Endress's geranium Geranium endressii
ABOUT
Geranium endressii, commonly known as Endress's geranium or French cranesbill, is a flowering perennial plant with a mounding and sprawling habit. This plant is characterized by its lush foliage, which comprises deeply lobed, soft green leaves that lend a textured appearance. Throughout the blooming season, this geranium is adorned with an abundance of charming flowers. The blossoms are typically a soft pink color, with five rounded petals that create a cup-like shape. At the center of each flower, there are prominent darker pink veins which lead to a delicate pattern, drawing attention to the floral display. Endress's geranium is known for its extended blooming period, which adds color and vibrancy to garden settings over a significant portion of the year. The flowers form loose clusters and are held above the foliage on slender stems, giving a gentle, airy quality to the plant's overall appearance. As with many members of the geranium family, when bruised, the foliage may release a subtle aroma, which is a characteristic feature of this group of plants.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
French Crane's-Bill, Endres's Crane's-Bill
Common names
Geranium endressii J. Gay.
ToxicityTo humans
Geranium endressii, commonly known as Endress's geranium, is not considered toxic to humans. It is not known to have any harmful effects if ingested in small quantities, and there are no significant symptoms of poisoning associated with this plant.
To pets
Endress's geranium is also not considered toxic to pets. It does not typically cause poisoning in animals, and therefore, there are no specific symptoms of poisoning linked to the ingestion of this plant by pets. However, it is always a good practice to monitor your pets around plants and prevent them from eating large amounts of any non-food plant material.
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- Easy to grow: Geranium endressii is a hardy plant that is well-suited to a wide range of climates and soil types, making it easy for gardeners of all skill levels to grow.
- Attracts pollinators: The flowers of Geranium endressii attract bees and butterflies, which are beneficial for pollinating other plants in the garden.
- Long blooming period: This plant has a long flowering season, often blooming from late spring until the first frost, providing color for an extended period.
- Drought tolerant: Once established, Geranium endressii can tolerate periods of dry weather, making it suitable for xeriscaping or gardens with low water availability.
- Groundcover: It can be used as a groundcover due to its spreading habit, helping to control weeds and stabilize soil.
- Color variety: The plant offers gardeners a range of pink hues which can be used to create visually appealing designs in landscaping.
- Low maintenance: Geranium endressii requires minimal care beyond occasional watering and deadheading, reducing the time and effort needed for garden upkeep.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Geranium endressii can be used as a natural dyeing agent, producing a range of colors depending on the mordant used.
- Flower petals of Geranium endressii can be added to salads or desserts for a decorative touch, though they don't contribute much flavor.
- The crushed leaves of Geranium endressii can be used as an insect repellent due to their strong scent.
- In the past, the plant has been used to scent homemade potpourris or sachets placed in drawers to impart fragrance to linens.
- Geranium endressii has been utilized in companion planting to repel certain pests from vegetables and other flowers.
- The plants can be used in educational settings to demonstrate the parts of a flower or for botanical illustration classes due to their distinct structure.
- Geranium endressii can be processed into a natural, eco-friendly soap colorant, providing a pinkish hue to handcrafted soaps.
- Some artists use Geranium endressii petals as a natural source for botanical prints or in papermaking for embedding botanical elements.
- The fibrous material of Geranium endressii’s stems can be incorporated into handmade paper for added texture.
- These plants can be included in green roofs or living wall installations due to their adaptability and the aesthetic variety they bring to such projects.
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: Geranium endressii, often known as Endress's geranium or French crane's-bill, is sometimes associated with an unexpected encounter due to the plant's propensity to pop up and thrive in unexpected locations.
- True Friendship: The French crane's-bill represents true friendship, as it is a reliable and hardy perennial that returns each year, much like a steadfast friend who remains by your side.
- Steadfastness: With its ability to grow in a variety of conditions and its regular blooming habit, this plant symbolizes steadfastness and resilience.
- Comfort: Geraniums, in general, are often thought to bring comfort, and the Endress's geranium, with its beautiful foliage and flowers, provides a soothing presence in a garden.
- Good Health: The plant is also associated with good health, possibly stemming from the geranium genus's traditional use in herbal medicine for various ailments.
WaterThe common name for Geranium endressii is the Endress's geranium. When watering Endress's geranium, ensure the soil is evenly moist but not waterlogged. During active growth in spring and summer, water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, which could be once a week, depending on climate conditions. Generally, it's best to use about one gallon of water for outdoor plants, ensuring it's spread evenly around the plant base. In cooler periods like fall and winter, reduce watering frequency since the plant requires less moisture.
LightEndress's geranium thrives best in full sun to partial shade. They should receive at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight daily, but in hotter climates, some afternoon shade is beneficial to prevent leaf scorch. The ideal spot for this plant is one where it can enjoy morning sunlight and is protected from the intense heat of the midday sun.
TemperatureEndress's geranium prefers temperate conditions and typically fares well in a range from 50 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit for ideal growth. While it can survive brief periods of temperatures slightly below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, it is susceptible to damage from hard freezes. Conversely, at temperatures above 85 degrees Fahrenheit, the plant may experience stress.
PruningEndress's geranium should be pruned to remove dead or faded flowers and encourage bushier growth, which can be done throughout the blooming season. Major pruning is best performed in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Cut back the entire plant by one-third to one-half to keep it compact and stimulate new growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCranesbill, or Geranium endressii, thrives best in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. A mix consisting of garden soil, peat moss, and perlite in equal parts creates an ideal environment. For optimal growth, maintain a soil pH between 5.8 to 7.2.
RepottingCranesbill, generally known as Geranium endressii, does not require frequent repotting and can be done every 3-5 years, or when it outgrows its current container.
Humidity & MistingGeranium endressii, commonly known as Cranesbill, prefers average to slightly higher humidity levels but is quite adaptable to different humidity conditions typical of home environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Cranesbill near bright, indirect light and water when soil is dry.
Outdoor
Plant Cranesbill in part shade to full sun and in well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Geranium endressii, commonly known as Endress's geranium or French cranesbill, begins with seed germination, which is typically in early to mid-spring. After the seed germinates, a seedling emerges and develops into a rosette of leaves close to the ground. As the plant matures, it grows upright stems and leaves, forming a mounding habit that can spread via its rhizomatous root system. Flowering occurs from late spring to early summer, presenting clusters of pink flowers that are attractive to pollinators. Once pollinated, the flowers develop into beak-like seed capsules that can propel seeds some distance from the parent plant. In fall, the plant may die back, especially in colder climates, only to re-emerge from its roots or self-sown seeds the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Early Summer
Propogation: The Geranium endressii, commonly known as the Endress's geranium or French cranesbill, can be propagated most effectively through division. This method is best performed in the spring or early fall. To propagate by division, dig up the plant carefully, ensuring a generous amount of root is included. Gently tease apart the clump into smaller sections, each with a decent amount of roots and shoots. Replant the divisions into well-drained soil, spacing them about 12 inches (approximately 30 centimeters) apart to allow for adequate growth. Water the new plantings thoroughly to establish them. This technique is favored for its simplicity and effectiveness in producing new, healthy plants that will start growing immediately and often bloom within the same season.
