Oxford geranium Geranium × oxonianum 'Lace Time'
ABOUT
Geranium 'Lace Time' is a flowering perennial known for its decorative appeal in gardens and its intricate bloom patterns. The plant features soft, green foliage that forms a lush mound. Its leaves are softly lobed, giving them a textured and inviting appearance. The flowers of 'Lace Time' are particularly eye-catching, displaying an exquisite blend of pale pink petals that are delicately veined with a network of darker pink, which gives them a lacy look – one reason for the plant's evocative name. These blooms have a rounded shape with slightly ruffled edges, creating an overall romantic and wispy effect. The flowers are often dotted with more prominent dark pink markings at the base, which lead to a central core, where the stamens present a subtle contrast, often appearing in a lighter or coordinating color. The flowering period for Geranium 'Lace Time' extends over the warmer months, providing a long-lasting display of its beautiful and intricate blossoms that stand out amongst the verdant foliage.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Oxford Geranium, Lace Time Hardy Geranium
Common names
Geranium × oxonianum 'Lace Time'.
ToxicityTo humans
Geraniums, including Geranium × oxonianum 'Lace Time', are considered non-toxic to humans. They are not known to cause serious harm if ingested. However, eating plant parts can sometimes cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort, such as nausea or diarrhea, although this is quite rare. It is always prudent to keep plants out of the reach of small children who might chew on them out of curiosity.
To pets
Geraniums, including Geranium × oxonianum 'Lace Time', are known to be toxic to pets, especially to dogs and cats. If ingested by a pet, the plant can cause symptoms such as vomiting, anorexia, depression, and dermatitis. In severe cases, ingestion may lead to more serious conditions but these are relatively uncommon. If a pet has ingested geranium, it is important to contact a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife 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
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: 'Lace Time' provides nectar and pollen for bees and other beneficial insects.
- Easy to grow: This geranium is known for its hardiness and ease of cultivation in various garden conditions.
- Long blooming period: It produces flowers over an extended period, usually from late spring to fall.
- Low maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, only needing occasional watering and deadheading.
- Drought tolerant: Once established, it can cope with periods of low rainfall, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Ground cover: It can spread to cover bare spots in the garden, helping to suppress weeds.
- Attractive foliage: Offers visual interest even when not in bloom, thanks to its deeply cut leaves.
- Garden design: Versatile and can be used in borders, rock gardens, or as edging plants.
- Non-invasive: While it spreads, it does not typically become invasive, making it a good garden citizen.
- Resistant to grazing: Generally resistant to deer and rabbits, lessening the need for protective measures.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Geranium × oxonianum 'Lace Time', commonly known as Geranium, can be used as a natural dye source. The leaves and flowers may produce subtle hues when used in fabric dyeing processes.
- The plant can be pressed and used in botanical art or crafts to create decorative patterns and designs for items like bookmarks, greeting cards, or framed art.
- Geranium leaves can be infused in water to create scented rinse waters for linens or clothing, providing a gentle, floral fragrance.
- Dried Geranium flowers can be used to make homemade potpourri, combining them with other dried flowers and spices to freshen indoor spaces.
- The crushed leaves of the Geranium can act as an insect repellent when rubbed on the skin, though it may not be as effective as commercial repellents.
- Geraniums can be employed in the practice of companion planting, where they are used next to vegetables or fruits to help repel certain pests.
- During educational activities, different parts of the Geranium can be used to teach botany and plant anatomy due to their distinct features.
- The Geranium's distinctive patterns can serve as inspiration for designers and artists in fashion and textile design, influencing prints and motifs.
- Leaves of the Geranium can be used in culinary presentations for decorative plating, although they are not typically consumed.
- Geranium petals, non-toxic and colorful, can be scattered in garden paths or patio areas to add temporary decorative embellishments for special occasions.
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 and togetherness: Geraniums, in general, often symbolize unity due to their clustered blossoms that represent a group coming together harmoniously.
- True friendship: Given as a gift, a geranium plant is thought to represent a true and lasting friendship, perhaps because of the plant’s long-lasting nature.
