Russell Prichard Geranium Geranium × riversleaianum 'Jean Armour'
ABOUT
The Geranium × riversleaianum 'Jean Armour' is a perennial known for its vibrant and attractive foliage. This particular variety sports deeply lobed leaves with a lush, green color that often has a slightly serrated appearance along the edges. As the seasons change, the green of the leaves may take on a reddish tinge, adding warmth and color to any garden. The flowers of 'Jean Armour' make it a favorite among gardeners. These blooms are usually a bright magenta-pink, with each petal marked by distinct veins that provide a pleasing contrast and depth. The flowers are shaped like rounded cups, assembled in small clusters that hover above the foliage, presenting a cheerful and abundant floral display that tends to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. This plant tends to form a bushy mound, and its growth habit is dense and spreading. Its leaves and flower stalks grow from a central point, creating a lush and full appearance. This geranium cultivar is valued for its hardiness, as it's able to withstand a variety of conditions, and for the long-lasting nature of its floral show, often blooming from late spring into the summer months. Overall, Geranium 'Jean Armour' brings a splash of color and a touch of elegance to gardens, and its easy-care nature makes it suitable for many landscapes, borders, and even as a container specimen. Its aesthetic appeal lies in its simple yet vibrant flowers and its textured foliage, which together create a delightful visual interest through the growing season.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Geraniaceae.
Synonyms
No common names available.
Common names
Geranium × riversleaianum 'Jean Armour'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Geranium, specifically Geranium × riversleaianum 'Jean Armour', is not known to be toxic to humans. Typically, geraniums do not possess components that are harmful upon ingestion, and thus do not present significant symptoms of poisoning. Still, ingestion is not advised, and if any part of the plant is consumed in large quantities, it may potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset, but serious consequences or intense symptoms are generally not associated with the ingestion of this plant in humans.
To pets
Geraniums, including the Geranium × riversleaianum 'Jean Armour', can be toxic to pets, such as dogs and cats. They contain geraniol and linalool, which can potentially cause symptoms if ingested. These symptoms may include vomiting, anorexia, depression, and dermatitis. While not typically life-threatening, ingestion of geraniums by pets should be avoided, and veterinary care should be sought if a pet shows signs of poisoning after consuming any part of the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-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
Hybrid
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: The Geranium × riversleaianum 'Jean Armour', commonly known as hardy geranium, attracts bees and butterflies, which are essential for pollination.
- Low Maintenance: Hardy geraniums require minimal care once established, making them ideal for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, they are quite tolerant of dry conditions, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Ground Cover: Their growth habit makes them excellent for use as ground cover, helping to suppress weeds and prevent soil erosion.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With their vibrant flowers and attractive foliage, hardy geraniums add color and visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Long Blooming: They have a long flowering period, often from late spring into fall, providing a prolonged display of blooms.
- Versatile: Hardy geraniums can thrive in a range of soil types and can be used in borders, rockeries, or containers.
- Pest Resistant: They are generally resistant to pests and diseases, which means fewer chemical treatments are needed.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant: These plants are not favored by deer or rabbits, making them a good choice for areas susceptible to wildlife browsing.
- Easy Propagation: They can be easily propagated by division, allowing gardeners to expand their plantings without additional cost.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Geranium 'Jean Armour' can be incorporated into potpourri or scented sachets for its pleasant fragrance, adding a fresh, floral note to closets and drawers.
- As a natural dye, the petals of 'Jean Armour' can be used to impart a subtle color to fabrics or paper when included in the dyeing process.
- The leaves of the Geranium 'Jean Armour' can be pressed and used in botanical art or herbarium collections for educational purposes or decoration.
- Petal confetti: The colorful petals of Geranium 'Jean Armour' can be dried and used as natural, biodegradable confetti for celebrations such as weddings.
- Hobbyist gardening: The unique color and form of 'Jean Armour' make it sought after by specialty gardeners who focus on collecting rare or interesting plant cultivars.
- Photography subject: Due to its beauty, the Geranium 'Jean Armour' can be an excellent subject for botanical photographers or for use in garden photography workshops.
- Edible garnish: Although not commonly used for culinary purposes, the petals of Geranium 'Jean Armour' are edible and can be used as a decorative garnish on desserts or salads.
- Crafting handmade soap: The scent and petals of Geranium 'Jean Armour' can be incorporated into homemade soaps for fragrance and visual appeal.
