Cranesbill Geranium 'Mrs Jean Moss'
ABOUT
Geranium 'Mrs Jean Moss' is a vibrant and hardy perennial known for its decorative foliage and attractive flowers. It features deeply lobed, green leaves that may have a faint zonal pattern, providing a lush background for the blossoms. Throughout its blooming season, this geranium produces clusters of semi-double flowers. The petals exhibit a lovely shade of pink, often with subtle veins or marks that give depth to their color. The flowers stand out against the foliage, making the plant a lovely addition to any garden display. Rounded in form, the overall appearance of Geranium 'Mrs Jean Moss' is that of a robust and compact plant, which provides a continuous show of color in the setting where it is grown.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Geraniaceae.
Synonyms
Cranesbill Geranium, Hardy Geranium.
Common names
Pelargonium 'Mrs Jean Moss'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Geranium, including the 'Mrs Jean Moss' variety, is generally not considered to be toxic to humans. However, some people may experience mild irritation or allergic reactions when handling the plant or its sap, such as dermatitis or irritation of the skin and eyes. It is not advisable to ingest any part of the plant; if ingested in large quantities, it might cause gastrointestinal upset, including nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
To pets
Geraniums are known to be toxic to pets, particularly to dogs and cats. If a pet ingests any part of a Geranium, symptoms of poisoning can include vomiting, anorexia, depression, and dermatitis. In some cases, ingestion can also lead to more severe reactions such as ataxia or hypothermia. Pet owners should keep Geraniums, including the 'Mrs Jean Moss' variety, out of reach of their animals to prevent any accidental poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
12-18 inches (30-45 cm)
Spread
12-24 inches (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Southern Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Aesthetics: Adds vibrant color and texture to gardens with its striking pink flowers and lush foliage.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Resistance: Tolerates periods of low water, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Pest Resistance: Naturally repels certain pests, helping to protect itself and surrounding plants.
- Long Blooming Period: Produces flowers for an extended period, often from late spring to early fall.
- Wildlife Attraction: Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity in the garden.
- Adaptability: Can thrive in a variety of soil types and climatic conditions.
- Use in Landscaping: Ideal for use in borders, containers, and as ground cover due to its spreading habit.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: The flowers of the Geranium can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, offering a range of colors from soft pinks to deep blues depending on the mordant used.
- In potpourris: Dried Geranium leaves and flowers retain their scent, making them a perfect addition to homemade potpourris, adding a pleasant fragrance to rooms.
- As companion plants: Geraniums are known to repel certain insects, making them great companion plants for vegetables and other flowers to decrease pest infestations.
- In aromatherapy: The aromatic oils from Geraniums are used in aromatherapy to create a calming and relaxing environment within homes or during massages.
- As a flavoring agent: Leaves of the Geranium are sometimes used to flavor jellies, teas, and desserts, imparting a subtle rose-like essence.
- For crafts: The petals and leaves can be pressed and used in craft projects like homemade paper or botanical prints.
- As natural confetti: Biodegradable and more environmentally friendly than traditional paper confetti, dried Geranium petals can be used at celebrations.
- In perfumes: Geranium oil is often used as a middle note in perfumery for creating floral and fresh scents.
- For educational purposes: Geraniums can be used in schools or educational programs to teach botany and horticulture due to their easy growth and maintenance.
- In culinary presentation: Edible Geranium flowers can be used as an attractive garnish on plates, adding color and a touch of elegance to dishes.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiGeraniums are often used in Feng Shui to foster positive energy and can represent health, friendship, and happiness. They can be placed in areas associated with the Bagua map to enhance personal growth and well-being. A pink geranium like 'Mrs Jean Moss' might be used in the southwest area of a home or garden to promote loving relationships and to add a gentle, nurturing energy to the space.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityGeraniums are not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Friendship: Geraniums often represent close friendships due to their ability to bloom profusely and attract social butterflies like bees and hummingbirds, suggesting a bustling, friendly environment.
