Cranesbill | Geranium Wlassovianum

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Etymology of the Geranium wlassovianum is from the Latin word ‘wlassovianum’ which is synonymous with Prince Wasslov who collected the species in East Russia. This species of geranium is also known as ‘little cranebill’ due to its beak-like fruit that look like cranes, hence the common name of Cranesbill. It is a hardy plant with purplish to greenish flowers and a preference for full sun and well-drained soil.

How to Plant

Cranesbill should be planted in an area that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Its growth is affected by the amount of direct sunlight it receives each day and it should not be planted in an area that is overly shaded. The soil should be light and well-draining with medium-low fertility and a pH between 6.5-7.5. When planting, the crown should be about an inch below the surface of the soil with the connecting root system spread out down and along the sides of the planting hole. Keep the soil moist but not overly wet, and fertilize once every spring with a balanced fertilizer. A light mulch should be applied over the surface of the soil to preserve moisture and deter weeds.

Meaning and Symbolism

The Cranesbill is a symbol of resilience and determination. It is often used in flower arrangements as an expression of endurance and consistent effort. In some cultures, it is seen as a very special flower, and is believed to have healing properties. It rubs shoulders with other symbols of strength such as the “iron rose”, or the “tough love” message.

History, Mythology, and Religious Significance

Throughout history, the Cranesbill has been grown and admired for use in the kitchen and for ornamental properties, although the symbolic meaning of the flower is much older. In the 19th century, it was included in some North American medicinal plants. The flower has also been seen as a symbol of love and loyalty by some religious sects. To the Celtic Druids, the foot of the crane represented the power of the moon, and the flower was admired as a representation of its unique beauty.

Flower Varieties and their Defining Characteristics

There are four main types of Cranesbill that are grown throughout Europe, North America, and Australia. These varieties differ in flower size, color, and foliage. These are:

Geranium wlassovianum ‘Album’ – This variety has white flowers, and is more petite than the others. It blooms for quite some time with single and double-flowered blooms, making it an ideal choice for garden borders.
Geranium wlassovianum ‘Nigricans’ – This variety has dark green and purple foliage, with deep purple flowers. It blooms from spring through to fall, and is an excellent choice for large outdoor spaces.
Geranium wlassovianum ‘Victorian Pink’ – This variety has pink flowers and stays compact in size, so it is well suited for garden beds and borders. The foliage is also a deep and attractive green. It blooms earlier than the other varieties and and is best suited for a sheltered shade.
Geranium wlassovianum ‘Oxonianum’ – This variety has dark green foliage, and self-seeding bloom that is a deep shade of blue. It blooms longer than other varieties, and will self-seed in spots so it is an excellent choice for meadows and large outdoor spaces.

How to Pot and Repot

When it comes to potting and repotting Cranesbill, it is important to remember that the plant prefers a soil pH of 6.5 to 7.5. The best way to achieve this is to mix equal parts potting soil, potting mix, and compost in the pot. This will help to achieve the correct acidic range for the plant’s optimal growth. When potting, make sure to water the plant before adding additional soil. In addition, be sure to use a pot with drainage holes.

How to Prune

Pruning is important for the healthy growth of Cranesbill. Pruning should be done on a regular basis in fall and spring, when the plant is dormant. Cut back all dead and spindly stems and feed the plant an appropriate fertilizer. In spring, it is important to remove any older stems that have bloomed, as well as any weak or diseased stems that can weaken the plant’s overall vigor. This will encourage healthy new growth for the upcoming spring growth season.

How to Propagate

Cranesbill can be propagated through division of clumps in early spring or by taking stem cuttings in late spring. Division is an easy process but can be time consuming, while stem cuttings are easier but can take up to 4-6 weeks to become established. If propagating by division, it is important to wait until new growth appears in the spring before dividing the clumps to ensure healthy new growth. If propagating by stem cuttings, choose healthy stems and place them in pots filled with a peat-based compost and keep them moist. When the plants are established and well rooted, they can be transplanted into potting soil.

Common Pests and Diseases

Cranesbill is susceptible to several pests including aphids, slugs, and spider mites. To control these unwanted guests, be sure to use a neem oil-based pesticide. It can also be affected by fungal diseases like powdery mildew, which can lead to brown spots on the foliage. To control this, cut away affected leaves and spray the plant with a fungicide designed for garden plants. Overall, Cranesbill does not require a high level of maintenance but with proper care and treatment, it can easily be kept healthy and vigorous.

Three Frequently Asked Questions about Geranium wlassovianum

Q: How and when do you prune Cranesbill?A: The best time to prune Cranesbill is in fall and spring, when the plant is dormant to get rid of any dead or spindly stems and also encourage healthy new growth.
Q: What type of soil is best for Cranesbill?A: Cranesbill prefers light, well-drained soil of medium-low fertility with a pH between 6.5-7.5.
Q: How often should I water Cranesbill?A: Cranesbill should be watered regularly, and allowed to dry out slightly between watering. A light mulch should be applied over the surface of the soil to preserve moisture and deter weeds.

Table Fact Sheet with Data

Cranesbill	Geranium wlassovianum
Family	Geraniaceae
Plant Type	Perennial
Mature Size	up to 2 feet tall, 2 feet wide
Sun Exposure	Full sun to partial shade
Soil Type	Light, well-draining
Soil pH	6.5-7.5
Bloom Time	Early summer to late autumn
Flower Color	Purple, pink, white
Hardiness Zones	3-9
Native Area	Eastern Europe, Asia