Oxonian Geranium Geranium × oxonianum 'Rosenlicht'
ABOUT
Geranium × oxonianum 'Rosenlicht' is a flowering perennial commonly known as cranesbill. It is characterized by its lush, mounding foliage and attractive floral display. The leaves are typically palmately lobed with a rich, green color, providing a dense and bushy appearance. Throughout the blooming season, it showcases an abundance of delicate, cup-shaped flowers that exude a soft pink hue with deeper pink veining. The flowers are poised atop slender stems, giving them a floating effect above the foliage. This plant adds a touch of charm to gardens with its lovely blossoms and robust greenery, creating a picturesque and cottage-like feel.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Oxford Geranium, Rosenlicht Hardy Geranium
Common names
Geranium × oxonianum 'Rosenlicht'.
ToxicityTo humans
Geraniums, including the Geranium × oxonianum 'Rosenlicht', are not known to be poisonous to humans. They are generally considered non-toxic, and there are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingestion of these plants. Therefore, accidental ingestion is unlikely to cause harm but as with any non-food plant, it is not advisable to eat it, and doing so may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some sensitive individuals.
To pets
Geraniums, such as the Geranium × oxonianum 'Rosenlicht', are typically not highly toxic to pets. However, they can cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested by dogs or cats. Symptoms of ingestion may include vomiting, diarrhea, or drooling. While serious complications are rare, it is still best to prevent your pets from ingesting this plant as it could lead to discomfort or a negative reaction.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Hybrid
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Flowers: Geranium x oxonianum 'Rosenlicht', commonly known as Hardy Geranium, produces lovely pink flowers that add color and aesthetic appeal to gardens.
- Pollinator Friendly: The blossoms attract bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity and aiding in pollination of nearby plants.
- Easy Maintenance: Hardy Geraniums are known for being low-maintenance, requiring minimal care once established and are drought-tolerant.
- Ground Coverage: They can quickly cover ground, suppressing weeds and reducing garden maintenance.
- Long Blooming Period: This plant has a long flowering season, typically from late spring until the first frosts, offering prolonged visual interest.
- Versatility: Suitable for borders, containers, and rock gardens, these plants are versatile and can be used in various garden designs.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistance: Hardy geraniums are generally resistant to deer and rabbits, reducing the likelihood of damage from these animals.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Geraniums can be used in homemade natural dyes, where the petals of Geranium oxonianum 'Rosenlicht' might impart a subtle color to fabrics or artisanal crafts.
- The scented leaves of many geraniums can be used in potpourri, adding a pleasant fragrance to rooms when dried and mixed with other botanical elements.
- Edible geranium leaves can be incorporated into some culinary recipes, such as herbal butters, although it's always important to ensure a particular variety is safe for consumption.
- Geranium plants can be a tool for teaching children about plant growth and botany, with the 'Rosenlicht' variety providing a hands-on educational experience due to its robust nature.
- The flowers are often used in ornamental arrangements, with Geranium oxonianum 'Rosenlicht' adding a splash of color to bouquets or floral displays.
- In arts and crafts, the petals of geraniums can be used for making flower prints or for inclusion in homemade paper for a decorative effect.
- Some people use geranium leaves in their bathwater for a fragrant and relaxing bathing experience, enjoying the natural aroma and essential oils.
- Geraniums can serve as a natural insect repellent, with some people hanging bruised leaves around the home to deter mosquitoes and other bugs.
- The robustness of Geranium oxonianum 'Rosenlicht' makes it suitable for ground cover, helping to suppress weeds and reduce landscape maintenance efforts.
- In photography or painting, the vibrant hues of Geranium oxonianum 'Rosenlicht' can provide a stimulus for artistic endeavours, inspiring color palettes and compositions.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Geranium is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Geranium is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Health and Healing: Geraniums in general are associated with health benefits and healing due to their medicinal properties used in traditional remedies.
- Friendship: Gifting a geranium can symbolize a wish for deeper friendship or maintaining an existing friendship, representing closeness and trust.
