Oxford Geranium Geranium × oxonianum 'Rose Clair'
ABOUT
The Geranium × oxonianum 'Rose Clair', commonly known as the hardy geranium or cranesbill, is a perennial plant known for its lush green foliage and attractive flowers. The leaves are deeply lobed and rounded, forming a dense mound of foliage that provides a verdant backdrop to the flowers. These leaves can have a slightly hairy appearance and are often marked with darker patches or veins, creating an interesting texture. The blooms of 'Rose Clair' are particularly notable for their soft, rose-pink color, which can add a gentle splash of color to any garden. Each flower possesses a rounded shape, with five petals that overlap slightly, giving them a cupped appearance. In the center of the flowers, subtle veins of a darker pink or purple hue can be observed, radiating from the center and adding depth to the flower's design. These flowers are borne in loose clusters and appear prolifically throughout the blooming season, which typically spans from late spring to early summer, and often reblooms sporadically until the fall. The flowering stems rise just above the foliage, providing a delicate contrast between the green leaves and the colorful blossoms. Overall, the Geranium × oxonianum 'Rose Clair' presents a harmonious blend of lush foliage and charming, delicate flowers, making it a popular choice for gardeners seeking to add both color and texture to their planting beds or borders. Its easy-growing nature and repeat flowering habit make it a low-maintenance yet highly rewarding addition to any landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Geraniaceae
Synonyms
Oxford Geranium, Rose Clair Hardy Geranium
Common names
Geranium × oxonianum 'Rose Clair'.
ToxicityTo humans
Geraniums, including the Geranium × oxonianum 'Rose Clair', are generally not considered toxic to humans. Ingesting parts of the plant is not typically associated with severe symptoms. If large quantities are consumed, mild gastrointestinal upset could potentially occur, but this is not common. There is no well-documented case of significant poisoning from geraniums in humans, and handling or incidental ingestion of the plant does not typically lead to any serious consequences.
To pets
Geraniums, such as the Geranium × oxonianum 'Rose Clair', are also not considered highly toxic to pets. However, some animals may experience mild vomiting or diarrhea if they ingest part of the plant, due to the presence of certain compounds that can irritate the stomach. As with humans, these symptoms are not usually severe, and the plant is not known to cause serious health issues for pets. Caution is advised to prevent pets from ingesting large amounts of any non-food plant material to avoid potential gastrointestinal discomfort.
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- Aesthetic Appeal - Adds color and beauty to gardens with its pink to purple flowers.
- Pollinator Attraction - Attracts bees and other pollinators, supporting biodiversity.
- Low Maintenance - Requires minimal care once established, making it easy to grow.
- Drought Tolerance - Can survive in dry conditions, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Sun and Shade Adaptability - Grows in both sunny and partially shaded areas, offering flexible planting options.
- Ground Cover - Its spreading habit can provide extensive ground coverage, helping to suppress weeds.
- Long Blooming Season - Flowers from late spring to autumn, providing long-lasting visual interest.
- Hardiness - Capable of withstanding cooler temperatures, suitable for different climates.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dye production: The petals of the geranium can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, offering hues ranging from soft pinks to rich purples based on the mordant used.
- Photography: Geranium flowers are often used as subjects in macro photography due to their intricate patterns and rich colors, providing an interesting exploration of natural detail.
- Artistic inspiration: The diverse color palette and form of geraniums can inspire artists to create paintings, sculptures, and other art pieces.
- Companion planting: Geraniums can be planted alongside vegetables such as tomatoes to help repel certain pests due to their strong scent.
- Garden design: With their flowering habit, geraniums are frequently used in garden designs for border edges, providing a continuous bloom throughout the growing season.
- Wedding decorations: The flowers can be used in wedding bouquets and arrangements for their beauty and wide range of colors.
- Educational tool: Geraniums can be used in biology classes to demonstrate plant growth, reproduction, and the process of hybridization to students.
