Rosemoor Cranesbill Geranium × magnificum 'Rosemoor'
ABOUT
The Geranium 'Rosemoor' flaunts a lush, mounding habit with deeply lobed, velvety leaves that often showcase interesting red or orange colors in the fall. Its striking beauty comes to the forefront in late spring to early summer when it blooms profusely with eye-catching, violet-blue flowers, each adorned with a network of purplish veins and a white center. The five-petaled blossoms are borne in clusters and provide a vivid contrast to the soft green foliage, creating an enchanting display in the garden. Additionally, this tough and reliable perennial often enjoys a re-blooming later in the season, extending its charm and color for gardeners to enjoy.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Rosemoor Cranesbill, Magnificent Cranesbill, Showy Geranium
Common names
Geranium × magnificum 'Rosemoor'.
ToxicityTo humans
Geraniums, in general, are not considered toxic to humans. They are commonly grown in gardens and homes for their ornamental value. If ingested, most species of geraniums, including the Geranium × magnificum 'Rosemoor', are not known to cause serious harm to humans. However, it is always advisable to avoid ingesting plants that are not meant for consumption as individual reactions can vary and some individuals might experience mild gastrointestinal upset.
To pets
Geraniums are also generally non-toxic to pets. The Geranium × magnificum 'Rosemoor' should not pose a serious risk if ingested by pets. As with humans, these plants are primarily grown for ornamental purposes. Nonetheless, some pets might experience mild vomiting or diarrhea if they consume significant quantities of geranium plant parts. It is always prudent to prevent pets from eating ornamental plants, as they are not part of their normal diet.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Violet
Height
1.5 feet (45 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Caucasus
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Geranium Rosemoor is known to attract bees and butterflies, which are vital for pollination and maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
- Low Maintenance: It is a hardy perennial that requires minimal care once established, making it an ideal choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it can tolerate periods of drought, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Long Blooming: Offers a lengthy blooming period from late spring to early summer, providing long-lasting color in the garden.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant: Its foliage is not favored by deer and rabbits, which can help to prevent damage to the plant and surrounding vegetation.
- Ground Cover: Can be used effectively as ground cover due to its spreading habit, which helps to suppress weeds and cover bare spots in the garden.
- Ornamental Qualities: Features deeply lobed leaves and vibrant blue to violet flowers that are visually appealing and can enhance the beauty of any garden space.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: The vibrant flowers of the Geranium can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, yarns, and paper, adding a touch of organic color to crafts and homemade projects.
- Ink making: The pigments extracted from Geranium flowers have been experimented with to create botanical inks for use in art and calligraphy.
- Candle making: Petals of the Geranium can be embedded into candles for a decorative touch, potentially influencing the candle's aroma.
- Photography: Geranium plants can serve as photogenic subjects or backgrounds in botanical and garden photography, offering interesting textures and colors.
- Garden design: Used for its aesthetic foliage, the Geranium serves as a perennial border plant that creates dense, colorful visual contrasts in garden beds.
- Companion planting: Geraniums can be planted alongside other garden plants to visually break up monotonous green spaces and enhance overall garden design.
- Culinary decoration: While not a common practice, the blossoms of some Geranium species can be used to decorate desserts and salads, although caution is advised regarding edibility.
- Eco-printing: Leaves and flowers of the Geranium can be used for eco-printing, a technique where plant materials are used to create patterns on fabric or paper by transferring pigments directly onto the material.
- Homemade potpourri: Dried Geranium flowers and leaves can contribute to the creation of homemade potpourri mixes, providing a subtle, natural fragrance to a room.
- Artistic inspiration: Artists may use the diverse forms and colors of Geraniums as inspiration for paintings, illustrations, textile designs, and other forms of art.
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 are seen as a symbol of encountering the unexpected, just as one might stumble upon the beautiful Geranium × magnificum 'Rosemoor' in a garden.
- Friendship: Oftentimes connected to positive relationships, giving someone a geranium might represent a bond or a wish for good companionship.
- Health and healing: Some cultures view geraniums as a sign of good health or wish for recovery, possibly owing to their use in folk medicine and aromatherapy.
- True friendship: The geranium is also a symbol of true friendship, signifying deep and meaningful connections between people.
WaterThe Hardy Geranium, commonly known as cranesbill, should be watered deeply and thoroughly once a week, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, particularly in the absence of rainfall, it may require approximately one gallon of water per plant every week, depending on the size of the plant and the climate conditions. In hotter, drier periods, increase the frequency of watering to maintain consistent soil moisture. Cut back on watering during the fall to prepare the plant for dormancy. Always water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases.
LightThe Hardy Geranium thrives best in full sun to partial shade. Ideal lighting would be a spot that receives morning sunlight and some afternoon shade, especially in hot climates, to protect it from the intense afternoon sun. Provide at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight daily for optimal growth and flowering.
TemperatureHardy Geraniums are resilient and can tolerate a temperature range from around 20°F to 85°F. However, the ideal growing temperature for the Hardy Geranium would be between 65°F and 75°F. They are able to survive light frosts, but prolonged exposure to temperatures below freezing can be detrimental to the plant.
PruningPrune the Hardy Geranium after the first flush of blooms fades to encourage a second blooming and to maintain plant shape. Cutting the plant back by half its height is typically recommended. Early to mid-summer is often the best time for pruning, depending on the flowering schedule of the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Hardy Cranesbill, or Geranium × magnificum 'Rosemoor', thrives in a well-draining, loamy soil with an added organic matter such as compost. The soil pH should be neutral to slightly alkaline, ideally ranging between 6.5 to 7.5 for optimal growth.
RepottingThe Hardy Cranesbill doesn't require frequent repotting; it can be repotted every 3-4 years or when it outgrows its container, ensuring fresh soil and space for growth.
Humidity & MistingThe Hardy Cranesbill is adaptable to a range of humidity conditions but prefers a moderate level. It does not require any special humidity adjustments when grown in its natural outdoor environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light, and water moderately.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, ensure well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleGeranium × magnificum 'Rosemoor', commonly known as Rosemoor Cranesbill, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in spring, requiring warm, moist soil conducive to root and shoot development. As a perennial, it then enters a vegetative stage where it grows leaves and stems, establishing a strong root system and foliage through photosynthesis. Flowering typically occurs in late spring to early summer when conditions are optimal, producing the characteristic purplish-blue flowers that attract pollinators. Post-pollination, the flowers develop into fruit capsules containing seeds, which are then dispersed by various means such as wind or animal movement. In late summer or early fall, the plant begins to prepare for dormancy by senescing its above-ground parts, conserving energy in its root system over the winter. The cycle recommences the following spring when temperatures rise and resources become more readily available, promoting the plant's re-emergence and new growth.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-early summer
Geranium × magnificum 'Rosemoor', commonly known as Hardy Geranium or Cranesbill, is most popularly propagated through division. This plant's ideal propagation time is in early spring or fall. To carry out division, the gardener would dig up the plant, ensuring to get a good amount of the root system, and then gently separate the plant into smaller sections, each with its own roots and shoots. These individual sections are then replanted at the same depth they were originally growing. This method is favored for its simplicity and effectiveness in increasing stock and encouraging rejuvenation of older clumps, promoting vigorous growth and abundant flowering.
