Overview
Geranium bicknellii Britt. var. longipes (S. Wats.) Fern. is a species of perennial herb that belongs to the Geraniaceae family. This plant is native to the western United States and is commonly known as the Bicknell’s geranium or long-stalked cranesbill.
Appearance
The Bicknell’s geranium has a mat-forming habit with stems that can grow up to 40 centimeters long. Its leaves are deeply lobed and can reach up to 5 centimeters long and wide. The flowers of this plant form in clusters, each with five blue-violet petals. The plant’s bloom time extends from May through August.
Uses
The Bicknell’s geranium has both ornamental and medicinal uses. This plant is often grown as an ornamental plant in rock gardens or as ground cover due to its mat-forming habit. Additionally, some Native American tribes utilize the roots of the plant to alleviate stomach pains and other ailments.
Growth Conditions of Geranium bicknellii Britt. var. longipes (S. Wats.) Fern.
Geranium bicknellii Britt. var. longipes (S. Wats.) Fern. is a shade-loving, herbaceous perennial plant that thrives in moist, well-drained soils. When it comes to growth conditions, it is essential to take into account the lighting, temperature, and soil requirements.
Light Requirements
Geranium bicknellii Britt. var. longipes (S. Wats.) Fern. is a shade-loving plant and prefers partial to full shade. It can tolerate morning sun but cannot survive under direct afternoon sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
Geranium bicknellii Britt. var. longipes (S. Wats.) Fern. grows well in cool temperatures. It prefers temperatures ranging from 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (12 to 24 degrees Celsius). It can tolerate occasional frost, but prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures will harm the plant.
Soil Requirements
Geranium bicknellii Britt. var. longipes (S. Wats.) Fern. prefers moist but well-drained soil. It can grow in various soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, it cannot survive in water-logged soils. The soil pH level should be between 6.0 and 6.5, which is slightly acidic.
It is also essential to note that Geranium bicknellii Britt. var. longipes (S. Wats.) Fern. prefers soil rich in organic matter. Therefore, adding organic fertilizer, such as compost or aged manure, to the soil can help improve soil fertility and provide the plant with the required nutrients.
Cultivation Methods:
Geranium bicknellii Britt. var. longipes (S. Wats.) Fern is a lovely perennial plant that is relatively easy to cultivate. This plant thrives in full to partial sunlight, which makes an ideal location for its growth. It is highly recommendable to plant this species in a well-draining and fertile soil mixture that promotes excellent drainage and ensures proper nutrition uptake by the plant.
The planting hole should be twice the size of the root ball, and the top of the root ball must align flush with the soil level when planting. Also, it is a good idea to do some sheet mulching around this plant to protect the soil moisture and maintain a weed-free area around the plant.
Watering Needs:
Geranium bicknellii var. longipes is a plant that prefers moderate watering and can withstand less watering better than overwatering. For established plants, it is excellent to water the plant when the top 2 inches of the soil are dry to touch.
During the dry seasons, the plant may require more frequent watering to keep the soil moist but ensure to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot and many other problems.
Fertilization:
This Geranium species responds well to occasional fertilization. It is recommendable to use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer that contains all necessary plant nutrients. The fertilization frequency may vary, but generally, once every two months during the growing season is enough to promote plant growth throughout the year.
It is crucial to follow the fertilizer manufacturer's instructions carefully as overfertilizing can lead to nutrient toxicity and harm the plant.
Pruning:
Geranium bicknellii Britt. var. longipes (S. Wats.) Fern needs minimal pruning to keep it in good shape. The ideal pruning period is right after the blooming, which is in late spring or early summer.
The recommended pruning method is to remove the old and dead flower stems to promote new growth and improve the plant's overall appearance. Sometimes, the plant may also require removing the excess growth to maintain its desirable size and shape.
Propagation of Geranium bicknellii Britt. var. longipes (S. Wats.) Fern.
Geranium bicknellii Britt. var. longipes (S. Wats.) Fern. is a plant species that belongs to the family Geraniaceae. This plant is native to North America and is often used as an ornamental plant because of its attractive flowers and foliage. The plant is propagated by several methods, which are mentioned below:
Propagation by Seeds
The most common method of propagating Geranium bicknellii Britt. var. longipes (S. Wats.) Fern. is by seeds. The seeds are collected from mature fruits, which are produced after the flowers are pollinated. The best time for collecting the seeds is in the fall when the fruits dry out and start to split open. The seeds can be stored in a cool and dry place until the next planting season.
For starting the seeds, the soil should be moist and well-draining. The seeds are sown on the surface of the soil and lightly covered with a thin layer of soil. The soil should be kept moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes two to three weeks. Once the seedlings have developed their second set of true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots or outdoors in the garden.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is another method for propagating Geranium bicknellii Britt. var. longipes (S. Wats.) Fern.. This method is best done in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. The cuttings should be taken from the stem tips, and each cutting should have at least two nodes or sets of leaves.
The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone powder and then planted in a well-draining soil mix. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. The cuttings should be placed in a location that receives bright but indirect light. With proper care, the cuttings will start to develop roots in three to four weeks.
Propagation by Division
Propagation by division is a method where the plant is divided into smaller parts and replanted. This method is best done in the spring or fall when the plant is either starting active growth or entering dormancy.
The plant should be carefully dug up, and the root ball should be gently separated into smaller parts using a sharp, clean knife or garden scissors. Each division should have a healthy root system and several stems or sets of leaves. The divisions can be replanted in new locations in the garden or potted up in containers.
Disease and Pest Management for Geranium bicknellii Britt. var. longipes (S. Wats.) Fern.
Geranium bicknellii Britt. var. longipes is an easy-to-care plant, but it is not immune to certain diseases and pests. Here are some of the most common issues that you may encounter when growing this plant and how to manage them:
Diseases
Botrytis Blight: This fungal disease shows up as gray or brown spots on the leaves and flowers, which will eventually develop into a powdery mold. To manage Botrytis Blight, prune affected leaves and stems to increase airflow and reduce humidity. Apply a fungicide following the manufacturer's instructions.
Root Rot: This disease is caused by over-watering or poorly drained soil. The plant will begin to show wilting or yellowing of the leaves as the roots start to rot. To manage root rot, remove the plant from the soil and cut off any rotten roots. Re-pot the plant in fresh soil, making sure to improve drainage.
Pests
Aphids: These tiny insects will suck the sap from the leaves and stems of the plant, causing the leaves to curl and yellow. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a strong stream of water to dislodge them. You can also introduce ladybugs or lacewings, which are natural predators of aphids.
Spider Mites: These tiny pests are difficult to see with the naked eye until you notice webbing or white speckling on the leaves. To manage spider mites, wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth or spray the plant with a mixture of water and dish soap. Repeat the treatment every few days until the pests are gone.
By addressing these diseases and pests immediately, you can keep your Geranium bicknellii Britt. var. longipes healthy and thriving.