- Health: The bright and colorful flowers symbolize a vibrant life, conveying wishes for good health and vitality.
- Comfort: Geraniums, with their familiar and reassuring presence in gardens, are associated with the comfort of home and a sense of belonging.
- Positive Emotions: With their multitude of colors and pleasant appearance, geraniums are often related to positivity and bringing happiness into one’s life.
WaterGeraniums prefer their soil to be kept moist but not soggy. The Geranium 'Mrs Jean Moss' should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. In general, this means watering every 7 to 10 days, depending on climate conditions and the size of the pot. Use approximately 16 ounces (1 pint) of water for smaller pots and up to 1 gallon for larger containers, ensuring it's distributed evenly around the base of the plant. Always allow excess water to drain away to prevent root rot.
LightThe Geranium 'Mrs Jean Moss' thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. The ideal spot would be a location where the plant receives at least 6 hours of morning sunlight with some dappled shade during the intense midday heat. An east or west-facing windowsill is typically a great location for these geraniums to receive the right balance of light throughout the day.
TemperatureGeranium 'Mrs Jean Moss' prefers moderate temperatures and should be kept in an environment where the temperature is consistently between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive in temperatures as low as 55 degrees Fahrenheit, but it's best to avoid exposure to frosts. The ideal growing condition would maintain a consistent temperature without extreme fluctuations.
PruningGeranium 'Mrs Jean Moss' benefits from regular pruning to encourage bushy growth and to remove any dead or yellowing leaves and spent blooms. Pruning is best done in the early spring or after the plant has flowered. Pinching off new growth tips and deadheading old flowers can be done consistently throughout the growing season to promote continuous blooming.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor Geranium 'Mrs Jean Moss', commonly known as Cranesbill, use a well-draining, loamy potting mix with some added organic matter. A pH level of 5.8 to 6.3 is optimal for these plants. Perlite or sand can improve drainage, and compost or peat moss can help maintain moisture and nutrient levels.
RepottingCranesbill geraniums should be repotted once every 1-2 years or when they outgrow their current pot. Spring is the best time to repot to give the plant time to establish before the growing season.
Humidity & MistingCranesbill geraniums prefer moderate to slightly dry humidity levels. They do well in average home humidity and do not require additional humidity control measures.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Cranesbill in bright, indirect light and ensure good airflow.
Outdoor
Plant Cranesbill in partial shade to full sun; protect from intense heat.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Geranium 'Mrs. Jean Moss' begins with seed germination, where the seeds start sprouting under suitable warmth and moisture conditions. After germination, the seedlings grow into juvenile plants featuring iconic scalloped leaves and begin to develop a root system. The plant enters the vegetative stage as it matures, producing more foliage and gaining size, with regular pruning to encourage bushier growth. Once mature enough, the Geranium 'Mrs. Jean Moss' enters the flowering stage, where it produces clusters of pink or lavender blooms typically from spring through fall in favorable climates. After the flowering period, seeds develop that can be dispersed and germinate to start a new life cycle. In winter or unfavorable conditions, the plant may enter a dormant phase, reducing its metabolic activity until favorable conditions return.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
For the Geranium 'Mrs. Jean Moss', a popular method of propagation is through stem cuttings, usually in late spring or early summer when the plant's growth is most vigorous. To propagate, select a healthy stem and cut a 3 to 5 inch (7.5 to 12.5 cm) piece just below a node, where the leaf joint is. Remove the bottom leaves to expose a clear section of stem. The cutting can then be dipped into rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth, although this step is optional. Plant the cutting in a moist potting mix, ensuring that the cut end is well embedded. Place the cutting in a warm, brightly lit area out of direct sunlight. Roots will typically form within a few weeks, after which the new geranium plant can gradually be acclimatized to its outdoor environment or to regular indoor conditions if kept as a houseplant.
