Wisley Jewel Geranium Geranium wallichianum 'Wisley Jewel'
ABOUT
'Wisley Jewel' is a variety of geranium, displaying a classic, charming appearance that delights gardeners and plant enthusiasts. As part of the geranium family, this plant features lush, rounded to kidney-shaped leaves that often bear distinct patterns or variegations. The foliage can range from deep green to sometimes having a silvery sheen, creating a dense mound of textured greenery. The true spectacle of 'Wisley Jewel', however, comes from its blooms. The flowers are delicate and airy, rising above the foliage on slender stems. Each blossom features five rounded petals, commonly in a pastel range of color that might include hues from pink to lavender, often marked with ornate veining or darker patches that add contrast and depth. These flowers attract beneficial pollinators such as bees and butterflies, adding not only visual appeal but also supporting local ecosystems. The growth habit of 'Wisley Jewel' is typically well-formed, creating a tidy clump that fills its space with a tapestry of color and texture. As a perennial, it will come back each year with the right care, becoming a staple in any garden setting where it bestows its classic elegance and charm.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Geraniaceae
Synonyms
Wallich's Crane's-bill, Wisley Jewel Geranium
Common names
Geranium wallichianum 'Wisley Jewel'.
ToxicityTo humans
Geranium (common name for Geranium wallichianum 'Wisley Jewel') is generally considered non-toxic to humans. Ingesting parts of this plant is unlikely to cause serious poisoning. However, some people might experience mild irritation or an allergic reaction if they have sensitivity to geraniums. This could result in symptoms such as stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea if ingested in significant quantities. It is always a good practice to avoid eating plants that are not commonly recognized as food sources.
To pets
Geranium (common name for Geranium wallichianum 'Wisley Jewel') is also considered non-toxic to pets. It is not known to be poisonous to cats, dogs, or other domestic animals. However, as with humans, individual animals may have sensitivity or allergic reactions to the plant. If ingested, these reactions could manifest as mild gastrointestinal upset, including symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea. Generally, ingestion of geraniums does not lead to serious health issues in pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Varies
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
Himalayas
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic appeal: Adds vibrant color and texture to gardens with its jewel-toned flowers and attractive foliage.
- Easy to grow: It is a hardy and low-maintenance plant, suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Attracts pollinators: Flowers provide nectar and pollen for bees and other beneficial insects, supporting biodiversity.
- Long blooming season: The plant offers a prolonged display of flowers from late spring to early autumn.
- Ground cover: With its spreading habit, it can cover bare spots in the garden and reduce soil erosion.
- Drought-tolerant: Once established, it has good resistance to drought, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Deer and rabbit resistant: Tends to be unappealing to deer and rabbits, making it suitable for gardens prone to these visitors.
Medical Properties- Geranium wallichianum 'Wisley Jewel', commonly known as cranesbill, has been traditionally used in herbal medicine for its astringent properties.
- It is reputed to help in stopping bleeding and may be used in treating minor cuts and wounds.
- The plant has been used to treat diarrhea and gastrointestinal upsets due to its tannin content.
- There are also claims of its use in reducing inflammation and relieving sore throats.
- Some herbalists use it to treat mouth ulcers and gingivitis.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Geranium wallichianum 'Wisley Jewel' can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, providing subtle shades of blue and green depending on the mordant used.
- This plant can be planted as a ground cover to help prevent soil erosion on slopes due to its spreading habit.
- The sturdy stems and leaves of this geranium can be incorporated into homemade potpourris for a unique, woodsy scent.
- Geranium wallichianum can provide a natural habitat for beneficial insects, including bees and butterflies, which are essential for pollination in the garden.
- The flowers can be used to decorate cakes and desserts as they are non-toxic and add a unique flair to culinary creations.
- Leaves of the plant can be used in a compress to provide relief from insect bites and stings, due to their soothing properties when applied topically.
- Flower petals can be gently infused in oils to create aromatic substances for use in candles and natural perfumes.
- When planting a sensory garden, this geranium can be included because of its textural foliage and aromatic leaves that add a tactile experience.
- Geranium wallichianum can act as a natural deterrent for certain animals like rabbits and deer, which tend to avoid its scent and taste.
