-growing, spreading habit. It is known for its attractive foliage and flowers. This geranium sports rounded, slightly lobed leaves that can have a lush, verdant green color. The leaves may also take on hues of bronzy-purple, especially in the cooler months, contributing to the plant's ornamental value throughout the year. This plant blooms profusely, typically in late spring to early summer, presenting a charming display of flowers. The blossoms of the 'Berggarten' variety are pale pink to light purplish-pink with rounded petals and delicate veining that adds texture and visual interest. Flowers emerge in clusters atop slender, yet sturdy stems, creating a soft, carpet-like appearance that is often used to add a splash of color to ground cover plantings. After flowering, the geranium may produce a unique beak-like fruit, a characteristic feature of many geraniums. This adds an additional point of interest after the flowering season has concluded. With its dense foliage and carpeting form, Geranium × cantabrigiense 'Berggarten' serves as an excellent ground cover, often used in borders, rock gardens, or as underplanting for taller plants, where its foliage can continue to provide visual appeal even when the plant is not in bloom. Due to its growth pattern, this plant can also be effective in suppressing weeds, offering both beauty and function to any garden space where it is cultivated.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Geraniaceae.
Synonyms
Cambridge Geranium, Berggarten Hardy Geranium.
Common names
Geranium × cantabrigiense 'Berggarten'.
ToxicityTo humans
Cambridge geranium, commonly referred to as Geranium × cantabrigiense 'Berggarten', is not known to be toxic to humans. In general, geraniums are not listed among plants that have toxic effects when ingested by humans. Therefore, accidental ingestion of parts of this plant is unlikely to cause any serious consequences. However, it is always advisable to avoid eating plants that are not specifically intended for consumption as they may cause stomach upset or allergic reactions in some individuals.
To pets
Cambridge geranium is also typically considered to be non-toxic to pets. Geraniums, including Geranium × cantabrigiense 'Berggarten', are not listed as poisonous to pets such as cats and dogs. Consequently, if a pet were to ingest parts of this plant, it is not expected to experience poisoning symptoms. However, as with humans, ingestion of non-food plants can sometimes lead to gastrointestinal upset, so it is still best to prevent pets from chewing on houseplants and garden plants.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
0.5 feet (15 cm)
Spread
1 feet (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for busy gardeners.
- Drought Tolerant: Can survive with less water, making it ideal for dry or xeriscape gardens.
- Ground Cover: Spreads effectively to cover bare spots, suppressing weed growth.
- Attractive Foliage: Offers visual interest with its dense, lush leaves even when not in bloom.
- Long Blooming: Produces flowers for an extended period, adding color to gardens for many months.
- Erosion Control: Helps to stabilize soil on slopes or in areas prone to erosion.
- Wildlife Friendly: Attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supporting biodiversity.
- Edging and Borders: Ideal for creating defined lines and separating different areas in the garden.
- Seasonal Interest: Provides changing visual appeal throughout the seasons with its foliage and blooms.
- Easy Propagation: Can be easily propagated by division, allowing gardeners to multiply their plants.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: Geranium × cantabrigiense 'Berggarten' can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, with different parts of the plant yielding various shades.
- Insect repellent: The strong scent of the plant can deter certain insects, making it a useful companion plant in gardens and outdoor seating areas.
- Creative crafts: The leaves and flowers can be used in pressed flower crafts, contributing to homemade cards, bookmarks, or framed botanical art.
- Potpourri addition: Dried geranium flowers add a pleasant fragrance to homemade potpourri mixes.
- Culinary decoration: Its brightly colored flowers can be used as an edible garnish on salads and desserts for an elegant presentation.
- Photography prop: Due to its aesthetic appeal, the plant can be utilized by photographers as a foreground or background element in garden photography.
- Aromatic sachets: Dried leaves can be placed into small sachets to freshen up closets, drawers, or even car interiors with their scent.
- Natural confetti: Petals can be used as a biodegradable confetti at weddings or celebrations, reducing environmental impact.
