Cambridge geranium Geranium × cantabrigiense 'Karmina'
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as the 'Karmina' cranesbill is a visually striking, herbaceous perennial. Its foliage consists of deep green leaves that take on a rounded shape, typically with lobed edges that give them a somewhat scalloped appearance. The leaves may also exhibit hints of red in the autumn, adding a colorful accent to the garden as the seasons change. This cranesbill is perhaps best known for its profuse flowering habit, showcasing an abundance of vibrant pink flowers. Each flower features five petals that radiate around a center of pronounced stamens, frequently attracting pollinators such as bees. The blooms are notable for their longevity, typically adorning the plant in a full flush during the late spring and early summer, with sporadic reblooming possibly continuing throughout the summer months. Together, the dense foliage and the masses of pink flowers create an alluring groundcover, contributing to a lush, carpet-like effect in the garden. This cranesbill's foliage and blooms combine to form an aesthetically pleasing tapestry of green and pink that adds texture and color to landscapes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Geraniaceae
Synonyms
Cambridge Geranium, Low Geranium
Common names
Geranium × cantabrigiense 'Karmina'
ToxicityTo humans
The Geranium, specifically the Cambridge geranium 'Karmina', is not known to be toxic to humans. Generally, geraniums are considered non-toxic and are not associated with serious symptoms if ingested. However, it's still recommended to prevent children from ingesting plants and to supervise them during garden activities.
To pets
The Geranium, specifically the Cambridge geranium 'Karmina', is also not known to be toxic to pets. In general, geraniums are typically non-toxic to cats and dogs. However, it's always a good practice to keep an eye on pets in areas where they have access to plants, in case of any unusual reactions or individual sensitivities.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
0.5 feet (15 cm)
Spread
1.5 feet (45 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Low maintenance: Karmina Geranium is easy to care for and does not require frequent attention once established.
- Drought tolerance: It can survive periods of low water availability, making it suitable for xeriscaping or dry gardens.
- Ground cover: Its spreading habit helps to cover bare ground, suppress weeds, and reduce soil erosion.
- Attractive flowers: The plant produces vibrant pink blooms that can enhance the aesthetic appeal of any garden setting.
- Pollinator-friendly: The flowers attract bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity and aiding pollination in the garden.
- Deer and rabbit resistance: The plant is not a preferred choice for deer and rabbits, reducing the likelihood of damage from these animals.
- Winter hardiness: It can withstand cold temperatures, making it suitable for gardens in colder climates.
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 groundcover in miniature gardens: Due to its dense growing habit, Geranium 'Karmina' can be used to create lush, low-maintenance groundcover in tiny or fairy gardens.
- To stabilize soil on slopes: The plant's spreading habit and deep roots help to prevent soil erosion on sloped areas of a landscape.
- In perfumery: The foliage of Geranium 'Karmina', when crushed, emits a pleasant scent that can be distilled and used as a natural fragrance ingredient.
- As a natural dye: The richly colored flowers and leaves can be boiled to extract a dye for coloring fabrics or paper.
- For culinary decoration: The blossoms offer a beautiful, edible garnish for salads, desserts, and specialty drinks.
- As a living mulch: Grows densely enough to suppress weeds effectively, functioning as a living mulch that also adds visual appeal to garden beds.
- Photography backdrop: Geranium 'Karmina' with its bright pink flowers provides an attractive backdrop for macro or close-up photography.
- In crafting: Dried flowers and foliage can be used in potpourri, wreath-making or other dried floral crafts for their color and texture.
- As a companion plant: Geranium 'Karmina' can be grown alongside roses and other perennials to fill in gaps and provide color contrast.
- In educational gardens: The growth habit and propagation methods of Geranium 'Karmina' can be used to teach those interested in horticulture about plant spread and asexual reproduction.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Hardy Geranium is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Hardy Geranium is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Unity: Geraniums often symbolize unity or togetherness due to their clustered flowers that stick close together on the stem.
- Friendship: They are also considered a symbol of friendship because of their long-lasting qualities and how they are commonly shared among friends in gardens.
- Health and longevity: Geraniums have historically been used in folk medicine and are thus associated with health and a long life.
- Happiness and positive emotions: The bright and vivid colors of Geranium 'Karmina' can evoke feelings of joy and cheerfulness.
- Fertility: Like many other plants with abundant green foliage and flowers, geraniums are occasionally linked to fertility and abundance.
WaterCambridge Geranium, commonly known as 'Karmina,' should be watered thoroughly once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically means watering every week during the growing season, depending on climate conditions. It is essential to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Apply approximately one gallon of water per plant, ensuring it reaches the deep roots. Reduce watering frequency in the fall and winter when plant growth slows down. Always water the plant at the base to keep the leaves dry and prevent the spread of diseases.
Light'Karmina' Cambridge Geranium thrives in full sun to part shade. It prefers at least six hours of sunlight each day but can also do well in locations with dappled sunlight or afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates. The ideal spot is one where the morning sun energizes the plant, followed by protection from the intense afternoon heat.
TemperatureCambridge Geranium 'Karmina' can withstand a range of temperatures but ideally enjoys conditions between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for many temperate regions, but it should be protected from frost. Optimal growth occurs within this stated temperature range.
PruningPruning 'Karmina' Cambridge Geranium is important for encouraging bushier growth and removing spent flowers, which promotes further blooming. Deadheading, or cutting off the faded blooms, should be done regularly throughout the flowering season. A more thorough pruning to reshape the plant or manage its size is best done in early spring or after the plant stops blooming in the fall.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCambridge geranium, commonly known as Karmina, thrives best in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. The ideal pH range for the soil is slightly acidic to neutral, between 5.6 and 7.2. A suitable soil mix might include garden soil, compost, and perlite or sand to improve drainage.
RepottingCambridge geraniums should be repotted only when they have outgrown their current container, which is typically every 2 to 3 years. Ensure the new pot is only slightly larger to prevent excess soil moisture.
Humidity & MistingCambridge geranium prefers average to moderately humid conditions. It does not require high humidity environments; typical room humidity is generally sufficient for this plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light, with well-draining soil mix.
Outdoor
Plant in part sun to partial shade with moist, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cycleGeranium × cantabrigiense 'Karmina', commonly known as Cambridge geranium 'Karmina', begins its life cycle with germination when the seeds sprout in favorable conditions, typically in early spring. As a perennial, once established, it enters a growth phase where the plant develops its characteristic lobed leaves and robust root system. The next stage is the flowering period, where 'Karmina' produces vivid pink to purplish flowers, usually peaking in late spring to early summer. After pollination, often by bees and other insects, the plant sets seed in tiny capsules that feature a unique mechanism to fling the seeds away from the parent plant, aiding in dispersal. As temperatures drop in autumn, 'Karmina' may die back to the ground, conserving its energy within the root system for winter dormancy. With the return of warm weather in spring, the plant breaks dormancy, resuming growth and preparing for another cycle of flowering and seeding.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Cambridge geranium, also known as Geranium × cantabrigiense 'Karmina', is commonly propagated by division, which is best done in the spring or the fall. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the plant, ensuring you get a good amount of the root system. Gently separate the plant into smaller clumps, making sure that each new section has several growth points or shoots attached. You can then replant these divisions at the same depth they were previously growing, spacing them about 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 centimeters) apart. Water the new plants thoroughly to help establish them. This method of division helps to rejuvenate older clumps that may have become woody and is also an efficient way to create more plants for other areas of the garden or to share with fellow gardeners.
