Geranium nodosum (02/07/2016, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Moist, well drained
Flowering period: Early summer to early autumn
Eventual Height: 50cm
Eventual Spread: 50cm
Hardiness: 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a
Family: Geraniaceae
Geranium nodosum is a deciduous perennial with a spreading, clump forming habit. Its mid green leaves are palmate having up to five lobes with dentate margins, up to 15cm across and 10cm long. Its light pink to lilac flowers flowers are saucer shaped, up to 25mm across and are borne in loose cymes. Its roots contain rhizomes which aids its spread.
Geranium nodosum Flower (02/07/2016, Kew Gardens, London)
Geranium nodosum, commonly known as Knotted Crane’s Bill, is native to mountainous regions of south Europe. In its native habitat this plant grows at the margins of deciduous woodlands.
The etymological root of the binomial name Geranium is derived from the Greek geranos, meaning ‘crane’, referring to the beak-like fruit. Nodosum is derived form the Latin nodosus meaning ‘knotty’.
Geranium nodosum Leaf (02/07/2016, Kew Gardens, London)
The landscape architect may find Geranium nodosum useful as a free flowering semi deciduous ground cover plant. It is appropriate species for use as a woodland understory plant.
Ecologically, Geranium nodosum flowers are attractive to pollinating insects, including butterflies and honey bees.
Geranium nodosum prefers moist, humus rich, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.
Geranium nodosum requires little to no maintenance. This plant may be divided in spring or autumn to increase numbers.
Landscape Architecture
