Renard's Geranium Geranium renardii
ABOUT
Geranium renardii, also known as the Renard geranium, is a herbaceous perennial that is known for its attractive foliage and flowers. The leaves of the Renard geranium are distinctively textured, with a soft, velvety feel, and are often described as being kidney-shaped or rounded with deeply lobed edges. These leaves typically have a pale green or grayish-green color, and may showcase interesting patterns or veining. The Renard geranium produces flowers that emerge on upright stems and stand out against the soft backdrop of the foliage. The flowers are usually five-petaled, and can come in shades of white to pale violet or light blue. Often, the petals have a slight veining or marbling effect, which adds to the ornamental appeal of the plant. This geranium variety has a mounding habit, creating a dense clump that can be quite striking in a garden setting. It has a robust presence, yet it conveys a sense of delicacy with its finely textured leaves and subtle, pastel-toned blossoms. The overall impression of the Renard geranium is one of a compact and charming plant, valued for its decorative leaves and dainty flowers that add a touch of elegance to any garden.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Geraniaceae
Synonyms
Renard Geranium, Renard's Cranesbill
Common names
Geranium renardii
ToxicityTo humans
Geranium renardii, commonly known as Renard's geranium, is not considered toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning or serious adverse effects from ingesting or handling this plant. However, it is generally recommended to avoid consuming any part of ornamental plants given that they are not intended for human consumption.
To pets
Renard's geranium is also not known to be toxic to pets. It is not listed among the plants that pose a risk to pets such as dogs and cats. While ingestion of non-food plants can sometimes cause mild stomach upset in pets, there are no specific symptoms of poisoning commonly associated with Renard's geranium. Owners should still discourage pets from eating plants as a precaution.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pale blue
Height
1 feet 2 inches (35 cm)
Spread
1 feet 2 inches (35 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Caucasus
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Foliage: Geranium renardii has unique, textured leaves that add visual interest to gardens.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is quite drought-tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping or low-water environments.
- Ground Cover: Its growth habit makes it effective for covering bare spots and suppressing weeds.
- Cold Hardy: It is resilient in colder climates, capable of withstanding freezing temperatures to a certain extent.
- Long Blooming Season: It produces flowers over a long period, from late spring to early summer, providing extended garden color.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, other than occasional watering and deadheading to promote further blooming.
- Pollinator Friendly: The flowers attract bees and other beneficial insects which are important for pollination in the garden ecosystem.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant: Its foliage and flowers are generally not favored by deer and rabbits, making it a good choice for areas with wildlife pressure.
- Easy Propagation: Can be easily propagated by division, allowing gardeners to expand their plantings or share with others.
- Edging and Borders: Its mounding habit and attractive flowers make it ideal for use along borders or garden paths.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Textile dyeing: Geranium renardii's leaves can potentially be used to create a natural greenish dye for textile applications.
- Garden design: Its distinct foliage texture and shape can be used to complement and contrast with other plants in garden bed arrangements.
- Art and photography: The unique appearance of Geranium renardii makes it a beautiful subject for botanical art and photography projects.
- Educational use: The plant can serve as a learning tool in botany classes for its specific growing characteristics and adaptations.
- Floral arrangements: Fresh or dried, Geranium renardii can add variety to floral bouquets with its textured leaves and subtle bloom color.
- Erosion control: Suitable for planting on slopes or areas prone to erosion, its root system helps stabilize the soil.
- Ground cover: It spreads to form a dense mat, which can be used as an effective ground cover to suppress weeds in gardens.
- Culinary decoration: While not typically consumed, its flowers may be used as an ornamental garnish for culinary presentations, after ensuring they are free of any harmful treatments.
- Perfumery: Although not a common use, its foliage could inspire scents for perfumes or scented products with a unique aromatic profile.
- Eco-friendly packaging: Dried leaves and soft stems might be utilized for cushioning fragile items in packaging, as a sustainable alternative to plastic-based materials.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Geranium is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Geranium is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Health: Geraniums are often associated with health and healing properties. They have been used in traditional medicine to promote wound healing and as an antiseptic.
- Fertility: The robustness and the frequent blossoming of geraniums symbolize fertility and reproduction.
- Protection: Some cultures believe that geraniums can ward off evil spirits, so they are used as a symbol of protection.
- Happiness: The bright and cheerful flowers of geraniums are said to represent happiness and positive emotions.
- Friendship: Owing to their long-lasting nature, geraniums are sometimes given as gifts to represent enduring friendship.
WaterRenardii Geraniums should be watered regularly, particularly during dry spells, to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, watering once a week with approximately 1 gallon per plant should be sufficient. Drought tolerance is moderate, so allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Decrease watering in the fall and winter when the plant is dormant. It's best to water deeply and less frequently to encourage strong root growth.
LightRenardii Geranium thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. Preferring at least 4-6 hours of sunlight per day, the ideal spot would be in a location where it gets ample morning sunlight and some afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates. Protecting the plant from the harsh afternoon sun will prevent leaf scorch.
TemperatureRenardii Geranium prefers moderate temperatures and will thrive best when daytime temperatures are between 65°F and 75°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to approximately 30°F, but frost can damage the plant. An ideal temperature range for this geranium is within 60°F to 70°F, with protection from extreme heat or cold.
PruningPruning Renardii Geraniums encourages bushy growth and prevents them from becoming leggy. Prune lightly in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, will promote continuous blooming throughout the season. The best time for major pruning is after the plant has finished flowering.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Renard Geranium requires well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.6 to 7.5. A suitable soil mix for this plant would consist of one part garden soil, one part peat, and one part perlite or coarse sand to promote good drainage and aeration. Fertility should be moderate, so avoid overly rich soils or excessive fertilizer.
RepottingRenard Geraniums do not need frequent repotting and can typically be repotted every 2-3 years. When repotting, choose a container only slightly larger than the previous one to prevent overwatering issues.
Humidity & MistingRenard Geraniums prefer average to slightly below average humidity levels; they do well in typical household humidity conditions. Avoid very humid environments, as too much moisture can lead to fungal issues.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Renard Geranium in bright, indirect light indoors.
Outdoor
Plant Renard Geranium in partial shade, sheltered from hot sun.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cycleGeranium renardii, commonly known as Renard's Geranium, begins its life cycle as a seed, typically germinating in early spring in temperate climates. After germination, the seedling emerges and establishes a rosette of hairy, scalloped leaves. The plant then enters a vegetative growth phase, developing its root system and foliage. As it matures, Renard's Geranium produces distinctive mauve to white flowers with veined petals, typically blooming in late spring to early summer. After pollination, typically by insects, it sets seed contained within a distinctive beaked fruit, completing its reproductive cycle. The plant is a perennial, so after flowering it enters a period of dormancy in the winter, with foliage dying back to the ground to re-emerge the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
The most popular method of propagating Geranium renardii, also known as Renard's geranium, is through division. This process is best carried out in early spring or in autumn. As the plant emerges from dormancy in the spring, or as it prepares for dormancy in the autumn, when the weather is cool and moist, dividing helps ensure a good recovery. To divide Renard's geranium, carefully dig up the entire plant, making sure to keep a substantial amount of root on each section. Using a sharp knife or spade, split the plant into smaller clumps, each containing several shoots and a portion of the root system. These individual clumps can then be immediately replanted at the same depth they were growing at originally, spaced about 12 to 24 inches apart (approximately 30 to 60 centimeters). It's important to water the newly planted divisions thoroughly to help establish them in their new locations.
