Oxford Geranium Geranium × oxonianum 'Katherine Adele'
ABOUT
Geranium × oxonianum 'Katherine Adele' is a hybrid hardy geranium with a beautifully intricate appearance. This perennial plant brings a lush display of foliage and flowers to the garden, often used for ground cover due to its dense habit. The leaves of this geranium are attractively marked with a pattern of dark maroon or purple blotches and veins, which contrast strongly against the bright green background. This variegation in the leaves gives the plant a distinctive look even when not in bloom. When flowering, this geranium produces a profusion of blooms that create a soft and charming effect. The flowers are characteristically small and cup-shaped, showcasing a delicate pale pink to lavender color. These blossoms may also have subtle veins running through their petals, adding to the complexity of the display. The stamens in the center of the flowers typically have a darker hue, which can draw the eye and add to the overall allure. The flowers are held above the foliage on slender stems, giving a light, airy feel to the plant's structure. Overall, the Geranium × oxonianum 'Katherine Adele' is a plant that offers a multi-season visual interest, with its marbled leaves providing a decorative effect throughout the growing season, and the soft flush of flowers appearing, adding grace and color to gardens or landscape arrangements. Its appearance makes it a popular choice for gardeners looking to create a tapestry of foliage and blooms without the need for a towering presence in the flowerbeds.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Oxford Geranium, Hardy Geranium.
Common names
Geranium × oxonianum 'Katherine Adele'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Geranium, typically referring to the genus Pelargonium, is generally not considered toxic to humans. However, it is always recommended to avoid ingesting plants that are not meant for consumption as they may cause discomfort or a reaction due to individual sensitivities. Serious toxicity is rare, but if any part of the plant was consumed in large quantities, it might cause mild gastrointestinal upset. Keeping plants away from children who might ingest them out of curiosity is always good practice.
To pets
Geranium, when indicating the broader group that includes Pelargonium, can be toxic to pets such as dogs and cats if ingested. Although Geranium × oxonianum 'Katherine Adele' is not known for its toxicity, it's better to be cautious. The most common symptoms of geranium poisoning in pets include vomiting, anorexia, depression, and dermatitis. If you suspect your pet has eaten a geranium, it is best to consult a veterinarian. Generally, keeping ornamental plants out of the reach of pets is a good way to prevent any accidental ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1.5 feet (45 cm)
Spread
1.5 feet (45 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Provides nectar and pollen for bees and other beneficial insects, supporting biodiversity.
- Easy to Grow: Low maintenance requirements, including drought tolerance once established, make it suitable for a variety of gardeners.
- Long Blooming: Offers a long flowering period, typically from late spring to early fall, adding prolonged beauty to the garden.
- Landscape Versatility: Can be used in borders, rock gardens, or as ground cover, offering multiple landscaping applications.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant: Natural resistance to grazing by deer and rabbits helps to reduce damage and maintenance.
- Herbaceous Perennial: As a perennial, it returns year after year, reducing the need to replant annually.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Features attractive lacy foliage and pink flowers, enhancing the visual appeal of garden spaces.
- Soil Adaptability: Tolerates a range of soil conditions, from clay to sandy soils, as long as they are well-draining.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Attracts Beneficial Insects: Geranium × oxonianum 'Katherine Adele' can provide a habitat for beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies that are essential for pollination in the garden.
- Erosion Control: This plant's dense growth can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes or in areas with loose soil.
- Natural Dye: The leaves and flowers can potentially be used to create natural dyes for textiles, though this is not a common practice.
- Plant Combinations: This geranium may be planted as an underplanting for roses or taller perennials, where it can complement other plants without outcompeting them.
- Education: The plant could be used in educational settings such as schools or botanical gardens to demonstrate plant growth, flower development, and pollinator attraction.
- Art and Photography: With its attractive flowers, this geranium can be a subject for art and photography, inspiring creativity and appreciation of plant aesthetics.
- Garden Themes: This species can be used as part of a 'cottage garden' or 'informal border' theme, contributing to a traditional or nostalgic garden style.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not commonly consumed, the petals could be used as an ornamental non-toxic garnish for salads and desserts.