- Crafting: Dried geranium flowers can be used in crafting, such as in homemade potpourris or as decorative elements in candles and soaps.
- Culinary decoration: The flowers, if verified as pesticide-free, can be used as elegant, edible decorations on cakes and desserts.
- Perfumery: The essential oils extracted from geraniums can be used to create fragrances with floral notes.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Geranium is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Geranium is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Unexpected meeting: Geraniums are sometimes associated with encounters and surprises, possibly due to their varied and vibrant appearances that can evoke a sense of wonder.
- True friendship: Like many flowers, geraniums can symbolize close human connections, embodying trust, supportiveness, and the comfort of good companions.
- Good health: With their lush foliage and bright blooms, geraniums can signify vitality and a wish for good health or recovery.
- Peace: The calming presence of their blooms can be linked to peace of mind and the serenity of one's environment.
- Favor: In some traditions, gifting geraniums is a way of offering a token of appreciation or showing favor to someone else.
WaterHardy geraniums like the Geranium × oxonianum 'Rose Clair', commonly known as the Oxford geranium, should be watered regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. During the growing season, water them thoroughly once a week with approximately 1 gallon per square foot. In periods of drought or extreme heat, increase watering frequency to twice a week. Cut back on watering in the winter when the plant is dormant. Always check the top inch of soil before watering to ensure it has dried out slightly, as overwatering can lead to root rot.
LightThe Oxford geranium thrives in full sun to partial shade. The best spot for the plant is where it will receive at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight each day. When grown in hotter climates, providing some afternoon shade will help the plant to not get overly stressed by the intense heat. Avoid deep shade, as this can lead to poor flowering and leggy growth.
TemperatureThe Oxford geranium performs best in moderate temperature conditions, ideally between 55°F and 75°F. They are cold hardy and can withstand minimum temperatures down to around 20°F. However, they may suffer or die back in temperatures that fall below this range. During the hot summer months, geraniums can endure temperatures up to 80°F, but consistent temperatures above this can stress the plant.
PruningPrune Oxford geraniums to maintain their shape, remove dead or yellowing foliage, and promote bushier growth. Pruning is best done in early spring or after the plant has finished its first flush of blooms. Cut back the plant by approximately one third, which will encourage a second burst of flowers. Remove spent blooms regularly to prolong the flowering period and prevent self-seeding if not desired.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Dusky Cranesbill thrives in fertile, well-draining soil with a pH range from slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.6 to 7). The best soil mix should contain loam or garden soil, peat, and sand or perlite for drainage.
RepottingDusky Cranesbill should be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate growth though they are not heavy rooters.
Humidity & MistingDusky Cranesbill prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate less humid conditions common in most homes.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light; well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Partial sun to light shade, enrich soil, mulch in winter.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cycleGeranium × oxonianum 'Rose Clair', commonly known as the Oxford geranium 'Rose Clair', begins its life cycle with the germination of seeds, which typically occurs in the spring. After germination, the plant enters the vegetative stage, growing leaves and stems. As it matures, the plant develops a root system and foliage, preparing itself for the flowering stage. During the flowering stage, usually late spring to summer, it produces clusters of saucer-shaped, light pink flowers with darker pink veining. After pollination, these flowers give way to fruit, which contains seeds for the next generation. The plant may die back in winter but is perennial, meaning it can regenerate from its rootstock the following growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Geranium × oxonianum 'Rose Clair', commonly known as the Cranesbill geranium, is primarily propagated through division, which is best done in the early spring or fall. Division involves gently splitting the plant's root ball into smaller segments, each with its own set of leaves and roots. The process starts by digging up the parent plant and clearing away the soil to reveal the natural divisions within the root structure. Using a sharp knife or spade, the gardener cuts the root ball into sections, ensuring that each new division has a healthy portion of roots and a few shoots. These divisions are then replanted at the same depth they were growing previously, spaced about 12 to 24 inches apart (approximately 30 to 60 centimeters), and watered thoroughly to help establish the new plants.
