Ashy Cranesbill Geranium (Cinereum Group) 'Thumbling Hearts'

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Non-toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Geranium 'Thumbling Hearts' is a visually striking plant characterized by its lush foliage and charming flowers. The leaves of this plant are rounded and often have a lobed or slightly serrated edge, exhibiting a rich green hue that can sometimes have a maroon or purplish tint. The foliage forms a dense, mound-like habit that acts as a beautiful backdrop to the flowers. The blossoms of 'Thumbling Hearts' are particularly notable. They are shaped like saucer, with five petals that spread outwards in a typical geranium fashion. The petals are painted in a vivid pink or magenta shade, featuring dark maroon or purple veins that create a striking contrast and draw the eye to the heart-shaped patterns, which is likely the inspiration for the plant's name. These veins can sometimes create a gradient effect, with the color intensifying towards the center of the flower. The center of the bloom usually has a small, darker eye that adds to the ornamental value of the plant. In the flowering season, 'Thumbling Hearts' can produce a plethora of these eye-catching flowers, which rise just above the foliage on delicate stems, creating a hovering effect that can be quite captivating. The overall presentation of Geranium 'Thumbling Hearts' is that of a full and hearty plant with an abundance of colorful blossoms, making it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a burst of color to their landscapes.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Geraniaceae.
- Synonyms
  Ashy Cranesbill, Grayleaf Cranesbill, Lilac Cranesbill.
- Common names
  Geranium cinereum 'Thumbling Hearts'
Toxicity
- To humans
  The Geranium is generally considered non-toxic to humans. Ingesting parts of the plant typically does not lead to serious poisoning. However, some people might experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort, such as nausea or diarrhea, after consuming parts of a Geranium. If symptoms are severe or persist, medical attention should be sought.
- To pets
  Geraniums are known to be potentially toxic to pets, particularly dogs and cats. If a pet ingests part of a Geranium plant, it may exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or loss of appetite. In some cases, dermatitis can also occur if there is skin contact with the plant. If you suspect your pet has ingested Geranium, contact your veterinarian for advice on appropriate action.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Evergreen
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Pink
- Height
  6 inches (15 cm)
- Spread
  12 inches (30 cm)
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  5
- Native area
  Mediterranean

Benefits

General Benefits
- Easy to Grow: The plant is known for being easy to cultivate in a variety of climates and soil types.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, Geraniums have good tolerance to short periods of drought.
- Attracts Pollinators: It provides nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinating insects.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care beyond occasional watering and deadheading to promote continued blooming.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Offers decorative foliage and heart-shaped flowers that enhance the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Long Blooming: Flowers over a long season, providing extended color and interest in the garden.
- Compact Growth: Suits small gardens or containers as it does not overwhelm other plants.
- Variety of Uses: Ideal for borders, rockeries, and ground cover, providing versatile landscaping options.
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
- Photography: Geranium flowers can provide an attractive backdrop or subject for close-up photography, enhancing the detail and color in garden-themed photo collections.
- Art Inspiration: The unique pattern and shape of the Geranium's leaves and flowers can be used as an inspiration for various art projects, including watercolor, sketching, and textile design.
- Table Decorations: Fresh or dried Geranium flowers can be used to create natural and colorful table decorations for events and home settings.
- Educational Tool: Geraniums can be used in classrooms or educational gardens to teach children about plant biology, growth cycles, and the importance of pollinators.
- Culinary Garnish: Safe for consumption, the petals of the Geranium can be used as an edible garnish to add color and interest to salads and dessert plates.
- Dye Production: The flowers and leaves of the Geranium can be used in creating natural dyes for fabric, yarn, and paper crafting.
- Handmade Paper: Geranium petals and leaves can be incorporated into the paper-making process to create decorative paper with botanical inclusions.
- Aromatherapy: The scent of Geranium can be used in potpourris and homemade sachets to provide a pleasant aroma in drawers and closets.
- Companion Planting: Geraniums can be planted alongside vegetables to help deter certain pests, serving as an integrative part of organic gardening practices.
- Soil Health Indicator: Geraniums can be observed for signs of soil health, as healthy plants will indicate good soil conditions and prompt gardeners to replicate these in other parts of their garden.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
Geraniums are often used in Feng Shui for their ability to promote positive energy and can bring good luck when placed in the Fame & Reputation area of a space, which is associated with the fire element and red color, enhancing recognition and social status.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
Geraniums are not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Unexpected Meeting: The heart-shaped patterns on the petals of 'Thumbling Hearts' geranium symbolize unexpected love or encounters, often reminding us that affection can appear where we least expect it.
- True Friendship: Geraniums have been a symbol of true friendship, suggesting a bond that is both affectionate and platonic.
- Sturdiness: The robust nature of the geranium plant stands for strength and resilience, connecting to the plant's ability to thrive in various conditions.
- Good Health: Traditionally, geraniums are associated with good health and have been used in folk medicine, thus symbolizing a hearty constitution and wellness.
- Positive Spirits: With their bright and cheerful flowers, geraniums are often seen as carriers of positivity, bringing joy and good spirits into the home.
- Fertility: In some cultures, geraniums are linked to fertility and creation, born from their lush, full-bodied appearance and generous blooming.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 2-3 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring-summer

