There are around 430 different species of cranesbill worldwide. Representatives of this species have even been found in the Arctic and Antarctic, while others thrive in the humid mountainous areas of tropical to subtropical regions - hardly any other plant has such an extensive distribution area. Cranesbills are often planted in ornamental gardens because of the delicate flowers that appear in very strong colors.

Cranesbill's botanical name is geranium

Facts and data on the cranesbill at a glance

  • Botanical Name: Geranium
  • Family: Cranesbill family (Geraniaceae)
  • Distribution: worldwide from a. in cool temperate climates
  • Location: depending on the species, sunny to shady on loamy, humus-rich soil
  • Growth form: herbaceous, mostly bushy, some species also creeping
  • Perennial: persistent
  • Height: between 15 and 80 centimeters depending on the species
  • flowers: bowl-shaped, wheel-shaped or plate-shaped
  • Colours: blue, violet, pink, magenta or white in various shades
  • Flowering time: depending on the species, usually between June and July
  • Fruits: split fruit
  • leaves: mostly five-lobed and notched
  • Propagation: by seeds, cuttings or division, depending on the species
  • Hardiness: yes
  • Toxicity: no, some species are even edible
  • Use: ornamental plant

Sunny to semi-shady location preferred

The different preferences of different types of cranesbills with regard to their location can be explained with the no less different origin of the same. Although most cranesbills prefer a sunny to semi-shady location, there are also some shade-tolerant species. There are also differences with regard to the soil conditions: while some cranesbills need moist to moderately moist substrates, others should be planted in rather dry soil. However, the cross-species preference for permeable, loamy-humic soils is relatively the same.

Cultivate cranesbill in the garden

Most cranesbills are very easy to care for and can be planted in numerous gardens without any problems - provided their individual location requirements can be met. Due to their simplicity, they are also wonderfully suited for a bucket culture on the balcony and terrace. Depending on the type and variety, cranesbills are suitable both for planting in colorful borders and as ground cover, for example in rock gardens or under trees.

tips

Contrary to the opinion of some gardeners, the cranesbill is by no means poisonous. On the contrary, some species are even edible - such as the native Ruprechtskraut.

Category:

Vegetable garden