Cranesbill Geranium 'Orkney Pink'
ABOUT
Geranium 'Orkney Pink' is a flowering perennial known for its appealing aesthetic with pastel-colored blooms. The plant's flowers are characterized by their gentle pink hue, which can range from a very soft, almost blush pink to a warmer salmon pink shade. The petals are often rounded with slight notches, radiating around a central, more highly colored area. The blossoms can sometimes have veins or streaks of a darker pink, adding depth and visual interest to the flower's appearance. The foliage of Geranium 'Orkney Pink' is equally attractive, forming a mound of deeply lobed leaves that tend to be lush and dense. The leaves are a rich green, often with a hint of darker veining, which contrasts beautifully with the soft pink of the blossoms. The plant may also have a slightly hairy or velvety texture on both its leaves and stems, adding a tactile dimension to its appearance. As a member of the Geranium family, it has aesthetic qualities similar to its relatives, with the flowers held above the foliage on slender stems, creating a delicate, airy look. The blooms are generally plentiful and can cover the plant in the peak of its blooming season. The plant exudes a sense of cottage charm and is often used in garden designs for its delightful and whimsical presence.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Geraniaceae.
Synonyms
Orkney Pink Cranesbill, Orkney Pink Hardy Geranium.
Common names
Pelargonium 'Orkney Pink'.
ToxicityTo humans
Geraniums, including the 'Orkney Pink' variety, are generally considered non-toxic to humans. They do not typically cause serious symptoms if ingested. However, consuming large amounts of any plant material could potentially cause mild and non-specific symptoms such as gastrointestinal upset or irritation. It is advisable to avoid eating geraniums as they are not intended for consumption.
To pets
Geraniums, such as the 'Orkney Pink' variety, can be mildly toxic to pets, particularly to dogs and cats. If ingested, they may cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, depression, anorexia, and rarely, dermatitis. The toxic principle is believed to be geraniol and linalool, which are found in the essential oils of the plant. If you suspect your pet has ingested geranium, it's best to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
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- Attractive Foliage: The leaves of Geranium 'Orkney Pink' have a lush, robust appearance that can enhance the visual appeal of any garden or landscape.
- Vivid Blooms: The plant is known for its striking pink flowers that can add a splash of color to your outdoor space.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant, making it easier to maintain, especially in drier climates or during hot, dry summers.
- Low Maintenance: Geranium 'Orkney Pink' requires minimal care, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Pest Resistance: It is generally resistant to common garden pests, meaning less need for chemical treatments.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers can attract bees and butterflies, promoting pollination in your garden.
- Adaptability: It can adapt to a range of soil conditions, although it prefers well-drained soil.
- Versatile Use: Suitable for borders, containers, and as ground cover, allowing for versatile garden design.
- Long Flowering Period: Its flowering season is relatively long, which means you can enjoy its blooms for extended periods.
- Easy Propagation: Can be easily propagated through cuttings, making it simple to expand your collection or share with friends.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Pressed Flower Craft: The Geranium 'Orkney Pink' can be pressed and used to create bookmarks, cards, or framed botanical art due to its vivid color and intricate petal structure.
- Natural Dye: The petals of Geranium 'Orkney Pink' can be used to produce a natural dye for fabrics or paper, creating a range of pink shades based on the mordant used.
- Garden Aesthetic Enhancer: Because of its unique pink coloration, it can be strategically planted to improve the overall aesthetic appeal of garden designs, particularly rockeries and alpine gardens.
- Photography Subject: Enthusiasts of plant photography may utilize the Geranium 'Orkney Pink' as a subject because of its distinctive hues and the way it interacts with natural light.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not a traditional edible flower, the petals can be used to add a splash of color to salads and desserts after ensuring they are free from any harmful chemicals.
- Scented Potpourri: The Geranium 'Orkney Pink' is known for its pleasant fragrance, and its dried flowers can contribute to a home-made potpourri mix.
- Plant Combinations: This plant can be paired with others in container gardens to create contrasting or complementary color schemes, enhancing visual interest.
