Hardy Geranium Geranium (Cinereum Group) 'Carol'
ABOUT
The Geranium 'Carol', a delightful member of the Cinereum Group, is admired for its ornamental qualities and charming appearance. This plant features a lush foliage that is typically deeply lobed and rounded, creating a dense mat of greenery that is soft to the touch. The leaves often have a slightly fuzzy texture and may show hints of reddish or autumnal tones, especially as the cooler weather sets in, adding to its visual interest throughout the growing season. The star attraction of this plant is its exquisite flowers. The 'Carol' variety is known for its beautiful blooms that display an array of colors, often a vibrant magenta or pink with darker veining radiating from the center, which creates a lovely contrast against the green foliage. The flowers are formed with five rounded petals that are slightly cupped, giving them a delicate and inviting appearance. These blossoms are held aloft on slender stems that rise just above the foliage, creating a whimsical, floating effect that can be quite eye-catching in a garden setting. The bloom period of the Geranium 'Carol' is also noteworthy, as it often extends over a long duration, providing a showy display and enhancing the garden aesthetic for an extended time. This makes it not only a treat for the eyes but also a valuable addition for those looking to have continuous color in their outdoor spaces. The overall appeal of the plant is further increased by its hardiness and ability to thrive in a variety of conditions, making it a popular choice for both novice and experienced gardeners alike.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Ashy Cranesbill, Grayleaf Geranium, Dusky Cranesbill.
Common names
Geranium cinereum 'Carol'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Geranium is generally considered non-toxic to humans. Ingesting parts of the plant is not usually associated with serious poisoning. However, it's always possible for individuals to experience mild gastrointestinal upset or skin irritation if they have sensitivity or an allergic reaction to the plant.
To pets
Geraniums can be toxic to pets, particularly to cats and dogs. If ingested, they may cause symptoms such as vomiting, anorexia, depression, and dermatitis. In severe cases, geranium ingestion can lead to more serious effects, but such severe reactions are uncommon. Owners should prevent their pets from ingesting the plant and should consult a veterinarian if they suspect poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
0.5 feet (15 cm)
Spread
1 feet (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits```html
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it a good choice for gardeners with limited time.
- Drought Tolerant: Can survive with minimal watering, making it suitable for dry or xeriscape gardens.
- Attracts Pollinators: Flowers attract bees and butterflies, which are beneficial for pollination of garden plants.
- Ground Cover: Its spreading habit allows it to cover ground quickly, suppressing weeds and reducing garden maintenance.
- Long Blooming: Produces flowers for an extended period, often from spring to fall, providing long-lasting color.
- Deer Resistant: Less likely to be eaten by deer, making it a good choice for areas where deer are a problem.
- Colourful Foliage: Leaves often change colors in the autumn, providing seasonal interest in the garden.
- Versatile: Suitable for a variety of garden locations, including borders, rockeries, and containers.
- Easy to Propagate: Can be easily propagated by division, cuttings, or seeds to expand garden displays or share with others.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds visual interest to the garden with its pretty flowers and foliage, enhancing the overall garden design.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Botanical Illustration & Art: Artists may use Geranium 'Carol' as a subject for botanical illustrations and paintings due to its distinctive blooms.
- Natural Dye: The petals of Geranium 'Carol' can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics or paper, producing varying shades of pink and purple.
- Biodegradable Confetti: The petals of this Geranium can be dried and used as biodegradable confetti at celebrations to reduce environmental impact.
- Garden Design: Geranium 'Carol' can be used as a border plant to add color and define paths and spaces within gardens.
- Photography: The plant serves as an attractive subject for photography, capturing its vibrant flowers and enhancing portfolios.
- Education: Geranium 'Carol' can be used in school projects to teach students about plant biology, life cycles, and the care of living things.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not commonly consumed, the flowers can occasionally be used as an edible garnish for salads or desserts.
- Companion Planting: This Geranium can be planted alongside roses and other perennials to help deter pests and attract beneficial insects.
