Knotted Crane's-bill Geranium nodosum 'Julie's Velvet'
ABOUT
Geranium nodosum 'Julie's Velvet' is an ornamental plant known for its luxurious, velvety foliage and charming appearance. It has rich green leaves that are slightly lobed and have a quilted texture, often showcasing a shiny or lustrous surface. The leaves might sometimes feature subtle darker veining, giving them a textured and deep appearance. The plant is adorned with delicate flowers that bloom in an eye-catching purplish-pink shade, providing a beautiful contrast against the greenery. These flowers generally consist of five rounded petals with faint veining, sometimes showing darker markings at the base which enhance their overall allure. The blooms are typically poised on slender stems that rise above the foliage, giving them a whimsical and airy look. The entire plant creates an impressive display with its mounded habit, adding a touch of elegance and romantic charm to any garden setting. Each individual element, from the lush leaves to the ornate flowers, comes together to establish 'Julie's Velvet' as a captivating and attractive garden specimen, renowned for its visual interest and soothing color palette.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Geraniaceae.
Synonyms
Knotted Crane's-Bill, French Crane's-Bill.
Common names
Geranium nodosum
ToxicityTo humans
Geraniums, including Geranium nodosum 'Julie's Velvet', are generally considered non-toxic to humans. They are commonly used in gardens and homes for their decorative appearance and are not associated with serious health risks if ingested. However, some people may experience mild irritation or gastrointestinal discomfort if they consume parts of the plant. In rare cases, someone with a specific allergy to the plant may experience a more severe reaction.
To pets
Geraniums are broadly non-toxic to pets as well, encompassing Geranium nodosum 'Julie's Velvet'. They are not known to cause serious harm if ingested by pets such as cats and dogs. However, as with humans, individual pets may have sensitivities that could result in mild gastrointestinal upset. If a pet displays symptoms of distress after ingesting parts of the plant, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Foliage: The plant has lush, velvety leaves that provide a visually appealing ground cover.
- Floral Display: It produces pretty, pinkish-purple flowers in late spring to summer that enhance the beauty of any garden.
- Shade Tolerance: Geranium nodosum 'Julie's Velvet' is well-suited to grow in shaded areas where other plants may struggle.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of dryness, making it suitable for low-water gardens.
- Low Maintenance: The plant is easy to care for, requiring minimal pruning and upkeep.
- Wildlife Friendly: The flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity in the garden.
- Soil Adaptability: It can grow in a wide range of soil types, from clay to loam, as long as the soil is well-drained.
- Spreading Habit: It spreads slowly through rhizomes, filling in gaps and creating a continuous cover without being invasive.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Insectary Plant: Geranium nodosum attracts beneficial insects, such as bees and butterflies, which can help with the pollination of nearby plants in the garden.
- Photography: The attractive foliage and flowers of Geranium nodosum offer an appealing subject for botanical photographers and artists.
- Education: Garden enthusiasts or botanical students may use Geranium nodosum to study the characteristics of the Geraniaceae family.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not a common use, the petals of Geranium nodosum can occasionally be used to add a decorative touch to salads or desserts.
- Natural Fabric Dyes: The flowers and leaves of Geranium nodosum may potentially be used to create natural dyes for fabrics.
- Landscape Design: The plant can be used in shade garden designs to create textured and colorful underplantings.
- Seasonal Displays: Geranium nodosum can be used in seasonal container arrangements to add color to autumn garden displays.
- Ground Cover: The plant can be used as a ground cover in woodland gardens, helping to suppress weeds and maintain soil moisture.
- Crafts: Dried flowers and leaves of Geranium nodosum can be used in creating pressed flower arrangements or in potpourri.
- Soil Erosion Control: Its dense growth habit helps to stabilize soil on slopes, making it useful for soil erosion control in shaded areas.
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 in general, are thought to symbolize unexpected encounters or meetings. This comes from the folklore that if someone planted geraniums on their window sills, it would act as an invitation for others to visit.