- Garden pathways: The low-growing habit and spreading nature make it a good option for lining garden paths, providing both beauty and a soft fragrant aroma when brushed against.
- Teaching tool: The plant can be used in educational settings to teach about plant reproduction, hybridization, and horticulture practices.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Geranium is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Geranium is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Unity: The hybrid nature of Geranium × cantabrigiense 'Berggarten' signifies the bringing together of different elements, representing the idea of unity and coming together.
- Balance: Its growth habit, which includes spreading foliage and flowers that balance on top, can symbolize the importance of balance in life.
- Friendship: Often found in gardens and shared spaces, this plant reflects the nurturing of relationships and is a symbol of friendship.
- Health: The geranium is known to be used in various forms for its health benefits, symbolizing well-being and recovery.
- Protection: With its aromatic leaves, the plant is thought to repel insects, symbolizing protection and the warding off of negative influences.
WaterCambridge geranium should be watered thoroughly once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically means watering about once a week. During the active growing season in spring and summer, it may require more frequent watering, especially if conditions are very hot or dry. Provide water directly to the soil to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to disease. Depending on the size of the plant and the weather conditions, it might need about 1 gallon of water every 7 to 10 days. However, always adjust the amount based on rainfall and temperature since over-watering can be just as harmful as under-watering.
LightCambridge geranium thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. It should be placed in a spot where it receives at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight daily. If grown indoors, a south-facing window is ideal, but an east or west-facing window will also suffice provided the plant receives enough light. In regions with very hot summers, some afternoon shade is beneficial to prevent leaf scorch.
TemperatureCambridge geranium performs best in temperatures ranging from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit but can tolerate temperatures as low as 50 degrees and as high as 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It is a hardy plant that can withstand a brief frost, but prolonged exposure to temperatures below 50 degrees can be detrimental to its health. Ideal growing conditions involve maintaining moderate temperatures within the recommended range.
PruningPrune Cambridge geraniums to maintain their shape and encourage bushier growth. Cut back leggy stems in early spring, before the onset of new growth, to about 4 to 6 inches to promote fuller plants. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, should be done regularly to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season. Additionally, remove any dead or damaged foliage as needed to keep the plant healthy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCambridge Geranium thrives in well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.8 to 6.3. A mix of two parts garden soil, one part peat moss or compost, and one part perlite or coarse sand is ideal. Ensure the soil is rich in organic matter to promote healthy growth.
RepottingCambridge Geranium generally does not require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 2 to 3 years. Repotting should be done in spring or early summer when the plant shows signs of being root-bound or the soil has depleted.
Humidity & MistingCambridge Geranium prefers average to slightly above-average humidity levels but is quite adaptable to a range of conditions. It can tolerate dry air but might appreciate occasional misting.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, moderate watering, and good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, well-drained soil, protect from harsh sun.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cycleGeranium × cantabrigiense 'Berggarten', commonly known as Cambridge geranium, begins its life as a seed that germinates in spring when the soil is moist and warm enough. The seedling grows and develops a root system and foliage during the late spring and summer. As a perennial, it enters a state of dormancy during the colder months, with its aboveground growth dying back. Come the following spring, the plant emerges from dormancy, resuming growth from the rootstock and producing new stems and leaves. During late spring to early summer, it blossoms, with flowers that can attract pollinators which aid in the reproduction process. After flowering, seeds are produced and dispersed, completing the cycle, and the plant continues to grow and spread, often through rhizomatous expansion, each year.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for Geranium × cantabrigiense 'Berggarten', commonly known as Cambridge geranium, is through division. This is typically done in the spring after the frosts have passed or in early autumn. To propagate by division, carefully dig up an established plant and gently separate the root clumps into smaller sections, ensuring each new section has a piece of the root system and several shoots. Replant the divided sections promptly into well-draining soil, keeping the crown of the plant at soil level. Water the new divisions thoroughly to help establish the roots in their new location. Through this method, you can quickly increase your collection of Cambridge geraniums while maintaining the health and vitality of the parent plant.
