Knotted Crane's-bill Geranium nodosum 'Silverwood'

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Non-toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Geranium nodosum 'Silverwood' is noted for its attractive foliage and beautiful flowers, making it a beloved addition to gardens. The plant displays a clump of light green leaves, which have a slightly shiny appearance lending a silvery touch to the foliage, hence the name 'Silverwood'. These leaves are rounded with deep lobes that can give them a somewhat ruffled or crinkly look. Adding to its charm, the edges of the leaves often exhibit gentle waves, contributing to its intricate texture. During its blooming season, the 'Silverwood' variety of cranesbill geranium is adorned with delicate flowers. These blossoms are typically a soft white color, and they possess a simple yet elegant beauty with their rounded petals that flare outward from a central point. The white flowers often feature faint veining, which can be more or less pronounced depending on the individual plant and growing conditions. Overall, Geranium nodosum 'Silverwood' is appreciated for its understated elegance, with soothing greenery and crisp white flowers that can provide a calming presence in a garden setting without overpowering other plantings.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Geraniaceae
- Synonyms
  Knotted Crane's-bill, Knotted Geranium
- Common names
  Geranium nodosum 'Silverwood'
Toxicity
- To humans
  Geranium nodosum 'Silverwood', commonly known as the knotted crane's-bill, is not known to be toxic to humans. Generally, geraniums are considered safe and there are no significant reports of poisoning after ingestion. However, it is always advisable to avoid eating ornamental plants as they are not intended for human consumption. If large quantities were ingested, it could potentially lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, but serious toxicity is unlikely.
- To pets
  Knotted crane's-bill is not known to be toxic to pets. Geraniums, in general, are not listed among the plants commonly recognized as harmful to dogs, cats, or other domestic animals. Ingestion of plant parts might cause some mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, in sensitive pets, but there is no evidence of severe poisoning from consuming this plant. As with humans, it's best to prevent pets from nibbling on ornamental plants to avoid any potential issues.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  White
- Height
  1-1.5 feet (30-45 cm)
- Spread
  1-1.5 feet (30-45 cm)
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  4-8
- Native area
  Europe

