Endress's cranesbill Geranium endressii 'Castle Drogo'
ABOUT
Geranium endressii 'Castle Drogo', commonly known as cranesbill, is a perennial plant noted for its attractive and bright floral display. It features lush foliage which is deeply lobed, giving it a textured and dense appearance. The leaves are generally green, providing a rich backdrop for the flowers. The cranesbill gets its common name from the shape of its seedpod, which resembles the bill of a crane. The plant’s flowers are what really draw attention. They are saucer-shaped and usually come in shades of pink or magenta, adding a lively burst of color to gardens. Each flower has rounded petals that are slightly veined, contributing to the visual interest of the blooms. These flowers typically stand in loose clusters above the foliage on slender stalks, which makes them appear to float above the leaves. Cranesbills are also recognized for their extended blooming period, adding color to garden settings from late spring until fall in some climates. This hardy perennial fits well in cottage gardens, borders, or as ground cover, where its foliage remains attractive even when the plant is not in bloom.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Geraniaceae
Synonyms
Endress's Geranium, French Crane's-Bill
Common names
Geranium endressii 'Castle Drogo'.
ToxicityTo humans
Geranium endressii, also known as the French cranesbill, is not considered toxic to humans. There is generally no risk of poisoning from ingesting this plant, and it does not typically cause adverse effects if touched or ingested in small quantities. Consequently, there are no specific symptoms associated with poisoning by the French cranesbill, as it is not known to be poisonous to humans.
To pets
The French cranesbill is also not considered toxic to pets. It is unlikely to cause any symptoms of poisoning if ingested by animals such as dogs and cats. Therefore, pet owners do not typically need to worry about toxicity with this plant, as it is not known to have harmful effects on pets when parts of the plant are consumed.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
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 endressii 'Castle Drogo' produces flowers that attract bees and butterflies, promoting pollination in the garden.
- Easy to grow: This plant is known for being low maintenance and easy to care for, making it suitable for beginner gardeners.
- Drought tolerant: Once established, it is quite tolerant of dry conditions, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Ground cover: It can act as an effective ground cover, suppressing weeds and minimizing soil erosion.
- Long blooming period: Offers a long flowering season, providing color and interest in the garden for an extended period.
- Winter hardy: It is resilient in colder climates, able to survive through frosts and light snowfalls.
- Decorative foliage: In addition to flowers, the foliage is aesthetically pleasing, with a lush texture that adds to its ornamental value.
- Versatile in landscaping: Can be used in various garden settings, including borders, rock gardens, and containers.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Artificial Dyes: The petals and leaves of Geranium can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, with the colors ranging from soft pinks to deep blues depending on the mordant used.
- Educational Tool: Geranium plants, due to their varied growth habits and ease of cultivation, serve as excellent subjects for botany lessons in educational settings.
- Fragrance Production: The essential oils extracted from Geranium leaves and flowers are used in the perfumery industry to provide a floral scent to various products.
- Natural Insect Repellant: Some compounds in Geraniums are known to have insect-repelling properties, making them suitable for planting to keep pests away.
- Plant Companions: Geraniums can be planted alongside vegetables like tomatoes and peppers to help repel certain pests or enhance growth, as part of companion gardening practices.
- Garden Aesthetics: Geranium's versatility in form and color makes it suitable for thematic gardens, like Victorian or fairy tale-inspired designs.
- Baking Decorations: The blossoms of Geranium can be candied or used fresh as decorative and edible elements on cakes and desserts.
- Erosion Control: The dense growth habit of Geraniums can help stabilize soil in areas prone to erosion.
- Livestock Feed: Although not the most common use, Geranium can be used as an emergency feed for livestock due to its abundance and hardiness.
- Crafting Material: Dried Geranium flowers and leaves can be incorporated into potpourris, wreaths, or other dried floral arrangements for crafting projects.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiGeraniums are used in Feng Shui to foster positive energy, or chi, and can bring good luck in relationships when placed in partnership areas of the home, such as the bedroom.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityGeraniums are not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Unity & Connectivity: The intertwining growth pattern of the Geranium represents a sense of togetherness and community.
- Friendship: Often given as a gift between friends, the Geranium signifies close bonds and mutual affection.
- Health & Healing: Traditionally used for its medicinal properties, the Geranium symbolizes good health and recovery.
- Bright Outlook: With its vibrant flowers, the Geranium is believed to embody a positive mindset and an optimistic future.
- Protection: In folklore, the Geranium is thought to ward off negative energies, symbolizing spiritual safety and tranquility.
WaterThe Cranesbill, commonly known as Geranium endressii 'Castle Drogo', should be watered regularly to maintain moist but well-drained soil, especially during dry periods. Water the plant deeply once a week, providing about one to two gallons of water per plant, depending on the size and weather conditions. In hot, dry weather, you may need to water more frequently, while in cooler or rainy weather, reduce the watering. Avoid overhead watering to prevent foliar diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant. During winter, reduce watering as the plant goes dormant and requires less moisture.
LightCranesbill thrives best in full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot for this plant is one where it can receive at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight daily. Areas with morning sun and afternoon shade are preferable in regions with hot summers to prevent leaf scorch. These lighting conditions encourage healthy growth and optimal flowering.
TemperatureCranesbill is a hardy perennial and can generally withstand temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature range for Geranium endressii 'Castle Drogo' is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, where it will grow most vigorously. The plant can survive occasional temperature fluctuations outside this range but sustained extreme heat or cold may damage or kill the plant.
PruningPruning Cranesbill is important for maintaining plant health and encouraging robust growth. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming throughout the growing season. Cut back the foliage by one-third to one-half after the first flush of blooms to rejuvenate the plant and encourage a second flowering. The best time for this heavier pruning is midsummer, after the initial bloom period has ended.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Cranesbill, commonly known as Geranium endressii 'Castle Drogo', is well-draining with added organic matter, such as compost or peat moss. A slightly acidic to neutral pH of around 5.8 to 7.0 is ideal for this plant.
RepottingCranesbill does not typically require frequent repotting. Repot every 3-4 years to refresh the soil, during spring before the new growth begins.
Humidity & MistingCranesbill prefers average to slightly above-average humidity levels but is quite adaptable and does not require specific humidity conditions to thrive.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Bright indirect light, well-draining soil, and moderate watering.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil, and regular watering.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cycleGeranium endressii 'Castle Drogo', commonly referred to as French cranesbill, begins its life cycle as seeds, which require a period of cold stratification to germinate effectively. Upon germination in early spring, seedlings develop into young plants with lobed leaves and a robust root system. As the plant matures, it forms a low mound of foliage with flowering stems that bear distinctive pinkish-purple flowers characterized by their veined petals and prominent stamens, usually blooming from late spring to early summer. After pollination, typically by insect visitors, the plant sets seed in beak-like capsules that can propel seeds some distance when they mature and dehisce. French cranesbill may enter a period of dormancy during the winter, especially in colder climates, with foliage dying back to the ground. New growth resumes from overwintering roots as temperatures rise, completing the perennial plant's life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The Geranium endressii 'Castle Drogo', commonly known as the Castle Drogo cranesbill, is best propagated through stem cuttings. The ideal time to take stem cuttings is in late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate, select healthy, non-flowering stems and cut them to a length of about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters). Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end into rooting hormone to encourage root growth. Plant the cuttings in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring at least two to three nodes are buried where the leaves were removed. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and place the cuttings in a warm, bright area out of direct sunlight until roots develop, which typically takes a few weeks. Once the cuttings have rooted and show new growth, they can be transplanted into individual pots or into the garden.
