Oxford Geranium Geranium × oxonianum 'Phoebe Noble'
ABOUT
Geranium × oxonianum 'Phoebe Noble' is a flowering perennial known for its robust growth and attractive foliage. The leaves are deeply lobed, with a lush green color and a somewhat ruffled texture, forming a dense, spreading mound. The flowers are the standout feature: they display a pale pink hue with darker pink veining that creates a striking contrast. The petals are rounded, with a slightly crinkled appearance, and they form loose clusters that hover above the foliage on slender stems. Blooms tend to be generous, covering the plant and providing color from late spring into the summer months. This variety of geranium is also noted for its durability and ability to withstand a variety of growing conditions, adding to its appeal for gardeners seeking a combination of beauty and resilience.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Geraniaceae
Synonyms
Oxford Geranium, Hardy Geranium, Cranesbill
Common names
Geranium × oxonianum 'Phoebe Noble'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Geranium, specifically Geranium × oxonianum 'Phoebe Noble', is generally considered non-toxic to humans and is not known to cause serious poisoning if ingested. However, consuming any plant material may cause discomfort or an adverse reaction in some individuals such as mild gastrointestinal upset.
To pets
The Geranium, specifically Geranium × oxonianum 'Phoebe Noble', is also generally considered non-toxic to pets. It is not known to cause serious poisoning if pets ingest parts of the plant. As with humans, ingestion can sometimes result in mild gastrointestinal irritation, but serious health issues are unlikely.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
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- Attracts Pollinators: Geranium Phoebe Noble is known to attract bees and butterflies, which are important for pollination.
- Easy to Grow: This plant is low maintenance and is suitable for a variety of garden settings and soil types.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, the plant has a good tolerance for dry conditions, requiring less frequent watering.
- Long Flowering Period: Geranium Phoebe Noble flowers from late spring to early fall, providing extended visual interest in the garden.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The plant's delicate pink flowers and attractive foliage add beauty and charm to garden borders, beds, and containers.
- Disease Resistance: It is generally resistant to common garden pests and diseases, minimizing the need for chemical treatments.
- Ground Cover: The dense foliage makes it excellent for ground cover, reducing weed growth and minimizing soil erosion.
- Versatile in Landscaping: It can be used in borders, cottage gardens, and woodland settings, as well as in containers and hanging baskets.
- Non-invasive: Unlike some garden plants, Geranium Phoebe Noble tends not to be invasive, making it a good neighbor in 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- Geranium 'Phoebe Noble', known for its aesthetic appeal in gardens, can be pressed and used in botanical art to add natural colors and textures to the medium.
- The dried petals of the geranium can be incorporated into homemade potpourri mixes, offering a subtle fragrance and decorative element to a room.
- Leaves from the geranium can be used to create natural dyes for textiles, providing a range of colors from greens to browns depending on the mordant used.
- The sturdy stems of the geranium can be woven into small baskets or decorative items when dried, leveraging their natural flexibility.
- Live geranium plants can serve as educational tools in botany classes, demonstrating plant growth and pollination processes.
- The geranium's flowers can be used in culinary presentations as an edible garnish for salads and desserts, adding a splash of color.
- Geranium leaves can also be infused into oils to create naturally scented candles or homemade perfumes.
- Geranium plants can be positioned in garden beds to create living mulches, suppressing weeds and conserving soil moisture.
- Photographers and artists can use the distinctive geranium blooms as subjects in their work, capturing the beauty of the flowers in various mediums.
- Geraniums can be placed strategically in outdoor spaces to provide a living barrier, defining areas within gardens or landscapes.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Hardy Geranium is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Hardy Geranium is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Friendship: Geraniums are often associated with friendship due to their hardy and reliable nature; symbolizing trust and a bond that thrives over time.
- Health: Historically, geraniums were used for their medicinal properties, leading them to symbolize good health and recovery.
