Oxford geranium Geranium × oxonianum
ABOUT
Geranium × oxonianum, commonly known as the Oxford geranium, is a visually appealing perennial that adds charm to any garden setting with its profusion of blooms and lush foliage. The plant is characterized by a generous clump of deeply lobed leaves that are softly hairy, giving them a velvety texture. The foliage exhibits a rich green color, making a perfect backdrop for its flowers. The flowers of the Oxford geranium are a sight to behold. They typically appear in shades of light to bright pink, sometimes with prominent veining or a slight purplish cast that adds depth to their appearance. Each flower has five rounded petals that are slightly notched at the tips, presenting a delicate and somewhat ruffled look. The blooms are cupped at first, opening flat as they mature and are gathered in loose clusters. In the center of each flower, there's a bouquet of darker pink or purple stamens that contrast beautifully with the lighter petals, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies to the garden. The Oxford geranium's flowering period extends over several months, offering a long-lasting display of color and interest. As a plant with a spreading habit, the Oxford geranium creates a ground-covering effect, with the foliage and flowers creating a lush tapestry. This characteristic makes it an excellent choice for borders, rock gardens, or as underplanting for taller, more upright plants. It is appreciated for its hardiness and the splash of color it brings to landscapes, creating picturesque scenes that are reminiscent of quaint English cottage gardens.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Geraniaceae
Synonyms
Oxford Geranium, Oxonian Cranesbill
Common names
Geranium × oxonianum.
ToxicityTo humans
Oxford Geranium (Geranium × oxonianum) is generally considered non-toxic to humans. It is not known to cause severe poisoning if ingested. However, as with many plants, individual allergies and sensitivities exist, so it's best to avoid ingestion.
To pets
Oxford Geranium (Geranium × oxonianum) is also generally considered non-toxic to pets. It is not known to have any toxic effects on dogs, cats, or other household pets if they ingest it. However, as with humans, pets may have individual sensitivities, so it's advisable to prevent them from eating ornamental plants.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Foliage: Geranium × oxonianum has decorative leaves that contribute to the aesthetic appeal of a garden.
- Flowering: The plant produces beautiful and prolific flowers that enhance the visual appeal of the landscape.
- Hardiness: It is resistant to many pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has good tolerance to dry conditions, minimizing the need for frequent watering.
- Wildlife Attraction: The flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
- Low Maintenance: This plant requires minimal upkeep relative to many other garden varieties, making it ideal for busy gardeners.
- Ground Cover: Its growth habit makes it an effective ground cover, suppressing weeds and minimizing soil erosion.
- Long Blooming Period: Geranium × oxonianum has a lengthy flowering season, providing color for an extended period.
- Versatility: It can be used in various garden settings, such as borders, rock gardens, and containers.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Garden Borders: Geranium × oxonianum is often used to create attractive borders along garden paths due to its dense foliage and flowers.
- Groundcover: The plant is effective as a ground cover, helping to suppress weeds and cover bare spots in gardens.
- Insect Deterrent: The foliage of the plant can sometimes repel certain insects, which makes it a useful companion plant.
- Culinary Garnish: The flowers of the Geranium × oxonianum can be used as edible decorations on salads and desserts.
- Flower Arrangements: The plant's flowers are used in fresh or dried flower arrangements due to their long-lasting qualities.
- Natural Dyes: The flowers and leaves of Geranium × oxonianum can be used to produce natural dyes for fabrics or crafting.
- Companion Planting: Geranium × oxonianum can be planted near vegetables and other plants as a companion to encourage growth and health.
- Photography: The plant's aesthetic appeal makes it a popular subject for garden photographers and artists.
- Educational Resource: The plant is used in schools and educational programs to teach about plant biology and gardening.
- Cultural Symbolism: In some cultures, Geranium × oxonianum symbolizes friendship and positive emotion, and is used in events to convey these sentiments.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Geranium is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Geranium is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Folly or Stupidity: In the language of flowers, geraniums can sometimes represent foolishness or folly, perhaps due to the bright and sometimes overwhelming colors of the flowers.
- Unexpected Meeting: Geraniums can symbolize a chance or unexpected encounter with someone, reflecting the plant's diverse growing locations.
- True Friendship: Geraniums are also a symbol of true friendship, denoting the bonds that persist through time and hardship.
- Comfort: The blossoming of the geranium is often associated with comfort or solace, offering a sense of familiarity and ease.
WaterHardy Geraniums, also known as Geranium × oxonianum, should be watered deeply but infrequently to encourage strong root development. Aim to water them when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically means once every week during active growth periods. The amount of water required can vary due to climate and soil conditions, but generally, a good rule is to provide approximately 1 gallon of water per plant for each watering session. During the hotter months, you may need to water more frequently, while in cooler, wetter climates, the frequency should be reduced. Ensure not to overwater as Hardy Geraniums do not like to sit in waterlogged soil.
LightHardy Geraniums thrive in full to partial sunlight. The ideal spot for these plants would be a location where they can receive at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. However, in regions with very hot summers, they will benefit from some afternoon shade to prevent scorching. They can tolerate a bit of shade but will bloom less profusely in those conditions.
TemperatureHardy Geraniums are quite temperature-tolerant, preferring a range between 60°F to 75°F for optimal growth. They can survive minimum temperatures down to around 20°F, which makes them suitable for many temperate climates. During the winter, hardy species can withstand colder temperatures, but growth may slow or become dormant until warmer temperatures return in the spring.
PruningPruning Hardy Geraniums encourages bushier growth and more blooms. It's best to prune back these plants in the early spring or after they have finished their first flush of flowering to rejuvenate the plant and encourage new growth. You can cut back up to one-third of the plant. Deadheading spent blooms throughout the growing season can also promote a longer blooming period.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Oxford geranium thrives in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter; a potting mix with peat, compost, and perlite is ideal. They prefer a soil pH ranging from 5.8 to 6.3.
RepottingOxford geraniums should be repotted every 1-2 years to replenish nutrients in the soil and provide space for root growth.
Humidity & MistingThe Oxford geranium is adaptable but prefers moderate humidity levels, without the need for any special humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, avoid overwatering.
Outdoor
Plant in part-shade, protect from harsh sun.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cycleGeranium oxonianum, commonly known as Oxford Geranium, starts its life as a seed, which, when sown in fertile, well-drained soil and under proper conditions, will germinate and produce a small seedling. The seedling then grows into a vegetative plant, developing a rosette of leaves and branching stems that can establish a robust root system. As it matures, the plant produces distinctively veined, soft pink to lavender flowers, typically blooming from late spring to midsummer. For propagation, this perennial can also spread by underground rhizomes and may be divided in either spring or autumn. After flowering, it sets seed, completing its reproductive cycle. The plant then enters a period of dormancy during the colder months, only to resume growth the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
For the Geranium × oxonianum, commonly known as the Oxford geranium, the most popular method of propagation is through division. This process is typically carried out in the early spring or fall. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the plant, ensuring a large amount of the root system is intact. Then gently tease apart individual clumps by hand or cut through the roots with a sharp knife or spade, making sure each section has a portion of the root system and several shoots. Replant the divisions immediately, watering well to help establish them in their new locations. This straightforward method allows gardeners to easily create new plants that will bloom and grow with the vigor similar to the parent plant.