- The stems can be woven into small wreaths or decorative items for a rustic touch to table settings or home décor.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Geranium is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Geranium is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Feminine Beauty: Owing to its delicate beauty, Geranium wallichianum 'Wisley Jewel', commonly known as Cranesbill, often symbolizes femininity and gentleness.
- True Friendship: Cranesbills are known to represent the loyalty and strong bond found in true friendship, making them a wonderful gift between close friends.
- Good Health: Cranesbill has been historically used for its medicinal properties, leading to its association with good health and well-being.
- Unexpected Meeting: In the language of flowers, geraniums can represent a chance encounter or an unexpected meeting with someone.
- Ingenuity: The diverse uses and hardiness of the plant is often related to human qualities of resourcefulness and ingenuity.
WaterThe Himalayan Cranesbill, commonly known as Geranium wallichianum 'Wisley Jewel', thrives when the soil is kept evenly moist but not waterlogged. During the active growing season, usually in the spring and summer, water the plant thoroughly once a week with approximately 16-24 ounces of water, depending on the pot size and environmental conditions. Decrease watering frequency to every other week in the fall and to once a month during the winter when the plant is dormant. Always check the top inch of the soil before watering; if it feels dry to the touch, it's time to water. Over-watering can lead to root rot, so be mindful not to let the plant sit in standing water.
LightHimalayan Cranesbill prefers bright, indirect sunlight but can tolerate partial shade. It's best to place it in a spot that receives morning light and is shielded from the intense afternoon sun. An eastern or northern facing window is ideal for indoor settings, while an area with morning sun and afternoon shade suits it well outdoors.
TemperatureHimalayan Cranesbill does well in temperatures ranging from 50 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant can survive occasional dips down to about 40 degrees Fahrenheit but should be protected from frost. It's important not to expose the Geranium wallichianum 'Wisley Jewel' to temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit for extended periods to prevent stress.
PruningHimalayan Cranesbill benefits from pruning to encourage bushier growth and to remove spent flowers and any yellow or dead leaves. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Pruning every year helps to rejuvenate the plant and maintain a compact form.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCranesbill 'Wisley Jewel' thrives in moist, well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.8 to 6.3. A mix of loam, peat moss, and sharp sand or perlite promotes healthy growth. Amend with organic matter to enhance soil fertility and structure.
RepottingCranesbill 'Wisley Jewel' should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current container. Inspect roots yearly and repot in spring if needed for optimal growth.
Humidity & MistingCranesbill 'Wisley Jewel' prefers moderate humidity levels but is adaptable to varying conditions. Aim for a humidity level of around 40-60% for best growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Cranesbill 'Wisley Jewel’ in bright, indirect light indoors.
Outdoor
Plant Cranesbill 'Wisley Jewel’ in partial shade or sun outdoors.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cycleGeranium wallichianum 'Wisley Jewel', commonly known as Crane's-bill, begins its life cycle when the seeds germinate in the spring, requiring well-drained soil and ample sunlight. The seedlings emerge and develop into rosettes of foliage, with deeply lobed leaves that provide the backdrop for future blooms. As the plant matures, stems elongate and produce distinctive lilac-blue flowers with veining and a white center, usually from late spring to midsummer. After pollination, typically by bees and other insects attracted to the nectar and pollen, the flowers develop into beak-like seed pods that give the common name Crane's-bill. As the seeds mature, the pods explosively dehisce, scattering seeds to propagate the next generation. In late autumn, the plant begins to die back and enters a period of dormancy over winter, conserving energy to restart the cycle in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method for propagating Geranium wallichianum 'Wisley Jewel', commonly known as the Crane's-bill geranium, is through basal cuttings. This is typically done in early spring as the plant begins to grow. Gardeners select healthy, non-flowering shoots and cut them at a length of about 4 inches (approximately 10 centimeters) with a sharp, clean knife or scissors. The bottom leaves are removed, and the cut end of the cutting is dipped into rooting hormone powder to enhance root development. The cutting is then inserted into a pot filled with a mix of perlite and peat, or a similar well-draining propagation medium. The pot is placed in indirect light and kept consistently moist until the cutting has rooted, which usually takes a few weeks. Once rooted, it can be transplanted into the garden or individual pots for further growth.