- Positive Emotions: With their bright flowers and pleasant scent, geraniums represent happiness, joy, and emotional positivity.
- Comfort: The geranium's pleasant aroma and cozy aesthetic can symbolize comfort and a sense of belonging or homeiness.
WaterHardy geraniums like Geranium × oxonianum 'Phoebe Noble' should be watered deeply but infrequently to encourage strong root growth. During the growing season, typically you should water these plants once a week, providing about one gallon of water per square yard of soil. In the absence of rainfall, make sure to maintain this watering schedule, adjusting for very hot or dry conditions by watering twice a week. During the winter, reduce watering substantially, especially if the plant is in a region that receives winter precipitation. Always allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again to prevent overwatering and root rot.
LightGeranium × oxonianum 'Phoebe Noble' thrives in a sunny to partially shaded spot. They perform best with morning sunlight and afternoon shade, particularly in hotter climates, which helps to protect the foliage from scorching. A location with dappled sunlight throughout the day can also be ideal, mimicking the light conditions of their natural woodland edge habitat.
TemperatureGeranium × oxonianum 'Phoebe Noble', or the hardy geranium, prefers temperate climates and typically handles a temperature range between 40°F and 80°F with ease. While they can survive temperatures close to freezing, it is best to avoid prolonged exposure to temperatures below 32°F. The ideal temperature range for optimal growth is between 60°F and 70°F.
PruningPruning the Hardy Geranium 'Phoebe Noble' encourages fresh growth and more blooms. Cut back the foliage after the first wave of blossoms has finished, usually in midsummer, to rejuvenate the plant for a potential second bloom. Pruning is typically needed once or sometimes twice a year, depending on the plant's growth and flowering cycle. The best time for pruning is after the first flowering and again in late autumn to tidy up the plant before winter.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor Cranesbill 'Phoebe Noble', a well-draining soil mix rich in organic matter is ideal, with a pH ranging from slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.8-7.0). Amend garden soil with compost and perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage and fertility.
RepottingCranesbill 'Phoebe Noble' typically does not require frequent repotting and can thrive for several years in the same pot. Repotting every 3-4 years is sufficient, or when the plant outgrows its current container.
Humidity & MistingCranesbill 'Phoebe Noble' is adaptable to a range of humidity levels but prefers average room humidity. It does not require any special humidity conditions and is generally tolerant of the humidity levels found in most homes and gardens.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light with proper drainage.
Outdoor
Choose partial shade, moist soil, and protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life of the Geranium 'Phoebe Noble', also known as Oxford Geranium, begins with seed germination, typically in early spring when soil temperatures rise and light levels increase. Following germination, the seedling stage involves the development of the first true leaves and establishment of a small root system. The vegetative stage sees rapid growth of foliage and roots as the plant prepares for flowering; in the case of 'Phoebe Noble', this stage includes the development of its characteristic deeply lobed leaves and robust, spreading habit. The flowering stage occurs in late spring to early summer, with the plant producing pinkish-purple flowers with darker veining that are attractive to pollinators. After pollination, seeds develop in small capsules, and once mature, they are dispersed by wind or mechanical disturbance, completing the reproductive cycle. Seasonal dieback in colder climates or periods of dormancy in warmer regions marks the end or resting phase of the cycle, after which it begins anew with the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating the Cranesbill Geranium, specifically Geranium × oxonianum 'Phoebe Noble', is by division. Division is best done in the early spring or fall when the plant is not in active bloom. To propagate by division, dig up the entire plant, making sure to keep a good amount of soil around the roots. Use a sharp spade or knife to gently separate the plant into smaller sections, ensuring each section has a portion of the root system attached. Replant the divisions immediately at the same depth they were growing previously, spacing them approximately 12 inches (about 30 centimeters) apart to give them ample room to grow. Water the new plants well to help establish them. This method is effective because it maintains the characteristics of the parent plant and allows for quick establishment in the garden.
