Cranesbill Geranium 'Brookside'
ABOUT
Geranium 'Brookside' showcases an abundance of vibrant blue flowers that boast a slightly lighter center and veining, creating a striking contrast against the deeply cut, lacy foliage. The leaves are a rich, medium green, serving as a perfect backdrop for the showy bloom display. The flowers carry a rounded shape consisting of five petals each, radiating from the plant's core in a classic geranium form. This perennial is known for its long blooming period, extending the season of interest in the garden. The robust nature of 'Brookside' means that it creates a generous cluster of blooms and foliage, contributing to a lush and full-bodied appearance without focusing on the specific size dimensions of the plant.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Geraniaceae
Synonyms
Cranesbill, Hardy Geranium
Common names
Geranium 'Brookside'.
ToxicityTo humans
Geraniums, including the 'Brookside' variety, are generally not considered toxic to humans. However, ingesting large quantities of any plant material may cause gastrointestinal discomfort such as nausea or diarrhea due to the plant's natural compounds. In general, they are safe around people and not known to cause serious poisoning when touched or ingested in small amounts.
To pets
Geraniums are known to be toxic to pets, especially dogs and cats. If ingested, they can cause symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy, anorexia, depression, and dermatitis. In some cases, geranium ingestion can lead to more severe reactions, but this generally occurs with large quantities. Pet owners should prevent their animals from consuming parts of the plant and seek veterinary assistance if ingestion occurs.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-8
Native area
Asia, Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Flowers: Geranium 'Brookside' boasts vibrant blue flowers with purple veining and white centers, adding aesthetic appeal to gardens and landscapes.
- Ease of Care: This plant is known for being low maintenance, requiring minimal care once established, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Geranium 'Brookside' can tolerate periods of drought, which is beneficial in areas with water restrictions or for reducing water usage in the garden.
- Pest Resistance: It has natural resistance to many garden pests, reducing the need for chemical pesticides and contributing to a healthier garden environment.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting local ecosystems and pollination.
- Long Blooming Period: Geranium 'Brookside' has a long flowering season, often from late spring to early fall, providing extended color in the garden.
- Versatility: It can be used in a variety of garden settings, including borders, flower beds, rock gardens, and as ground cover, due to its mounding and spreading habit.
- Deer Resistance: The plant is generally resistant to deer, which can help prevent damage in gardens frequented by wildlife.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Companion Planting: Geraniums can deter pests when interplanted with vegetables, such as roses or tomatoes, because their scent is unattractive to common garden pests.
- Natural Dye: The petals of geraniums can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, yielding a range of colors from pinks to blues and purples.
- Garden Design: Due to its vivid blue flowers, Geranium 'Brookside' is used to create striking contrasts in garden borders and designs.
- Horticultural Therapy: Geraniums are often included in therapeutic garden spaces due to their colorful and uplifting appearance, which can enhance mental well-being.
- Craft Projects: The bright flowers and foliage of geraniums can be used in various craft projects, including pressed flower art or potpourri.
- Culinary Decoration: The non-toxic petals of Geranium 'Brookside' can be used to garnish salads or desserts for an edible decoration.
- Photography: The picturesque Geranium 'Brookside' is frequently used as a subject in garden photography due to its striking blue flowers.
- Erosion Control: Geraniums, with their dense growth, can be planted on slopes or areas prone to erosion to help stabilize the soil.
- Wildlife Attraction: Geranium 'Brookside' flowers can attract pollinators like bees and butterflies to a garden, aiding in the pollination of other plants.
- Seasonal Displays: The long blooming period of Geranium 'Brookside' makes it excellent for use in seasonal floral displays and container gardens.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Geranium is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Geranium is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Unexpected Meeting: Geraniums are often associated with encounters and meetings that haven't been planned.
- True Friendship: The geranium symbolizes friendship and the strengthening of bonds with friends.
- Health: Geraniums are linked to health and healing, suggesting the importance of maintaining a healthy mind and body.
- Positive Energy: With its vibrant flowers, geraniums are thought to represent positivity and the flow of good energy.
- Folly or Stupidity: In Victorian times, geraniums sometimes symbolized foolishness or folly.
WaterFor Geranium 'Brookside', which is commonly known as Cranesbill, it's important to water them regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy. During the growing season, they typically need water at least once a week, depending on the climate and weather conditions. Ideally, you should provide about 1 inch of water per week, either through rainfall or manual watering. To avoid waterlogging and potential root rot, ensure that the soil drains well after watering. During hot, dry periods, you may need to water Cranesbill more frequently, while in cooler, wetter conditions, you can water less often.
LightCranesbill thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. It's ideal to place them in a spot where they can receive at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight daily. Although they can tolerate some shade, too much shade can lead to reduced flowering and a leggy growth habit. If grown indoors, a south-facing window would be the best spot for these geraniums.
TemperatureCranesbill geranium prefers moderate to warm temperatures, thriving best between 55°F and 75°F. They can survive temperatures as low as 20°F; however, they will die back in freezing conditions and return in the spring. It's important to protect them from frost, which can damage the foliage and stems.
PruningPrune Cranesbill to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Deadheading spent blooms can promote a longer flowering season. Cutting back the foliage after it blooms can also stimulate a second flush of blooms later in the season. The best time for general pruning is in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCranesbill 'Brookside' thrives best in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter, a soil mix of equal parts garden soil, peat, and perlite is optimal. The ideal soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.8 to 7.0.
RepottingCranesbill 'Brookside' generally should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current container, which allows for refreshment of the soil and root pruning if necessary.
Humidity & MistingCranesbill 'Brookside' prefers moderate humidity levels, but is quite adaptable and can tolerate the lower humidity commonly found in home environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and water when topsoil is dry.
Outdoor
Plant in part-sun to full sun, water regularly.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe Geranium 'Brookside', also known as cranesbill geranium, begins its life cycle as a seed, which when sown in fertile, well-draining soil and given appropriate warmth and moisture, will germinate. Following germination, the seedling emerges with its initial set of true leaves and continues its growth into a young plant, developing a robust root system and foliage. As the plant matures, it forms lush clumps of cut foliage and produces abundantly blue flowers with a white center and veined petals during its blooming season, which typically occurs in late spring to early summer. After pollination, the flowers develop into fruit capsules that resemble cranes' bills, eventually releasing seeds for the next generation. During the late summer or fall, the plant may experience a second lesser flush of flowers before entering dormancy; in colder climates, the above-ground foliage dies back with frost while the root system overwinters. With the return of warmer temperatures in spring, the plant breaks dormancy, regrows, and the cycle starts anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Geranium 'Brookside', commonly known as Cranesbill, is best propagated through cuttings, typically done in late spring to early summer. To propagate by cuttings, select a healthy, non-flowering stem approximately 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long. Cut just below a node, where the leaf joins the stem, and remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone to encourage root development and plant it in a moist soilless potting mix. Cover with a plastic bag to maintain humidity and place in indirect light. After a few weeks, roots should develop, and you can remove the plastic bag. Once the new Cranesbill has established a strong root system, it can be transplanted into the garden.
