Hardy Geranium Geranium 'Lilac Ice'
ABOUT
Geranium 'Lilac Ice' is a visually striking plant that features distinctively shaped leaves and charming flowers. The foliage of this Geranium is typically bright green and often carries a unique, soft and rounded appearance with some scalloping on the edges. The leaves may have a mild zonal pattern, which can add to the textural interest of the plant. The flowers of 'Lilac Ice' are where it truly shines. As its name suggests, this cultivar produces blooms in a delicate lilac color, tending towards a soft, pastel hue. These flowers are generally rounded, with a slight notch on each petal, creating a charming, almost romantic look. The petals can have a gentle ruffling along the edges, which provides a beautiful contrast to the smoother surface in the center. Geranium 'Lilac Ice' blossoms are arranged in clusters, known as inflorescences, which add to the overall lavish appearance of the plant. The clusters are held aloft on slender stems that rise above the foliage, giving the flowers a look of floating above the green leaves. These attributes combined— the scalloped foliage and the frothy lilac blossoms—make Geranium 'Lilac Ice' a lovely and enticing addition to any garden space.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Geraniaceae.
Synonyms
Crane's Bill, Hardy Geranium.
Common names
Pelargonium 'Lilac Ice'.
ToxicityTo humans
Geraniums, including the 'Lilac Ice' variety, are generally considered non-toxic to humans and are not known to cause serious effects if ingested. However, eating large amounts of geranium leaves or flowers could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset such as nausea or diarrhea in some individuals.
To pets
Geraniums, including the 'Lilac Ice' variety, can be toxic to pets, especially cats and dogs. If ingested, they can cause symptoms such as vomiting, anorexia, depression, and dermatitis. In more severe cases, ingestion of geraniums by pets can lead to more serious conditions such as hypotension and even death if not treated promptly. Pet owners should take care to keep these plants out of reach of their animals.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Lilac
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Geranium 'Lilac Ice' has beautiful lilac-colored blooms that enhance the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, these geraniums are quite tolerant of dry conditions, requiring minimal watering.
- Easy Maintenance: This plant is known for being low-maintenance, needing only basic care to thrive.
- Attracts Pollinators: It can attract beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, contributing to the pollination of your garden.
- Long Blooming Season: Geranium 'Lilac Ice' has a long flowering period, providing color and interest from spring to fall.
- Adaptability: It can adapt to a variety of soil types as long as they are well-draining.
- Compact Growth: With its neat growth habit, it is suitable for small gardens, containers, and borders without overwhelming the space.
- Hardiness: This variety is relatively hardy against common garden pests and diseases, making it a resilient addition to the garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Edible Flowers: The blossoms of the geranium can be used in culinary dishes for decoration or as a flavor component, adding a subtle floral note to salads, desserts, and beverages.
- Natural Fabric Dye: The pigments in geranium flowers can be used for dyeing fabrics, providing a natural alternative to synthetic dyes for a soft lilac color.
- Photography Prop: Geraniums, with their vivid colors and full blooms, can serve as an attractive focal point or background in garden photography.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists can use the diverse forms and hues of the geranium as a subject for drawing, painting, or other visual arts.
- Scented Sachets: The petals and leaves of geraniums, when dried, can be used to create scented sachets that freshen up drawers and closets.
- Companion Planting: Planting geraniums near vegetables and other flowers can help repel certain pests, potentially reducing the need for chemical insecticides.
- Decorative Pots and Planters: Geraniums can add a splash of color to ornamental pots and window boxes, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of spaces.
- Teaching Tool: Geraniums can be used in educational settings to teach students about the life cycle of plants, propagation, and horticulture.
- Handmade Paper: Geranium petals can be incorporated into the process of making paper, creating a beautiful, textured, and colorful handmade paper.
- Eco-friendly Confetti: Dried geranium petals are biodegradable and can be used as an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional confetti at celebrations.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Geranium is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Geranium is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Unity & Cooperation - The intermingling of soft lilac hues in the 'Lilac Ice' geranium represents the blending of different strengths and qualities to create harmony and balance.