- Nature crafts: The leaves and flowers of the 'Jean Armour' can be used in nature crafts, such as making floral crowns or adding to a natural wreath for decorative purposes.
- Environmental education: This plant can serve as a tool for teaching about pollination and the importance of flowers in ecosystems, as it attracts pollinators while in bloom.
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: Geraniums are often associated with good health and vitality, which may be attributed to their robust nature and the traditional use of their essential oils for therapeutic purposes.
- Friendship: The cheerful appearance of the geranium makes it a symbol of positive relationships and the bonding between friends.
- Happiness: With its bright flowers, the geranium is a symbol of happiness and good spirits, bringing joy to those who encounter it.
- Peace: The soothing scent and the ease with which geraniums grow contribute to their association with peace and tranquility.
WaterThe Geranium 'Jean Armour', commonly referred to as the Rozanne geranium, should be watered regularly to maintain moist but not waterlogged soil. During the growing season, typically from spring to fall, watering once a week with about one to one and a half gallons per plant should suffice. During periods of extreme heat or drought, increase the frequency of watering to prevent the soil from drying out completely. It's important to reduce watering during the winter months when the plant is not actively growing. Water directly at the base to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases.
LightThe Rozanne geranium thrives in areas with full sun to partial shade. It performs best when it receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. An ideal spot would be one that offers morning sunlight and protection from the intense afternoon sun, especially in areas with very hot summers. However, it is also adaptable to a variety of lighting conditions, so it can still flourish with some light shade.
TemperatureRozanne geraniums are hardy in temperatures as low as 20°F and can tolerate summer temperatures up to about 85°F. They perform optimally when daytime temperatures range between 65°F and 75°F. Avoid exposing the plant to frosts, as temperatures below 20°F can be detrimental to its health and overall survival.
PruningPruning the Rozanne geranium is essential to promote vigorous growth and enhance flowering. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season. Cut back the plant by one-third in midsummer if it becomes leggy or overgrown. The best time to do overall pruning is in the late winter or early spring, just before new growth begins, to shape the plant and remove any dead or damaged foliage.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the hardy geranium, specifically the Geranium × riversleaianum 'Jean Armour', is well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A mix of two parts peat, one part perlite, and one part compost or well-rotted manure can provide the necessary drainage and nutrients. The soil pH preferred by this variety of hardy geranium is neutral to slightly alkaline, ranging between 6.5 to 7.5.
RepottingHardy geraniums like Geranium × riversleaianum 'Jean Armour' generally do not need frequent repotting and can thrive in the same pot for several years. They should be repotted if they become root-bound or if the soil has degraded, which typically occurs every 3 to 5 years.
Humidity & MistingGeranium × riversleaianum 'Jean Armour', commonly known as the hardy geranium, performs best in average humidity levels typical of outdoor conditions. It does not require high humidity and can handle the varying humidities found in most temperate climates.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place your hardy geranium in bright indirect light; water moderately.
Outdoor
Plant in sun to partial shade; well-draining soil, moderate water.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleGeranium × riversleaianum 'Jean Armour', commonly known as cranesbill, starts its journey as a seed, typically requiring light for germination which occurs in spring. After germination, the seedling grows into a young plant, establishing a root system and producing its characteristic rounded, lobed leaves. As the plant matures, it enters the vegetative stage, during which it develops a robust foliage and a sprawling habit. When environmental conditions are favorable, usually in late spring to summer, it transitions into the flowering stage, showcasing mauve to magenta blooms with prominent veining. Following pollination, which is often aided by insects, the plant produces fruits that have a beak-like appearance, earning it the name cranesbill; these fruits eventually release seeds to complete the cycle. As a perennial, the cranesbill dies back to its rootstock in autumn and will re-emerge from dormancy the following spring, ready to repeat the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Geranium 'Jean Armour' is often propagated by taking stem cuttings, which is the most popular method for this plant. The best time to do this is in late spring or early summer when the plant's growth is most vigorous. A healthy stem cutting should be about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long. It is recommended to cut just below a leaf node, remove the bottom leaves, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone to encourage root growth. The cutting can then be inserted into a pot filled with a mix of peat and perlite or a well-draining potting soil. To maintain humidity, the pot can be covered with a plastic bag or placed in a propagator, ensuring the bag doesn’t touch the leaves. The cutting should be kept in a bright, indirect light area and should not be allowed to dry out until roots have established, which can take several weeks.
