Geranium himalayense 'Plenum' (d)

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Non-toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

The Geranium himalayense 'Plenum,' commonly known as the double Himalayan cranesbill, is a perennial plant favored for its decorative qualities. This particular cultivar is notable for its attractive, fully double flowers, which are a rich, violet-blue hue with intricate, frilly petals that provide a lush fullness. Each bloom, formed in clusters, offers a feast for the eyes with the multiple layers of petals adding depth and texture to the flower display. The foliage of the double Himalayan cranesbill consists of deeply lobed, palmate leaves that are lush green in color. The leaves often turn to hues of red and orange, providing delightful autumnal color. The foliage acts as a perfect backdrop for the striking flowers and extends the plant's visual interest beyond its blooming season. These plants often create a low mound or a carpet of foliage and flowers, giving a dense and full appearance, which makes them exceptionally well-suited for ground cover or for planting at the front of borders. Its robust nature and the continuing flush of flowers throughout the blooming season make it a staple in many gardens for creating splashes of vibrant color and texture. Its beauty and hardiness come together to form a plant that is both eye-catching and reliable, helping to create a stunning garden display.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Geraniaceae
- Synonyms
  Himalayan Geranium, Rosy Crane's-bill
- Common names
  Geranium himalayense 'Plenum'.
Toxicity
- To humans
  Himalayan geranium, the common name for Geranium himalayense 'Plenum', is not known to be toxic to humans. Therefore, there are typically no symptoms of poisoning or adverse consequences related to the ingestion of this plant. However, it's always prudent to exercise caution and avoid eating plants unless they are known to be safe and edible.
- To pets
  Himalayan geranium is also not recognized as toxic to pets. Similarly to humans, ingestion of this plant typically does not result in poisoning or lead to any harmful consequences for pets. Regardless, it is still advisable to prevent pets from ingesting plants that are not specifically intended for their consumption.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Violet
- 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: Adds visual interest to gardens with its double lilac-blue flowers.
- Pollinator Attraction: Attracts bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for novice gardeners.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of dryness, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Cold Hardy: Can survive and thrive in colder climates.
- Garden Versatility: Suitable for borders, rockeries, and as ground cover.
- Long Blooming Season: Flowers from late spring to early summer, providing a long period of visual interest.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant: Less likely to be eaten by deer and rabbits, which can be beneficial in areas where these animals are a nuisance.
Medical Properties
- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- As a natural dye: The petals of the Geranium himalayense can be used to produce a natural dye for fabrics, yielding a range of pinks and purples depending on the mordant used.
- Companion planting: This geranium species can be planted alongside vegetables and other flowers to help deter certain pests and diseases, due to its aromatic leaves.
- Horticultural therapy: Due to its ease of care and attractiveness, Geranium himalayense can be used in horticultural therapy programs to promote well-being and relaxation for individuals.
- Crafting botanical prints: The leaves and flowers of Geranium himalayense can be used in the creation of botanical prints or nature-inspired arts and crafts.
- Flower pressing: The blossoms are ideal for flower pressing due to their flat shape and vibrant color, which can be used in artwork or craft projects.
- Educational tool: This plant can be used in educational settings, such as schools or botanical gardens, to teach students about plant biology, pollination, and horticulture.
- Garden design: Due to its striking flowers, the geranium can serve as an excellent reference plant for garden design and color theme planning.
- Beekeeping support: Geranium himalayense is beneficial for beekeepers as it provides a source of nectar during the flowering season, supporting pollinator populations.
- Photography subject: With its vivid flowers and interesting foliage, this geranium is a popular subject for photographers, especially those specializing in botanic and nature photography.
- Fragrance extraction: Although not typically used commercially, the geranium's leaves can be utilized in homemade potpourris and natural fragrances.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The Himalayan Geranium is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Himalayan Geranium is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Unity: The Geranium is often associated with coming together of two people, symbolizing close bonds and harmony.
- True Friendship: Given as a gift, it signifies a true friendship that is reliable and enduring.
- Health: The vibrant nature of the plant is thought to promote good health and an escape from illness.
- Good Luck: Carrying geranium leaves is believed to attract good luck and positive energy.
- Fertility: Some cultures consider the geranium a symbol of fertility and rebirth, likely due to its robust growth habit.
- Peace: Its calming scent and presence in the garden are seen as bringing peace to the household.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 2-3 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring to summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
Himalayan Geraniums require regular watering, particularly during the growing season. The soil should be kept evenly moist, but not waterlogged. Water thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. On average, this means watering once a week, but this can vary depending on climate and weather conditions. It is better to water deeply and less frequently rather than little and often. Aim to provide the Himalayan Geranium with about 1-2 gallons of water every seven to ten days, adjusting as needed based on rainfall and temperature.
Light
Himalayan Geraniums thrive in a spot that receives full sun to partial shade. They prefer at least four to six hours of sunlight each day, with some protection from intense afternoon sun in hotter climates. An east or west-facing garden is ideal, providing bright, indirect light that encourages healthy growth without scorching the leaves.
Temperature
Himalayan Geraniums do well in a range of temperatures, but they prefer moderate conditions. They can survive minimum temperatures down to about 20°F but grow best when the temperature is between 65°F and 75°F. Ensure that the planting site is free from frost, as extreme cold can damage or kill the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is important for maintaining the health and appearance of your Himalayan Geranium. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage new growth and prolong the flowering period. Cut back the entire plant by one-third after the first flush of flowers to promote a second bloom. The best time for thorough pruning is in late winter or early spring, just before new growth begins.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
The Himalayan Geranium prefers well-draining soil enriched with organic matter, with a soil pH slightly acidic to neutral, around 5.8 to 7.0. A mix of two parts garden soil, one part peat moss or compost, and one part perlite or sand ensures good drainage and nutrient retention.
Repotting
Himalayan Geraniums generally need repotting every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and provide more space for root growth. Spring is the ideal time for repotting to allow the plant to establish in the new container before the active growing season.
Humidity & Misting
Himalayan Geranium thrives in moderate humidity levels typical of outdoor environments; it does not require any special humidity adjustments when grown as a garden plant.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Place near bright window, avoid direct sun, keep soil moist.
- Outdoor
  Plant in partial sun, enrich soil, protect from harsh winter.
- Hardiness zone
  5-7 USDA
Life cycle
Himalayan cranesbill 'Plenum' begins its life as a seed, which, once sown, germinates to produce a small seedling, marked by the emergence of the cotyledons. The seedling then develops true leaves and establishes itself, gradually forming a dense clump of foliage. Over time, this perennial enters its vegetative growth phase, where it matures and the foliage expands, forming a mound of deeply cut leaves. It subsequently enters the flowering stage during late spring to early summer, producing distinctive double violet-blue flowers. Following pollination, the plant sets seed, which are then dispersed when the fruit, a beaked capsule, dehisces. During the winter or in adverse conditions, the above-ground parts of the plant may die back, but the roots remain alive, allowing the plant to regrow and enter the next seasonal cycle.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring to summer
- Propogation: Geranium 'Plenum', commonly known as Himalayan geranium, is typically propagated by division, which is the most popular method for this perennial plant. Division should be done in the spring or autumn when the plant's growth is most active. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the clump of geraniums and gently separate the roots into smaller sections, making sure that each divided piece has a portion of the root system and a few shoots. Replant the divisions promptly, spacing them about 12 to 15 inches (30 to 38 centimeters) apart to provide enough room for growth. Water the new plants adequately after replanting to help establish them in their new locations.