- True Friendship - Geranium plants are often associated with positive relationships and the 'Lilac Ice' variety, with its pleasant demeanor, epitomizes the joy and affection found in true companionship.
- Unexpected Blessing - The unique coloration and beauty of 'Lilac Ice' can symbolize a pleasant surprise or an unforeseen gift, much like the rare and unexpected blessings in life.
- Serenity & Calmness - The soothing lilac shade offers a sense of tranquility and peace, making it an emblem for calmness amidst life's chaos.
- Femininity & Grace - Traditionally, lilac colors are tied to femininity, and 'Lilac Ice', with its gentle appearance, conveys softness, elegance, and grace.
- Protection - Geraniums, in general, are believed to ward off negative energies, and the 'Lilac Ice' geranium could serve as a symbol for creating a protective, nurturing space.
WaterTo properly water a Geranium 'Lilac Ice', also known as a cranesbill, it is recommended to water deeply once a week, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. You should apply approximately 1 gallon of water for each plant during each watering session, being cautious to avoid overhead watering which can promote disease. During hot summer months, more frequent watering may be needed, especially if the cranesbill is planted in containers. Reduce the frequency of watering in the winter when the plant's growth slows down.
LightCranesbills, including Geranium 'Lilac Ice', thrive best in full sun to partial shade conditions. They should receive at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight each day, ideally during the morning. Avoid placing them in deep shade since this can lead to poor flowering and a leggy growth habit. The ideal spot is one where the plant gets consistent light, but is shielded from the intense heat of the late afternoon sun.
TemperatureCranesbills such as Geranium 'Lilac Ice' tolerate a wide range of temperatures but perform best when the temperature is between 60°F and 75°F. They can survive a minimum temperature of around 30°F, but they are not tolerant of hard freezes and should be protected or brought indoors in regions with harsh winters. The maximum temperature for these perennials is approximately 85°F; above this, the plants may exhibit heat stress.
PruningPrune Geranium 'Lilac Ice' to encourage bushy growth and to remove spent flowers, which promotes further blooming. Deadheading can be done throughout the blooming season. Cut back the entire plant by one-third to one-half after the first flowering to rejuvenate foliage and set up a second flush of blooms. Pruning is usually done in early to mid-summer, depending on the climate and the plant's flowering schedule.
CleaningAs needed
SoilHardy Geraniums, like 'Lilac Ice', thrive in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. The best soil mix can be achieved with equal parts peat, perlite, and potting soil, ensuring good aeration and moisture retention. These plants prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH, around 5.8 to 6.5.
RepottingHardy Geraniums generally don't require frequent repotting. Repot 'Lilac Ice' every 2-3 years or when the plant appears to be outgrowing its current container, ensuring it has enough space to grow without becoming root-bound.
Humidity & MistingHardy Geraniums like 'Lilac Ice' are adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels and do well in average household conditions. They prefer moderate humidity but will tolerate dry air.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place 'Lilac Ice' in a bright area, avoiding direct harsh sun.
Outdoor
Plant in part-shade to full sun, in rich, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleGeranium 'Lilac Ice' begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in warm soil conditions, typically in early spring. Once the seedling emerges, it develops a rosette of leaves and a root system. After establishing itself, the plant enters the vegetative stage, growing stems and more leaves, and gradually maturing over weeks to months. The flowering stage follows, where buds form and open into the characteristic lilac-colored blooms, attracting pollinators for sexual reproduction. Following pollination, the plant produces fruit in the form of capsules which contain seeds that, when mature, are dispersed to begin a new life cycle. As a perennial, after flowering, the plant may undergo a period of dormancy, particularly in cooler climates, before resuming growth in the following season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Geranium 'Lilac Ice', commonly known as Geranium, is best propagated during spring and early summer when growing conditions are optimal for root development. The most popular method of propagation is by taking stem cuttings. Select a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a 4 to 6-inch length (10 to 15 cm) just below a leaf node. Remove leaves from the lower half of the cutting to expose the nodes, as roots will develop from these points. Dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder to enhance root growth. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix, and keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Place the pot in a warm area with bright, indirect light. Roots should develop within a few weeks, after which the new Geranium can be transplanted to a larger container or into the garden.
