Cranesbill Geranium 'Ivan'

Names

• Synonyms

  Cranesbill, Hardy Geranium.

• Common names

  Pelargonium 'Ivan'.

Toxicity

• To humans

  The Geranium, specifically the variety 'Ivan', is generally not considered highly toxic to humans. However, ingesting large quantities of the plant, especially for small children, can cause minor symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is important to be cautious and keep plants out of reach of children to avoid accidental ingestion.

• To pets

  Geraniums, including the variety 'Ivan', can be toxic to pets, especially cats and dogs. Ingesting parts of this plant can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and dermatitis in pets. If your pet consumes a geranium, it is important to contact a veterinarian to get proper advice on managing the toxicity.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Pink

• Height

  1-2 feet (30-60 cm)

• Spread

  1-2 feet (30-60 cm)

• Plant type

  Herb

• Hardiness zones

  5

• Native area

  South Africa

General Benefits

• Attracts Pollinators: Geranium 'Ivan' is known to attract bees and butterflies, which aid in pollination and promote biodiversity in gardens.
• Low Maintenance: This variety of geranium is easy to care for; it requires minimal watering and can thrive in a range of soil types.
• Drought Tolerant: Once established, Geranium 'Ivan' can withstand periods of low water availability, making it suitable for xeriscaping or dry climate gardens.
• Colorful Blooms: It produces vibrant flowers that can add aesthetic appeal and color to gardens and landscapes.
• Long Flowering Season: Geranium 'Ivan' has a lengthy blooming period that typically lasts from spring to fall, providing extended visual interest.
• Ground Cover: Its growth habit can provide effective ground coverage, reducing the growth of weeds and minimizing soil erosion.
• Outdoor Versatility: The plant can be used in various garden settings, including borders, beds, and containers.
• Deer and Rabbit Resistance: Geranium 'Ivan' is generally resistant to grazing by deer and rabbits, which helps maintain its appearance and health in wildlife-rich areas.

Medical Properties

This plant is not used for medical purposes.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• As a natural dye: Geranium leaves can sometimes be used for dyeing fabrics, imparting a range of green hues depending on the mordant used.
• In aromatherapy: The essential oil of geraniums is sometimes incorporated into aromatherapy practices for its perceived soothing effects and pleasant fragrance.
• As a companion plant: Geraniums can be used in the garden to repel certain types of insects, helping to protect other plants from being eaten or damaged.
• As a flavoring agent: The aromatic leaves of geraniums can be infused in sugar or used in flavoring desserts and beverages, imparting a subtle floral taste.
• In craft projects: The flowers and foliage of geraniums can be used in various craft projects, such as pressed flower art or potpourri.
• As a natural fabric freshener: Dried geranium leaves can be placed in drawers or closets to impart a fresh scent to stored clothing and linens.
• In educational settings: Geraniums can be grown in classrooms as an example of plant biology and can be used in lessons on photosynthesis, reproduction, and the lifecycles of plants.
• In photography: Due to their vibrant blooms and interesting foliage, geraniums often serve as an appealing subject in botanical and garden photography.
• As a natural cleaner: Some people use geranium leaves steeped in water to create a gentle cleaning agent for wiping surfaces, believing it leaves a fresh scent and has mild antibacterial properties.
• In frost warnings: Some gardeners observe the state of geranium leaves as a natural indicator of temperature drops, as they are sensitive to frost damage.

Feng Shui

The Geranium plant can be used in Feng Shui to create a balance of energies within a home. It is believed to help purify the air, promote positivity, and create a soothing environment. Geraniums are often used to bring good luck and harmony, and placing them in the living space or near the front entrance can encourage positive Chi flow and uplift the mood of the occupants.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Geranium plant is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Unexpected Meeting: Geraniums are often associated with unexpected encounters or surprises, owing to their sudden bursts of colorful blooms.
• Good Health: These flowers have been traditionally used to represent wishes for good health or recovery, as they were used in folk medicine.
• Friendship: Geraniums signify positive emotions and are often exchanged between friends to symbolize the bond and support in platonic relationships.
• Peace: The plant is thought to promote a peaceful environment, tranquility, and stress relief, which makes it a popular plant for serene spaces.
• Fertility: In some cultures, geraniums represent fertility and creation, stemming from their ability to propagate easily and bloom abundantly.
• Protection: Historically believed to ward off negativity and evil spirits, people often planted geraniums around their homes for spiritual protection.