- Harmony and Peace: The calming scent and appearance of geraniums are often linked to creating a peaceful environment and promoting harmony in relationships.
- Fertility and Abundance: Geraniums symbolize fertility and abundance, reflecting the prolific nature of these plants and their lush, full appearance.
- Protection: Historically, geraniums are believed to provide protection when planted around homes or carried in bouquets, thus symbolizing safety and security.
WaterThe Oxford Geranium should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, generally once a week. During hotter, drier periods, more frequent watering may be needed, such as twice a week, providing about one gallon per watering for an established plant. Care should be taken not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot, so ensure that the soil can drain well and is not left waterlogged. During the winter months, watering should be reduced as the plant requires less moisture when it's not actively growing.
LightThe Oxford Geranium thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions, preferring about 4 to 6 hours of sunlight per day. The ideal spot offers morning sunlight and some afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates, to protect the leaves from scorching while still providing sufficient light for blooming. Avoid deep shade as this can lead to leggy growth and fewer flowers.
TemperatureThe Oxford Geranium prefers temperate conditions and fares best in environments where the temperature ranges between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for many garden climates. It can survive brief periods of cooler temperatures down to 30 degrees Fahrenheit but may be affected by frost. Protecting the plant from extreme cold is essential to prevent damage to the foliage and roots.
PruningPruning the Oxford Geranium should be conducted to remove spent flowers and dead foliage, which encourages new growth and more prolific blooming. Prune lightly throughout the growing season as needed to maintain shape and remove any unhealthy stems. The best time for a more thorough pruning is in early spring or just after the plant has finished blooming to rejuvenate it for the next flowering cycle.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Hardy Geranium, or Geranium × oxonianum 'Rosenlicht', thrives in a well-draining soil mix with high organic matter content. A blend containing equal parts of garden soil, peat or compost, and sharp sand or perlite is ideal. The soil pH should be neutral to slightly alkaline, around 6.5 to 7.5, for optimal growth.
RepottingHardy Geraniums typically do not need frequent repotting. Repotting every 2 to 3 years or when the plant outgrows its pot is sufficient. It's best to repot in the spring just as new growth begins.
Humidity & MistingThe Hardy Geranium prefers normal outdoor humidity levels and does not require any special humidity considerations. It is quite adaptable and can tolerate a range of humidity conditions found in typical garden environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in a bright spot, water moderately, and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Choose a sunny to part-shade spot with well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cycleGeranium × oxonianum 'Rosenlicht', commonly known as Oxford geranium or Druce's cranesbill 'Rosenlicht', begins its life cycle as a seed, which when sown in suitable conditions, will germinate and sprout into a small seedling. As it grows, the seedling develops a strong root system and foliage, entering the vegetative stage where it focuses on accumulating biomass. During its active growth periods in the spring and summer, it reaches the flowering stage, producing its characteristic pink flowers that attract pollinators and facilitate cross-pollination. After pollination, the flowers develop into seed capsules, which eventually mature and release their seeds, thus completing the reproductive cycle. Oxford geranium can also propagate vegetatively through division, where parts of the plant are separated and planted to grow new individuals. Over several years, it forms larger clumps and can be divided in early spring or autumn to manage its spread and rejuvenate the plant.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Geranium × oxonianum 'Rosenlicht', commonly known as the Cranesbill 'Rosenlicht', is typically propagated in the spring or early summer when the plant's growth is most active. The most popular method of propagation for Cranesbill 'Rosenlicht' is through division, which involves separating the plant into smaller pieces that can be replanted. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the plant and gently separate the crowns and root ball into smaller sections, ensuring that each new piece has several shoots and a portion of the root system. Replant these divisions immediately in moist soil, spacing them about 12 inches (approximately 30 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. Water the new plants thoroughly to help establish them in their new locations. This technique allows for the quick establishment of new plants and helps to rejuvenate older clumps that might have become too dense or have diminished flowering.