- Fragrance Potpourri: The leaves and flowers can be dried and added to potpourri mixes to impart a subtle fragrance to a room.
- Literary Inspiration: The beauty of Geranium 'Carol' has the potential to inspire poetry, prose, and other forms of literary expression.
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- Good Health: Often, geraniums are associated with good health and are used to convey wishes for someone's well-being.
- Friendship: The geranium can symbolize close friendship or companionship due to its nature of growing in bunches and clusters.
- Happiness and Positive Emotions: Their bright flowers are thought to evoke cheerfulness and positive emotions.
- Peace: The scent and presence of geraniums are considered calming, thus they are frequently associated with peace and tranquility.
- Fertility: In some cultural interpretations, geraniums may symbolize fertility and abundance due to their lush foliage and rich, continuous blooms.
WaterHardy geraniums like 'Carol' should be watered deeply once a week during active growth, providing about one inch of water which equates to approximately 0.6 gallons per square yard. It's important to allow the soil to dry out between waterings to avoid waterlogging, as these plants are drought tolerant and prone to root rot if kept too moist. Water the geraniums at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry and prevent disease. During dormancy in the winter, reduce watering but do not let the soil become completely dry. Adjust frequency based on weather conditions, watering less during rainy periods and more during dry spells.
LightHardy geraniums like 'Carol' do best in full to partial sunlight. Ideally, they need at least 4-6 hours of sunlight daily. The best spot for these plants would be in a garden bed that gets morning sun and partial shade in the afternoon to protect from intense heat. Good light ensures healthy growth and maximizes flower production.
TemperatureHardy geraniums, such as 'Carol', thrive in a wide range of temperatures, but they prefer conditions between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive minimum temperatures down to around 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Geraniums enjoy cooler nighttime temperatures, which can help promote better flowering.
PruningPruning hardy geraniums like 'Carol' encourages healthy growth and flowering. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to promote continuous flowering. In early spring or after the first wave of flowering, cut the plants back by about half to rejuvenate and encourage fresh growth and blooms. The best time to do extensive pruning is after the danger of frost has passed.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor Geranium 'Carol', the best soil mix is well-draining soil with equal parts of loam, peat, and sand, or a potting mix formulated for container plants. The ideal soil pH should be neutral to slightly acidic, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingGeranium 'Carol' should be repotted every one to two years to refresh the soil and provide room for growth. It's best to repot in spring before the growing season begins.
Humidity & MistingGeranium 'Carol' prefers moderate to slightly dry air humidity levels. It is adaptable to typical household humidity but avoid overly humid conditions, which can lead to fungal issues.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, avoid overwatering, and ensure good air flow.
Outdoor
Choose sunny spot, well-drained soil, protect from severe frosts.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cycleThe Geranium (Cinereum Group) 'Carol', commonly known as Hardy Geranium or Cranesbill, begins its life as a seed that sprouts in early spring. After germination, the seedling establishes a small rosette of leaves close to the ground. As the plant matures, it develops a strong root system and grows into a clump of foliage with lobed leaves. By late spring to early summer, 'Carol' produces distinctive pink flowers with dark veins, which attract pollinators and can lead to seed formation if fertilized. After blooming, the plant may go through a period of dormancy, particularly in hot summer climates, and it can then rebloom in cooler temperatures of late summer or early fall. As winter approaches, the above-ground foliage of the 'Carol' will die back, but the perennial root system remains alive to restart the growth cycle the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: The Geranium (Cinereum Group) 'Carol', commonly known as Hardy Geranium, is most commonly propagated using stem cuttings. This method is often carried out in late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate by cuttings, a healthy non-flowering shoot should be chosen. Cut a 4-6 inch (10-15 cm) portion from the stem, making sure there are at least two sets of leaves. The bottom set of leaves should be removed and the cut end dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth. The cutting should then be planted in a pot filled with a mixture of perlite and peat, ensuring that the where the leaves were removed are buried. The pot needs to be kept in a warm environment with indirect light and maintained moist until roots have developed, usually taking several weeks, after which the new geranium can be transplanted to its final location.
