Cranesbill Geranium 'Orion'
ABOUT
The Geranium 'Orion' features lush foliage, which is generally bright green and with leaves that have a distinct, deeply lobed shape, characteristic of many geraniums. The leaves may take on a reddish tint in the fall, adding to the plant's ornamental value. It bursts with an abundance of star-like flowers, which have a rich, violet-blue hue, with veining that is slightly darker and more pronounced, giving them a textured appearance. The petals tend to be rounded with a slight notch at the tip, and they convene to form loose clusters that float above the foliage, creating a cloud of color that is particularly eye-catching. The flowers have prominent, showy stamens that often attract bees and butterflies. The overall impression of the Geranium 'Orion' is one of a robust and hardy perennial with a show-stopping floral display that brings vibrant color and life to garden spaces.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Cranesbill, Hardy Geranium.
Common names
Geranium 'Orion'.
ToxicityTo humans
Geranium 'Orion', commonly known as Geranium, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, if ingested in large quantities, it may cause mild upset stomach or diarrhea. The plant is not known for severe toxicity or life-threatening consequences when touched or ingested by humans.
To pets
Geranium 'Orion', commonly known as Geranium, is toxic to pets, particularly dogs and cats. If ingested, it can cause vomiting, lethargy, anorexia, depression, and dermatitis. In more severe cases, it may lead to an allergic reaction. It is advisable to prevent pets from ingesting this plant and to seek veterinary care if they show any symptoms of poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-8
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Flowers: Geranium 'Orion' boasts vibrant blue-violet flowers that add a pop of color to gardens and outdoor spaces.
- Low Maintenance: This variety of geranium is known for being easy to care for, requiring minimal attention once established.
- Long Blooming Season: Geranium 'Orion' has a lengthy flowering period, often from early summer to early fall, providing extended visual interest.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is relatively drought tolerant, making it suitable for gardens with less frequent watering.
- Pest Resistant: It is generally resistant to common garden pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers can attract beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies to the garden, helping to pollinate other plants.
- Versatile Planting: Suitable for borders, rockeries, and containers, this plant can be used in various garden settings.
- Grows in Various Soils: Geranium 'Orion' can grow in a range of soil types, though it prefers well-drained soil.
- Rapid Growth: It can quickly fill in garden spaces, which can help to out-compete weeds.
- Herbaceous Perennial: As a perennial, it will return year after year, eliminating the need to replant annually.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Garden border enhancement: With its vibrant blue flowers, Geranium 'Orion' can add color and definition to garden borders without being too overpowering.
- Pressed flower art: The vivid blooms can be pressed and used for creating decorative artwork or crafts such as greeting cards or bookmarks.
- Fabric dye: The flowers and leaves of Geranium 'Orion' can potentially be used to obtain a natural dye for fabrics, yielding subtle hues.
- Botanical photography subject: Its striking appearance makes it an excellent subject for botanical photography, capturing the intricate beauty of its blooms.
- Scented sachets: Dried Geranium 'Orion' flowers can be used in sachets to subtly scent drawers and closets.
- Educational tool: It can be used in schools or educational programs to teach plant life cycles and pollination processes to students.
- Culinary decoration: While not commonly consumed, the petals can be used as a decorative and edible accent on salads and desserts.
- Companion planting: Geranium 'Orion' can be planted alongside vegetables as it can help deter certain pests with its scent.
- Art: The plant can be an inspiration or a model for drawings, paintings, and other art forms due to its aesthetic flowers and foliage.
- Flower arrangement: Fresh or dried, Geranium 'Orion' can be a part of floral arrangements to provide a unique texture and color contrast.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiGeraniums are not traditionally associated with Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityGeraniums are not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Unexpected Meeting: Geranium 'Orion' represents an unexpected encounter or a surprising meeting due to the way it suddenly bursts into flower.
- Friendship: Many geraniums signify friendship, hence 'Orion' can symbolize a strong bond or a platonic relationship.
- Good Health: Historically, geraniums have been used for their medicinal properties, so they are often associated with the wish for good health.
- Positive Energy: The vibrant colors and robust growth of the 'Orion' geranium represent positivity and optimistic energy in one’s life.
WaterThe common name for Geranium 'Orion' is Hardy Geranium. When watering Hardy Geraniums, they should be watered thoroughly once the soil begins to dry out, which generally means about once a week during active growth periods. Cut back on watering in the fall and winter when the plant is not growing as actively. When you water, aim to provide about one to two gallons per square yard, depending on the size of the plant and weather conditions, ensuring you're wetting the soil deeply to encourage root growth. Always avoid overhead watering to keep the foliage dry and prevent disease.
LightHardy Geraniums thrive in a spot that receives full sun to partial shade. They perform best with around six hours of sunlight per day, but can tolerate a bit less. Ensure your Geranium 'Orion' is placed in an area where it can get plenty of bright, indirect light if direct sunlight is not possible.
TemperatureHardy Geraniums are well-suited for a wide range of temperatures and can tolerate temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit. However, they prefer to grow in an environment where the temperature is consistently between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It's essential to protect the plant from extreme temperatures below 20 degrees Fahrenheit and above 85 degrees Fahrenheit, as this can cause stress and potential damage.
PruningPruning Hardy Geraniums is essential to encourage bushier growth and remove spent flowers, which promotes continuous blooming. It should be done regularly throughout the blooming season. The best time to prune is after a wave of blooming has finished, usually cutting back the plant by one-third to one-half. This encourages new growth and a fresh set of flowers. Additionally, cutting back the entire plant in late summer or fall can help rejuvenate it for the next season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCranesbill 'Orion' thrives in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. A mix containing peat, compost, and perlite or vermiculite is ideal. The pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.8 to 7.2.
RepottingCranesbill 'Orion' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years, or when it outgrows its current pot, to prevent it from becoming root-bound and to refresh the soil.
Humidity & MistingCranesbill 'Orion' prefers average room humidity levels but is quite adaptable. It does not require special humidity conditions and can tolerate dry air.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Cranesbill 'Orion' in bright, indirect light, and water regularly.
Outdoor
Plant Cranesbill 'Orion' in partial shade, ensure good drainage.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe Geranium 'Orion', commonly known as cranesbill, begins its life cycle when the seed germinates, typically in early spring under adequate moisture and temperature conditions. Following germination, the seedling emerges and develops a basic root system and foliage. As the plant matures, it develops a robust root system and fuller foliage, with deeply lobed, green leaves during the vegetative stage. In late spring to early summer, the Orion cranesbill enters the flowering stage, producing vibrant blue-violet flowers that attract pollinators and facilitate cross-pollination. After pollination, the flowers develop into fruit capsules that resemble a crane's bill, containing seeds that are eventually dispersed, completing the reproductive cycle. This perennial plant may go dormant in winter in colder climates, but the root system remains alive underground, ready to sprout new growth when conditions become favorable again in spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Geranium 'Orion', commonly referred to as the Hardy Geranium or Cranesbill, is most effectively propagated by division. This method is best undertaken in the spring or early fall. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the plant, ensuring to keep as much of the root system intact as possible. Then, gently separate the plant into smaller sections, each with a portion of root and shoots. Immediately replant the divisions at the same depth they were originally growing, spacing them about 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 centimeters) apart to allow for adequate growth. Water the new divisions well to help establish them. This process can rejuvenate older plants as well as create additional plants for your garden or to share with others.
