Meadow Cranesbill Geranium pratense (Victor Reiter Group) Black Beauty = 'Nodbeauty' (PBR)
![meadow cranesbill [Black Beauty]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fplants-admin.emdemapps.com%2Fimages%2Fplants%2F%2Fimages%2F604b5f7e1080d.png&w=3840&q=75)
ABOUT
Geranium 'Black Beauty', belonging to the Victor Reiter Group, is an ornamental plant with striking foliage and blossoms. The foliage is distinctive with its dark, almost black leaves, providing a contrasting backdrop to the bright flowers. The leaves themselves often have a deeply cut lobed pattern which can be quite intricate in appearance. The flowers are a bold violet-blue hue, and they stand out against the dark foliage, creating a dramatic visual effect. The blooms have a saucer-like shape that is characteristic of the Geranium family and are held above the foliage on sturdy stems, giving them a floating appearance amidst the dark leaves. The overall appearance is one of strong visual contrast and lush vibrancy, turning the 'Black Beauty' into an eye-catching presence in any garden setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Geraniaceae
Synonyms
Meadow Cranesbill Black Beauty, Black Beauty Hardy Geranium, Victor Reiter Meadow Cranesbill
Common names
Geranium pratense 'Nodbeauty'.
ToxicityTo humans
The meadow cranesbill 'Black Beauty' is not considered toxic to humans. Ingesting parts of this plant is not expected to cause symptoms of poisoning and is generally regarded as safe. However, it's always advisable to be cautious and avoid eating plants that are not explicitly confirmed as edible.
To pets
The meadow cranesbill 'Black Beauty' is also known to be non-toxic to pets. Ingesting this plant should not cause any symptoms of poisoning in animals such as cats and dogs. As with humans, no adverse consequences from ingestion are expected, but it's always best to keep an eye on pets and prevent them from eating ornamental plants.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Dark purple
Flower color
Blue
Height
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-8
Native area
Europe, Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: The deep purple foliage and striking blue flowers add visual interest and aesthetic value to gardens and landscapes.
- Attracts Pollinators: Flowers provide nectar for bees and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers a variety of colors through the seasons, with foliage turning red or orange in autumn for extended garden interest.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has good tolerance to dry conditions, requiring less frequent watering.
- Hardiness: It's resilient in cold climates, able to survive and thrive in USDA zones 4 through 8.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care once established, needing only occasional deadheading and division to maintain health and vigor.
- Versatile Landscaping: Suitable for borders, beds, and cottage gardens, adding texture and color contrast to a variety of landscaping styles.
- Easy Propagation: Can be easily propagated by division, allowing gardeners to expand their plantings without additional cost.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dye Production: The leaves and flowers of the Geranium can be used to produce natural dyes for fabric or paper crafting.
- Photography: Due to its striking dark foliage and blue flowers, Geranium pratense is often used as a subject or backdrop in floral and garden photography.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists may use the unique look of the plant as inspiration for paintings, drawings, or other forms of visual art.
- Culinary Garnish: The edible flowers can be used as a decorative and colorful garnish for salads and desserts.
- Frozen Floral Cubes: The blooms can be frozen in ice cubes to create an elegant touch for serving in drinks at special events.
- Companion Planting: When planted in the garden, it may help to attract beneficial insects and could enhance the growth of nearby plants.
- Education: The plant can be used in educational settings to teach about pollination, plant biology, and ecology due to its attractiveness to bees and butterflies.
- Crafting: Dried flowers and leaves can be used in creating bookmarks, greeting cards, or other paper-based crafts.
- Mood Enhancing: The presence of this plant with its beautiful blooms in a living or working space can enhance mood and provide aesthetic pleasure.
- Bioindicator: In scientific studies, certain Geranium species can be utilized as bioindicators to assess the health of an ecosystem or the presence of particular environmental conditions.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Meadow Cranesbill is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Meadow Cranesbill is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: Geraniums are often associated with healing due to their medicinal properties historically used in folk medicine.
- Friendship: Gifting a geranium can symbolize a wish for deeper friendship or can be a sign of comfort and support.
- Positive Emotions: The bright flowers are believed to represent happiness, good spirits, and positive energy.
- Protection: In some cultures, geraniums symbolize protection against negative influences and were planted around homes for this purpose.
- Fertility: The lush growth of geraniums can symbolize fertility, abundance, and the creation of new life.
WaterThe Himalayan Geranium, also known as Geranium pratense 'Black Beauty', prefers consistent moisture, so it's important to maintain an even watering schedule. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically amounts to at least once a week during the growing season. Depending on the climate and weather conditions, it may require more frequent watering, especially in hot, dry periods. Aim to provide about 1 gallon of water per plant each time you water, ensuring you moisten the soil thoroughly without waterlogging it. During winter, when the plant is dormant, reduce watering but do not allow the soil to completely dry out.
LightHimalayan Geranium thrives in full sun to partial shade. A spot that receives morning sunlight and afternoon shade is ideal to prevent leaf scorch in areas with very intense sun. It also performs well with dappled sunlight throughout the day, which can help to highlight the dark foliage.
TemperatureHimalayan Geranium is hardy and can tolerate a temperature range from about -30 degrees Fahrenheit to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal growing temperature is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Protection from extreme temperature fluctuations will help ensure the plant's health and longevity.
PruningPruning the Himalayan Geranium promotes bushier growth and prevents the plant from becoming leggy. After the first wave of flowering diminishes, cut the plant back by about half to encourage a second bloom. Pruning is best done in late summer or after flowering has finished for the season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Meadow Cranesbill, commonly known as Geranium pratense 'Black Beauty', thrives best in a soil mix that is rich in organic matter, moist but well-draining, and has a pH range of 5.8 to 7.2. A mix of garden soil, compost, and perlite or sand will create the ideal conditions for growth and flowering.
RepottingMeadow Cranesbill generally does not need frequent repotting and can thrive for several years in the same pot. However, it should be repotted every 3-4 years to refresh the soil and provide space for root growth.
Humidity & MistingMeadow Cranesbill prefers a moderate humidity level but is adaptable to various conditions. It does not have specific humidity requirements and can tolerate the humidity levels typically found in temperate outdoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and ensure good air flow.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade, enrich soil with organic matter.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleGeranium pratense 'Black Beauty' begins its life cycle as a seed, which, when sown in the spring or autumn, germinates in soil with adequate moisture and light. Upon germination, it develops a small rosette of leaves at the soil surface, followed by the formation of a deep and extensive root system. As the plant matures, it produces distinctive deeply-cut, dark foliage, and by early to mid-summer, it reaches the flowering stage where it showcases numerous purple-blue flowers that are attractive to pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into unique beak-like seed capsules that, when ripe, will disperse seeds to enable natural propagation. During late summer to early autumn, the above-ground growth starts to die back as the plant enters a dormant phase, particularly in areas with cold winters. With the arrival of spring, Geranium pratense 'Black Beauty' emerges from dormancy, resuming growth, and completing the annual cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Geranium pratense, commonly known as the Meadow Cranesbill, particularly the 'Black Beauty' variety, is often propagated through division. This method is typically carried out in either spring or autumn. To propagate by division, the gardener would carefully lift the plant from the ground using a spade or fork, ensuring a substantial amount of root and soil is retained with the clump. The clump is then gently split into smaller sections, each with an adequate piece of the root system. These smaller clumps are immediately replanted in well-prepared soil, watered thoroughly with about a quart (approximately 0.95 liters) of water per plant, and kept moist until established. This popular technique allows quick establishment and accurate reproduction of the parent plant's characteristics.