- Good health: Geraniums are sometimes used to symbolize good health, likely due to their traditional use in medicine and their vibrant appearance.
- Happiness and positive emotions: The bright and colorful flowers of the geranium plant are often associated with happiness, cheerfulness, and positive vibes.
- Ingenuity: The resilient and adaptable nature of the geranium plant means it can symbolize resourcefulness and ingenuity in various situations.
WaterThe Hardy Geranium, or Geranium × oxonianum 'Lace Time', prefers consistent moisture but does not like to be waterlogged. Water it deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings; this typically translates to approximately one gallon of water per week, depending on weather conditions and soil drainage. During hot or dry spells, you may need to water more frequently to ensure the soil remains evenly moist, but avoid standing water as this plant is prone to root rot if conditions are too wet. In the winter months or during periods of rainfall, reduce watering to prevent soggy soil. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering to avoid overwatering.
LightThe Hardy Geranium thrives in full sun to partial shade. It prefers a spot where it can receive around six hours of sunlight daily. When grown in too much shade, the plant may become leggy and produce fewer flowers. Ideal placement would be where it can enjoy morning sunlight and be protected from the intense sun in the afternoon, especially in hotter climates.
TemperatureHardy Geraniums are well-suited to a range of temperatures and can survive in a zone with temperatures as low as 5°F for brief periods. Ideally, they flourish in temperatures between 60°F and 75°F. Extreme heat above 85°F can stress the plant, so provide some afternoon shade in areas with hot summers.
PruningPruning encourages the Hardy Geranium to produce a second flush of flowers and maintain a tidy form. Cut back the plant by one-third after the first bloom in late spring or early summer. Deadheading spent flowers will also promote further blooming. Additionally, removing dead or fading foliage throughout the season can help to prevent disease and improve air circulation around the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilOxonian Cranesbill, also known as Hardy Geranium, thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH range of 5.8 to 6.3. A mix containing equal parts of loam, peat moss, and sharp sand or perlite provides the necessary drainage and nutrient retention. Organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure can also be added to enrich the soil and promote healthy growth.
RepottingOxonian Cranesbill typically does not need to be repotted frequently and can remain in the same pot for several years. However, if the plant has outgrown its current pot or the soil has become compacted, it can be repotted in the spring. Generally, repotting every 2-4 years is adequate for maintaining its health and vigor.
Humidity & MistingOxonian Cranesbill is adaptable to a range of humidity levels; however, it performs best in environments with moderate humidity. Aim for humidity levels that resemble those found in typical outdoor conditions, as too much humidity can lead to fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Oxonian Cranesbill in bright, indirect light and avoid overwatering.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade to full sun, ensure good drainage, and water regularly.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cycle'Lace Time' geranium, commonly known as Oxford Geranium, begins its life cycle as a seed, which, when sown in suitable conditions, germinates to produce small seedlings. The seedlings then develop into mature plants with distinct scalloped leaves and a mound-forming habit. As the plants grow, they enter the flowering stage, typically in late spring to early summer, where they produce pale pink flowers with deeper pink veining. The flowering can continue sporadically throughout the summer months, especially if old blooms are removed (deadheading). After the flowering season, the plant may produce seeds if the flowers have been pollinated, which can be collected for propagation or allowed to self-seed in the garden. In winter or during periods of cold, the plant's growth slows down and it may die back, but as a perennial, it will regrow from its rootstock with the return of warmer weather in spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
The Geranium × oxonianum 'Lace Time', commonly known as Geranium 'Lace Time', can be propagated most popularly through division, usually done in spring or early fall. This method involves carefully taking the parent plant out of the ground and using a sharp, clean knife or spade to divide the root ball into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has a piece of the root system and some shoots. Each division should be immediately replanted in moist, well-draining soil at the same depth it was growing before division. Water the new plantings thoroughly to help establish their roots. This approach is favored because it maintains the true characteristics of the plant and results in a quicker mature plant than other methods like seed propagation.
