Cranesbill Geranium 'Philippe Vapelle'

Names

• Family

  Geraniaceae.

• Synonyms

  Philippe Vapelle Geranium, Philippe Vapelle Cranesbill.

• Common names

  Geranium 'Philippe Vapelle'.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Geraniums, including the variety 'Philippe Vapelle', are generally considered non-toxic to humans. They do not contain any substances known to cause serious harm if ingested. However, ingesting plant parts can sometimes cause mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, especially in sensitive individuals. It is always advisable to avoid eating non-food plants due to the risk of individual allergies or unpredictable reactions.

• To pets

  Geraniums, while commonplace in gardens and homes, are known to be toxic to pets, particularly to cats and dogs. If a pet ingests a geranium, they may exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, anorexia, depression, and dermatitis. In more severe cases, ingestion can potentially lead to renal failure, although such extreme reactions are rare. Pet owners should keep geraniums out of reach and contact a veterinarian if they suspect their pet has ingested this plant.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Semi-deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Blue

• Height

  18 inches (45 cm)

• Spread

  24 inches (60 cm)

• Plant type

  Herb

• Hardiness zones

  5

• Native area

  Mediterranean

General Benefits

• Attractive Foliage - Geranium 'Philippe Vapelle' provides lush, deeply lobed leaves that add texture and greenery to the garden throughout the growing season.
• Long Blooming Season - It produces a profusion of striking blue-violet flowers from late spring to early fall, offering extended visual interest.
• Drought Tolerance - Once established, it can tolerate periods of dry weather, making it suitable for water-efficient landscaping.
• Low Maintenance - This variety typically requires minimal upkeep, making it ideal for gardeners who prefer less labor-intensive plants.
• Wildlife Attraction - The flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity in the garden.
• Border Planting - Its mounded growth habit makes it an excellent choice for borders and edging, providing a neat, defined look to garden beds.
• Ground Cover - Due to its spreading nature, Geranium 'Philippe Vapelle' can be used to cover bare spots in the garden, helping to inhibit weed growth.
• Container Gardening - This plant is well-suited for containers or hanging baskets, where it can add color and foliage on patios and balconies.
• Rabbit Resistant - It is generally resistant to rabbit damage, which can be an important consideration for gardeners in areas with active wildlife.
• Adaptability - It can thrive in a range of soil types, provided there is good drainage, which means it can be grown in various garden settings.

Medical Properties

This plant is not used for medical purposes.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Companion Planting: Geraniums are known to help repel various pests with their strong scent, making them beneficial companions for a variety of vegetables and flowers.
• Natural Fabric Dye: The leaves and flowers of geraniums can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, yielding a range of colors from soft greens to warm browns depending on the mordant used.
• Photography Subject: The attractive foliage and flowers of the geranium make it a popular subject for botanical photography and art.
• Garden Design: They can be used in garden design for mass plantings or as focal points due to their mounding habit and prolific flowering.
• Culinary Garnish: Edible varieties of geranium flowers can be used to add a colorful garnish to various dishes, though 'Philippe Vapelle' is primarily an ornamental plant.
• Botanical Illustration: Artists and illustrators often use geraniums to practice drawing complex leaf shapes and floral structures.
• Enriching Compost: Geranium leaves and stems, when decomposed, can enrich compost with essential nutrients.
• Household Decor: Fresh or dried geranium flowers can be used in arrangements to add fragrance and aesthetic appeal to indoor spaces.
• Potpourri Ingredient: Dried geranium flowers and leaves can be included in potpourri mixes to add scent and variety.
• Floral Crafts: The blooms and foliage of geraniums can be used in making wreaths, floral crowns, and other decorative crafts.

Feng Shui

The Geranium is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Geranium is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Unpredictability: Geraniums, in general, can symbolize the unexpected turns of life due to their diverse and sometimes surprising varieties.
• Femininity: With its delicate petals and soft fragrance, the geranium can represent qualities traditionally associated with femininity such as gentleness and beauty.
• Friendship: Often given as gifts, geraniums can symbolize close bonds and the cultivation of positive relationships.
• Healing: The geranium is believed to have healing properties in folk medicine, symbolizing health and recovery.
• Protection: Some cultures view geraniums as plants that offer protection due to their strong scents, which are thought to repel negative energies or harmful insects.