Propogation

✂️️

Not needed

Pruning

Water
Hardy geraniums, including Geranium 'Thumbling Hearts', require moderate watering to maintain moist but not waterlogged soil. Water the plants thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, which typically equates to once a week during active growth periods. In general, it's best to provide about 1-2 gallons of water per plant each week, depending on weather conditions and soil drainage. Ensure the water is directed at the soil rather than the foliage to prevent fungal diseases. Decrease watering frequency during winter when the plant is dormant.
Light
Geranium 'Thumbling Hearts' thrives best in full sun to partial shade. A spot that receives at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight a day is ideal. However, the plant will benefit from some afternoon shade in areas with particularly hot summers. Ensure proper air circulation around the plants to maintain their health.
Temperature
Geranium 'Thumbling Hearts' performs well in a wide range of temperatures but prefers a temperate climate. The plant can survive minimum temperatures down to about 20°F and is generally hardy in USDA zones 5-8. For optimal growth, daytime temperatures around 60°F to 75°F are ideal.
Pruning
Pruning Geranium 'Thumbling Hearts' encourages bushier growth and more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous flowering throughout the season. Perform a more thorough pruning in late winter or early spring to remove dead leaves and stems, which also helps rejuvenate the plant for the upcoming growing season. Once mature, cut back the entire plant by one-third to one-half every couple of years to maintain its shape and vitality.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
The best soil mix for Geranium 'Thumbling Hearts' is well-draining with added compost or peat for fertility. Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 5.8 and 7.0. Ensure the soil is loose and allows for good airflow to the roots.
Repotting
Geranium 'Thumbling Hearts' should generally be repotted every 1-2 years to replenish soil nutrients and encourage growth, or when it outgrows its current pot.
Humidity & Misting
Geranium 'Thumbling Hearts' prefers average to low humidity levels and should do fine in typical household conditions without the need for additional humidity.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Place in bright indirect light, away from drafts.
- Outdoor
  Plant in full sun to part shade, protect from strong winds.
- Hardiness zone
  5-8 USDA
Life cycle
Geranium (Cinereum Group) 'Thumbling Hearts', commonly known as Hardy Geranium, begins its life as a seed which germinates in spring, given sufficient moisture and warmth. The seedlings develop true leaves and progressively grow into a vegetative state forming a mound of lobed foliage. During late spring to early summer, the plant enters its flowering stage, producing a profusion of pink heart-shaped flowers with intricate veining. Following the peak blooming period, the Hardy Geranium may experience a midsummer rest period, especially in hotter climates. If conditions are favorable, it can rebloom in late summer or early fall. Finally, as temperatures drop in autumn, the plant undergoes senescence; the above-ground foliage dies back, but the perennial root system remains dormant and ready to regenerate the following spring.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring-summer
- The Geranium cinereum, commonly known as Hardy Geranium or Cranesbill, can be propagated most effectively via stem cuttings. This method is usually performed in late spring to early summer. To propagate, a healthy non-flowering stem is chosen and a cutting about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long is made. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth. The cutting is then placed in a pot filled with a mix of peat and perlite or coarse sand, ensuring at least two sets of leaves are above the soil surface. The pot is kept in a warm place with indirect light and maintained moist until the cutting has rooted, which typically takes a few weeks. Once rooted, the young plant can be transplanted to its final location.