- Crafting: Dried flowers and leaves of the geranium can be incorporated into crafting projects like potpourri, wreaths, or floral arrangements.
- Seasonal Interest: This geranium provides extended flowering in the garden, offering aesthetic value from late spring to autumn which helps to encourage interest in gardening.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Geranium is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Geranium is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Unity: Geraniums often represent unity and togetherness, making them suitable for gifts meant to symbolize a bond between individuals or groups.
- Friendship: As friendly and welcoming plants, they encapsulate the spirit of companionship and can convey a message of deep friendship.
- Sturdiness: These plants are known for their hardiness, symbolizing resilience and the ability to withstand challenges.
- Healing: Historically, geraniums have been associated with health and healing properties, hence symbolizing the wish for recovery or well-being.
WaterThe Cranesbill, or Geranium 'Katherine Adele', prefers consistently moist soil and should be watered deeply once a week, but this frequency may need to increase during periods of drought or extreme heat. Normally, a rule of thumb is to give the plant around one to one and a half gallons of water each week, depending on the size of the plant and the weather conditions. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering; if it's dry, it's a good time to water. Ensure that the water penetrates the soil rather than just wetting the surface, which promotes deeper root growth and stability for the plant.
LightCranesbill thrives best in partial shade to full sun. It should be planted in a location where it receives at least four to six hours of sunlight each day. While it can tolerate some shade, too much will reduce flowering. The ideal spot would be one where the plant is protected from the harsh afternoon sun, particularly in hotter climates.
TemperatureCranesbill is resilient to a range of temperatures and typically can withstand minimum temperatures down to about 30 degrees Fahrenheit. They grow best in warm conditions and the ideal growing temperature range is between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They should not be exposed to temperatures above 85 degrees Fahrenheit for prolonged periods or risk heat stress.
PruningPruning Cranesbill is essential for promoting new growth and a bushier habit. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season. In early spring or after the first flush of blooms fade, cut back the entire plant by one-third to rejuvenate and stimulate a new wave of growth and flowering. The best time for major pruning is in the spring or immediately after flowering.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Oxford Geranium 'Katherine Adele' is well-draining soil with compost or organic matter. It prefers a soil pH of 5.8 to 6.3.
RepottingOxford Geranium 'Katherine Adele' should be repotted every two to three years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth.
Humidity & MistingOxford Geranium 'Katherine Adele' tolerates average indoor humidity levels and does not require high humidity to thrive.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and water when topsoil is dry.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, water regularly, and protect from harsh sun.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cycleGeranium × oxonianum 'Katherine Adele', commonly known as the cranesbill geranium, begins its life cycle as a seed, which under appropriate conditions of warmth and moisture, will germinate. The germinated seedling develops a root system and a pair of true leaves as it becomes established. Gradual growth allows the plant to mature by producing a robust root system, more leaves, and stems; this vegetative growth stage is crucial for the plant's overall development. Cranesbill geranium reaches flowering maturity in favorable seasons, producing characteristic flowers that attract pollinators for sexual reproduction. After pollination, the flowers develop into fruit, which are schizocarpic capsules with seeds that are dispersed, sometimes with the help of mechanisms like the explosive dehiscence of the fruit. Concluding its life cycle, the plant will eventually senesce and die, potentially leaving behind seeds that will give rise to new plants.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Geranium × oxonianum 'Katherine Adele', commonly known as the Hardy Geranium, can be propagated most effectively through division. This method is best done in the early spring or fall when the plant is not in active growth. To propagate by division, carefully dig around the plant to lift it from the ground, ensuring a good amount of root is retained with each section. Using a sharp knife or spade, split the plant into smaller sections, each with several shoots and a healthy root system. These sections can then be immediately replanted into well-prepared soil, ideally spaced about 12 inches (30 cm) apart to allow for ample growth room. Water the new plantings thoroughly to help establish them. Division helps rejuvenate older plants while also increasing the number of plants in your garden.