Benefits

General Benefits
- Attractive Foliage: The Geranium nodosum 'Silverwood' has striking silver-veined leaves that add visual interest to any garden setting.
- Shade Tolerance: This geranium variety thrives in partially shaded areas where other plants might struggle.
- Low Maintenance: It is a low-maintenance plant, which makes it ideal for gardeners who desire a beautiful garden with minimal effort.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, this plant has good drought tolerance, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Pest Resistance: Geranium nodosum 'Silverwood' is generally resistant to common garden pests, which helps to keep the garden healthy and thriving.
- Ground Cover: It can be used effectively as a ground cover to suppress weeds and cover bare spots in the garden.
- Flowering: This plant produces attractive lilac flowers that can add a pop of color to the garden landscape.
- Wildlife Attraction: The flowers can attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supporting biodiversity.
- Seasonal Interest: It offers seasonal interest with its blooms in late spring to early summer, adding variety to the garden throughout the year.
- Easy Propagation: Geranium nodosum 'Silverwood' can be easily propagated through division, making it easy to expand your garden or share with others.
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
- Photography: Geranium nodosum 'Silverwood', with its attractive foliage and flowers, can be used in garden photography to add visual interest and provide a white balance reference due to its bright foliage.
- Drawing and Painting Subject: Artists may use the intricate details of the Geranium nodosum 'Silverwood' as a subject for botanical drawings and paintings.
- Educational Tool: This plant can serve as a practical example when teaching about pollination or plant growth habits due to its visible reproductive parts and growth pattern.
- Dye Production: The petals of Geranium nodosum 'Silverwood' could potentially be used to produce natural dyes for fabric or art projects.
- Eco-Friendly Confetti: Dried petals of the Geranium nodosum 'Silverwood' can be used as biodegradable confetti for outdoor celebrations.
- Flower Pressing: The blooms and foliage can be pressed and used in creating pressed flower art pieces or decorative bookmarks.
- Garden Design Courses: This geranium can be utilized in garden design courses to teach students about plant placement and the use of foliage color to create contrast.
- Nature Crafts: Leaves and flowers can be used in nature crafts, such as making DIY potpourri or nature-inspired decor.
- Horticultural Therapy: Geranium nodosum 'Silverwood' can be incorporated into horticultural therapy programs as an easy-to-grow plant that provides a sense of accomplishment to participants.
- Companion Planting: Geranium nodosum 'Silverwood' can be utilized in companion planting schemes to underplant roses or other tall flowering shrubs, providing ground cover and deterring weeds.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
Geranium is known for its positive energy in Feng Shui, and it is often used to promote health and happiness. Its round leaves can symbolize abundance, making it a suitable plant for the wealth sector (southeast) of a space. It can also be used near the entrance of a home to invite in good energy, or in an area that requires the Water element, as the color blue is associated with water in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
Geranium is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Friendship: Geraniums are often associated with positive emotions and the deep bonds of friendship, signifying close relationships and trust.
- Health: Traditionally, geraniums symbolize good health, perhaps due to their use in herbal medicine and aromatherapy for promoting wellness.
- Happiness: The bright flowers and pleasant scent of geraniums are believed to represent happiness and a positive state of mind.
- Peace: The soothing presence of geraniums is also seen as a symbol of peace, harmony, and tranquility in the home or garden.
- Protection: Some cultures consider geraniums to be a protective plant that can ward off negative energies and bring safety to a place.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 1-2 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring to Early Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
The knotted cranesbill should be watered deeply once a week, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Watering should be done at the base of the plant, avoiding splashing water on the leaves to prevent fungal diseases. In hot, dry periods, increase frequency to ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Generally, using about one gallon per plant will provide adequate moisture, but this can vary with size and environmental conditions.
Light
The knotted cranesbill thrives best in partial shade, though it can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. Ideally, place the plant where it will receive morning sunlight and afternoon shade to protect it from the harsh midday sun. A spot under dappled light, such as that provided by open canopy trees, is also suitable for encouraging healthy growth.
Temperature
The knotted cranesbill prefers temperatures between 50°F to 75°F but can tolerate a range from 40°F to 80°F. Extreme temperatures below 40°F can damage the plant, and above 80°F, extra shading and water may be required to keep the plant healthy. Protect the plant from frost and extreme heat to ensure its longevity.
Pruning
Pruning the knotted cranesbill promotes healthy growth and prevents disease. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming. After the first flush of flowers diminishes, cut back the entire plant by one-third to rejuvenate foliage and set new buds. The best time for major pruning is in early spring or after the flowering period ends.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Knotted Crane's-bill (Geranium nodosum 'Silverwood') thrives in a soil mix that is well-draining and rich in organic matter. A combination of one part garden soil, one part peat moss or compost, and one part sharp sand or perlite would create an ideal environment for this hardy geranium species. The preferred soil pH range for the Knotted Crane's-bill is between 5.5 and 7.0, accommodating a slightly acidic to neutral soil condition.
Repotting
Knotted Crane's-bill does not require frequent repotting and can usually remain in the same pot for several years. It's best to repot this plant every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and to accommodate any significant growth. When repotting, spring is the ideal time to do this just before the onset of the growing season.
Humidity & Misting
Knotted Crane's-bill is adaptable to a range of humidity levels and does not have strict humidity requirements. It fares well in average household humidity conditions. To maintain its health and vigor, ensure good air circulation around the plant and avoid excessively dry or damp atmospheres.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Place in well-lit spot; avoid direct sun. Keep soil moist.
- Outdoor
  Choose partial shade, well-draining soil; water regularly.
- Hardiness zone
  5-8 USDA
Life cycle
Geranium nodosum 'Silverwood', commonly known as knotted cranesbill, begins its cycle by germinating from seed in suitable soil conditions, typically in the spring. The seed sprouts, growing into a small seedling with characteristic leaves; during this stage, the plant establishes a root system and begins vegetative growth. As the plant matures, it develops a clump of foliage and, in late spring to summer, it produces small, white to pale lilac flowers with contrasting veining, attracting pollinators for sexual reproduction. After pollination, the plant forms seed capsules that, when ripe, forcefully eject seeds to propagate the next generation. Throughout the growing season, it continues to produce leaves and can spread slowly through underground rhizomes. Finally, as a hardy perennial, it goes dormant during the winter, with the foliage dying back, then re-emerges from the same root system the following spring to repeat the cycle.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring to Early Summer
- The Knotted Crane's-bill 'Silverwood', can be propagated by division, which is the most popular method for this perennial plant. This process is best done in the early spring or fall, when the plant is not in active growth. To propagate by division, one should dig up the whole clump of the plant, ensuring a good portion of roots and crowns are included. Gently separate the crown into smaller pieces, each with roots attached, using your hands or a knife if necessary. Replant the divisions at the same depth they were growing at previously, spacing them about 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 centimeters) apart to allow for growth. Water the new plants thoroughly to help establish them. This method allows gardeners to easily multiply their Knotted Crane's-bill 'Silverwood' while also rejuvenating older plants.