- Educational Tool: Geranium 'Orkney Pink' can be used in educational settings to teach about plant propagation, as it is easily propagated from cuttings.
- Fairy Gardens: Its small size and enchanting look is ideal for use in creating fairy gardens and other miniature gardening projects.
- Event Decor: With its attractive blooms, Geranium 'Orkney Pink' can be incorporated into floral arrangements or used as organic decoration for weddings and other events.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Geranium is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Plant Symbolism- Unexpected Meeting: The Geranium 'Orkney Pink' can symbolize an unexpected encounter, as it is not a wild species but a cultivated variety, which one might not expect to find in natural settings.
- True Friendship: Often, geraniums represent true friendship, because of their long blooming period and hardiness, which can be seen as characteristics of a steadfast friend.
- Happiness: The bright color and pleasant scent of the 'Orkney Pink' variety convey cheerfulness and are believed to bring happiness to a home.
- Health: Geraniums are sometimes used in folk medicine, which leads to their association with health and healing.
WaterCranesbill (the most common name for the Geranium 'Orkney Pink') should be watered deeply but infrequently to encourage strong root growth. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Generally, this means watering approximately once a week, but this can vary based on temperature and humidity conditions. The aim should be to provide the plant with about one gallon of water every seven to ten days during active growing seasons, spring and summer. During the dormant period in winter, reduce watering to every two weeks or when the soil is noticeably dry.
LightCranesbill thrives in a spot where it receives full sunlight to partial shade. The ideal location would provide bright morning light with some afternoon protection from the intense sun, especially in hotter climates. Ensure the plant gets at least six hours of sunlight every day for optimal growth and flowering.
TemperatureCranesbill can tolerate a range of temperature conditions but grows best when the daytime temperature is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant can survive minimum temperatures down to 30 degrees Fahrenheit but should be protected from frost. The ideal range to promote flowering and healthy growth is between these temperature parameters with minimal exposure to extremes.
PruningCranesbill should be pruned to encourage bushier growth and more abundant blooms. Prune lightly throughout the growing season by cutting back leggy stems or spent flowers. The best time for a more substantial prune is in early spring or after the plant has finished blooming, which can help rejuvenate the plant for the next cycle.
CleaningAs needed
SoilGeranium 'Orkney Pink', commonly known as cranesbill, thrives best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A mix containing equal parts of garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or coarse sand is ideal. The preferred pH for cranesbill geraniums is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.8 to 7.0.
RepottingCranesbill geraniums generally require repotting every two to three years to refresh the soil and allow for growth. Spring is the ideal time for repotting to give the plant ample time to reestablish before the blooming season.
Humidity & MistingCranesbill geraniums are adaptable to a range of humidity levels but prefer average household humidity. Sudden changes in humidity should be avoided to maintain the plant's health.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Choose a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cycleGeranium 'Orkney Pink', also known as Cranesbill, begins its life as a seed, which when sown and provided with the right conditions—including warmth and moisture—will germinate. After germination, the seedling emerges, developing true leaves and a root system, establishing itself as a young plant. As it matures, the plant grows foliage and stems, becoming a fully-fledged Cranesbill plant. Flowering occurs in the spring and summer, showcasing pink to lavender flowers that attract pollinators. Following pollination, seeds are produced and dispersed, completing the reproductive cycle. In the fall or as the weather cools, the plant may die back, especially in colder climates, but it is a perennial and will regrow from its rootstock when the conditions become favorable again in the spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Geranium 'Orkney Pink', commonly referred to as cranesbill, is typically propagated during the spring or early summer to allow the plant enough time to establish itself before the onset of cooler temperatures. The most popular method of propagation for this perennial plant is by division. This involves digging up the entire plant and then gently pulling or cutting it apart into several pieces, making sure that each piece has a portion of the root system attached. Replant the divisions immediately at the same depth they were growing at before and water them thoroughly. This simple process not only helps to propagate new plants but also rejuvenates older clumps that may have become woody or less vigorous. Division can be a quick way to multiply your cranesbills, ensuring a continued display of their charming pink flowers in your garden.