- Friendship: Offering a geranium is often considered a gesture of friendship due to its pleasant fragrance and vibrant flowers. It's a way to show appreciation for a friendship that may be budding or well-established.
- Good Health: They are also linked to wishes for good health. The robust nature of geraniums makes them symbols of vitality and resilience.
- Positivity: The bright blooms of the Geranium represent cheerfulness and positivity. They're used to lift spirits and spread positivity.
- Harmony: The balanced growth and steady spread of these plants suggest harmony in living. It can be kept in homes to promote a harmonious atmosphere.
WaterThe Knotted Crane's-bill should be watered deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch; this usually equates to approximately once or twice a week during active growth periods, depending on climate. The amount of water required varies, but a good rule of thumb is to apply 1 gallon of water for every square foot of soil to ensure it soaks the root zone thoroughly. During hotter, drier periods, increase the frequency of watering to ensure the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. During the winter dormancy, reduce watering significantly, only providing enough to prevent the soil from completely drying out.
LightThe Knotted Crane's-bill thrives in partial shade to full sun. An ideal location offers morning sunlight and afternoon shade, or dappled sunlight throughout the day, to protect its leaves from harsh midday rays. It performs well in a spot that receives around 4 to 6 hours of sunlight daily, which supports healthy growth without causing scorching of its delicate foliage.
TemperatureThe Knotted Crane's-bill prefers moderate temperatures and grows best within the range of 65 to 75°F. This perennial can tolerate temperatures down to about 20°F but requires protection from harsh frosts. The plant can also survive brief periods of hotter weather, as long as adequate shade and moisture are provided, but it's not suited for extended heat above 85°F.
PruningPrune the Knotted Crane's-bill in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged foliage and to encourage fresh growth. Periodic deadheading of spent flowers can also promote continuous blooming throughout the season. If the plant becomes leggy or overgrown, it can be cut back by one-third to maintain a compact shape and stimulate new growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilKnotted Crane's-bill thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with high organic content. A mix of two parts garden soil, one part peat moss or well-rotted compost, and one part sharp sand or perlite creates an ideal environment. This plant prefers a soil pH ranging from 5.5 to 6.5, slightly acidic to neutral.
RepottingKnotted Crane's-bill does not typically require frequent repotting and can be done every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its container. Ensure the new pot is only slightly larger than the previous one.
Humidity & MistingKnotted Crane's-bill prefers moderate humidity levels and will thrive in the average humidity found in most homes, which typically ranges from 30% to 60%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and maintain even moisture.
Outdoor
Place in part shade and mulch to retain soil moisture.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleGeranium nodosum 'Julie's Velvet', commonly known as knotted cranesbill, begins its life cycle as a seed, which upon germination in appropriate conditions of moist, well-drained soil and partial to full shade, develops a small root system and cotyledon (seed leaves). As the seedling matures, true leaves emerge, and the plant develops its characteristic lush, velvety foliage and a strong root system. As a perennial, it enters a vegetative state during the growing season, producing leaves and stems that can spread through rhizomes. Following vegetative growth, knotted cranesbill blossoms in late spring to summer with purplish-pink flowers attracting pollinators, which is crucial for the sexual reproduction and formation of seeds. After flowering, seeds are set and dispersed, either by wind or other mechanical means. During the cold months, the plant dies back to the ground level, entering a period of dormancy, with the rootstock surviving winter to regrow the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Geranium nodosum 'Julie's Velvet', also known as the knotted cranesbill, can be propagated primarily through division, which is best done in the spring or fall. During this process, carefully dig up the plant, ensuring that you maintain a good amount of root structure with each division. Using a sharp knife or spade, gently separate the clumps into smaller sections, each with several shoots and a healthy root ball. These divisions should then be replanted in well-draining soil, ideally at the same depth they were growing previously, and watered thoroughly. This will necessitate giving the new plants ample space to grow, about 12 inches (approximately 30 centimeters) apart to ensure adequate air circulation and room for growth.
