Himalayan Geranium Geranium himalayense
ABOUT
Geranium himalayense, commonly known as the Himalayan Cranesbill, presents a lush appearance, with mounds of deeply cut, five-lobed leaves that are softly hairy and green. The foliage may turn attractively red in the fall, providing additional seasonal interest. This plant is adorned with striking cup-shaped flowers that are typically blue in color, with a hint of purple and a white center. The petals often have fine, dark veins running through them. The blooms are held above the foliage on sturdy stems, and they offer a delicate, intricate look that is prized in garden settings. This species provides robust ground cover when in full bloom, creating a carpet of vivid color which is highly appealing to pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Overall, the Himalayan Cranesbill is celebrated for its beautiful foliage and showy flowers that contribute to its ornamental value in a garden context.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Geraniaceae.
Synonyms
Himalayan Geranium, Himalayan Cranesbill.
Common names
Geranium grandiflorum, Geranium himalayense var. thomsonii, Geranium himalayense subsp. himalayense, Geranium moupinense.
ToxicityTo humans
Geranium himalayense, commonly known as Himalayan geranium or Himalayan cranesbill, is not known to be toxic to humans. There are no commonly reported adverse reactions or symptoms of poisoning associated with the ingestion of this plant. As with any non-food plant, ingestion should be avoided, and individual allergic reactions are always a possibility.
To pets
Himalayan geranium is also not known to be toxic to pets. It does not typically cause poisoning in animals such as dogs and cats. However, if a pet ingests this plant and displays unusual behavior or signs of distress, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian, as individual animals might have different sensitivities or allergic reactions.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
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: Geranium himalayense, commonly known as Himalayan cranesbill, produces beautiful blue flowers that add vibrant color and visual interest to gardens.
- Attracts pollinators: The flowers are attractive to bees and other pollinators, helping to promote biodiversity and a healthy ecosystem in the garden.
- Ground cover: It can serve as an effective ground cover, filling in spaces to create a lush, full garden appearance and suppressing weed growth.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, this plant is quite tolerant of drought, making it a good choice for water-conservative landscaping.
- Easy to grow: Himalayan cranesbill is known for being low-maintenance and easy to grow, making it ideal for novice gardeners.
- Pest resistance: Generally resistant to pests, which means less need for chemical treatments.
- Frost hardiness: This plant can withstand cold temperatures, making it suitable for a variety of climates.
- Long blooming season: The Geranium himalayense has a long flowering period, often blooming from late spring through to autumn, providing prolonged garden interest.
- Soil adaptability: Able to grow in a wide range of soil conditions, though it prefers well-drained soil.
- Divisibility: The plant can easily be divided to create new plants for spreading around the garden or giving to others.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Geranium himalayense has been traditionally used to reduce inflammation.
- Astringent: The plant contains tannins that can help with wound contraction and healing.
- Diuretic: The herb has been used to promote the production of urine and relieve fluid retention.
- Hemostatic: Geranium himalayense is known for its use in stopping bleeding.
- Vulnerary: It has been used for its wound healing properties.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Geranium himalayense, commonly known as Himalayan crane's-bill, can be used in textile dyeing, providing a range of colors depending on the mordant used.
- The root extracts of Himalayan crane's-bill can be utilized in natural insect repellents due to their fragrant properties.
- Pressed and dried flowers of the plant make beautiful components for herbarium collections or botanical artwork.
- The leaves can also be used to create eco-friendly confetti, a biodegradable alternative to traditional paper confetti.
- Himalayan crane's-bill is suitable for living mulch in orchards, helping to regulate soil temperature and moisture levels.
- When planted along the banks of water bodies, the extensive root system can help reduce soil erosion.
- Himalayan crane's-bill can be used as indicator plants in gardens as they are sensitive to changes in soil conditions.
- The petals can be used in potpourri blends, adding a delicate fragrance and a splash of color.
- These plants are used in educational settings for studies in botany and horticulture, due to their diverse growth habits and adaptability.
- Garden enthusiasts might use the leaves as stencils for garden-themed crafts and decorations.
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- Unexpected Meeting: Geraniums are often associated with chance encounters or serendipitous events. The Himalayan Geranium, with its origins in a distant and exotic location, might intensify this symbolism.
- Friendship: Geraniums symbolize friendship and positive relationships, possibly because they are a common, friendly looking flower that can be easily shared and grown.
- Health: Historically, geraniums are believed to promote good health and were used in traditional medicine, hence they can symbolize the wish for good health.
- Stability: The robust nature of this plant allows it to thrive in various conditions, hence it can represent stability and adaptability in life.
- Fertility: Certain geranium species have been symbols of fertility and reproduction because they are prolific bloomers.
WaterHimalayan geraniums should be watered regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. They typically require watering once a week, but this may vary based on temperature and humidity. During hot and dry periods, they may need more frequent watering, possibly twice a week. It's best to check the top inch of the soil for dryness and water accordingly. Each watering session should provide enough water to moisten the soil deeply, approximately 1-2 gallons for an average-sized plant, ensuring that water reaches the root zone.
LightHimalayan geraniums prefer a spot where they receive partial to full sunlight. They thrive in conditions where they are exposed to morning sun and afternoon shade, which protects them from the intense heat of the day. These plants can also adapt to full sun conditions in cooler climates, but in hotter regions they will benefit from some afternoon protection.
TemperatureHimalayan geraniums are adaptable to a variety of temperature conditions, but they perform best within the range of 60°F to 75°F. They can survive minimum temperatures down to about 20°F. To maintain optimal growth, they should be protected from extreme heat and freezing temperatures, avoiding anything below 20°F or above 85°F.
PruningPruning Himalayan geraniums encourages bushier growth and more blooms. They should be pruned in early spring to remove any dead or damaged foliage and to shape the plant. During the blooming season, deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous flowering. Pruning can be done yearly, ideally just before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilHimalayan Geranium requires well-draining soil with rich organic matter. A mix comprising equal parts garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or coarse sand is ideal. The best soil pH for this plant is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.8 to 7.2.
RepottingHimalayan Geranium does not need frequent repotting and can be repotted every two to three years. It's best to repot in the spring when the plant is just beginning to grow.
Humidity & MistingHimalayan Geranium prefers moderate humidity levels, typically the average room humidity found in most homes. They do not require high humidity environments to thrive.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Choose a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cycleGeranium himalayense, commonly known as the Himalayan geranium, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in moist, well-drained soil in the spring. Seedlings emerge and establish a rosette of leaves, entering a vegetative growth stage where the plant develops foliage and roots, preparing for photosynthesis and further growth. As the plant matures, it enters the flowering stage in late spring to early summer, producing distinctive blue or violet flowers that attract pollinators for sexual reproduction. After pollination, the flowers develop into beak-like fruit capsules, each containing several seeds, which when ripe, are ejected from the mother plant to disperse for new growth. In the autumn, the plant may die back, with the root system going dormant over winter in colder climates. The following spring, the cycle begins anew, with the perennial plant regenerating from its rootstock or with new plants growing from the dispersed seeds.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Propogation: Geranium himalayense, commonly known as Himalayan geranium or crane's bill, is best propagated by division, a popular method that can be carried out both in spring and autumn. To propagate through division, carefully dig up an established plant and gently separate the root ball into smaller sections, ensuring each section has a portion of the root system and several shoots. Replant these divisions immediately at the same depth they were growing before and water them well to help establish the new plants. Dividing the plant every 3 to 4 years also helps to rejuvenate it and encourages vigorous growth. This method allows gardeners to quickly increase their stock of Himalayan geranium and maintain the health of their existing plants.
