Overview of Geranium chelidonium Houtt.
Geranium chelidonium Houtt., commonly known as blood-red cranesbill, is a perennial plant belonging to the family Geraniaceae. It is native to China, Korea, and Japan and has become naturalized in many other parts of the world. The plant's genus name, Geranium, is derived from the Greek word 'geranos,' which means crane, as the fruit of the plant resembles a crane's beak.
Appearance of Geranium chelidonium Houtt.
The plant has a clumping growth habit that can reach up to 60 cm in height and 30 cm in width. It has deeply lobed, bluish-green leaves that turn reddish-orange in the fall. The flowers of G. chelidonium are hermaphroditic, meaning they contain both male and female reproductive organs, and are typically around 4 cm in diameter. The petals of the flowers are bright red, with darker veins running through them. The flowers bloom from late spring to early summer and are followed by the fruit, which is cylindrical and roughly 2 cm long.
Uses of Geranium chelidonium Houtt.
Geranium chelidonium Houtt. has several uses, both ornamental and medicinal. In landscaping, it is often used as a groundcover or edging plant, as its low-growing habit allows it to spread and form dense mats. Its attractive foliage and bright red flowers also make it a popular choice for gardens and borders. Medicinally, the plant has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including diarrhea, dysentery, and liver complaints. Some studies have also suggested that G. chelidonium may have antibacterial and antiviral properties.
Common Names of Geranium chelidonium Houtt.
Geranium chelidonium Houtt. is commonly known by several other names, depending on the region. In China, it is known as "Da Ji" or "Xue Lian." In Japan, it is referred to as "Beni-shakuyaku" or "Beni-fuji." In Europe and North America, it is commonly called "blood-red cranesbill" or "red geranium."
Light Requirements
Geranium chelidonium Houtt. typically grows best in full sunlight to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade may lead to leggy growth and reduced flowering.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can grow in a wide range of temperatures, from cool to hot climates. Geranium chelidonium Houtt. is generally hardy in USDA zones 7-10. In colder climates, it may die back to the ground in winter and reemerge in spring.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soil that is fertile and rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be neutral to slightly acidic, with a range of 6.0-7.5. Geranium chelidonium Houtt. can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. It is important to avoid over-watering, as the plant can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soil.
Cultivation Methods
Geranium chelidonium Houtt. is a perennial plant that thrives in full sun or partial shade. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil types but prefers well-draining soil. The best time to plant Geranium chelidonium Houtt. is in the spring or fall. When planting, ensure that each plant is spaced at least 12 to 18 inches apart.Watering Needs
Geranium chelidonium Houtt. requires moderate watering. Water the plant once every week, ensuring that the soil is moist but not water-soaked. During the warmer months, the plant may require more frequent watering, depending on the weather conditions.Fertilization
Geranium chelidonium Houtt. benefits from regular fertilization. In the spring and summer months, you can feed the plant with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer every four to six weeks. Be careful not to over-fertilize the plant, as this can cause damage.Pruning
Geranium chelidonium Houtt. requires minimal pruning. You can deadhead the spent flowers to encourage further blooming. In the fall, you can cut back the plant to a few inches above the ground to prepare it for the winter season. Avoid pruning the plant in the spring, as this can reduce the number of flowers it produces.Propagation for Geranium chelidonium Houtt.
Geranium chelidonium Houtt. can be propagated by seeds, stem cuttings, and division.
Seed propagation
Seeds should be harvested when the capsules have ripened and turned brown. The capsules can then be broken open and the seeds removed and cleaned. The seeds can be sown immediately in a well-drained soil mix or stored in a cool, dry place until planting.
When planting, sow the seeds thinly and cover them with a thin layer of soil. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and place the pot in a warm, bright spot. Germination should occur within 2-3 weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted when they have 2-3 true leaves.
Stem cutting propagation
Stem cuttings from Geranium chelidonium Houtt. can be taken in spring or early summer. Select a healthy stem and cut a 7-10 cm long section, making the cut just below a node. Remove the lower leaves, leaving only a few at the top, and dip the cut end in rooting powder.
Prepare a pot with a well-draining soil mix and make a hole in the center. Insert the cutting into the hole and firm the soil around it. Water the cutting and place the pot in a shaded, humid location. Keep the soil moist and mist the cutting regularly. The cutting should root within 4-6 weeks, and can be transplanted when it has developed a strong root system.
Division
Geranium chelidonium Houtt. can be propagated by dividing the plant in spring or early autumn. To divide the plant, gently dig it up and separate the clumps into smaller sections. Each section should have a healthy rhizome and some shoots.
Prepare pots with a well-draining soil mix and plant each section into its own pot. Water the newly potted sections and place them in a shaded location. Keep the soil moist and wait until new growth appears before moving them to a sunny location.
Disease and Pest Management for Geranium chelidonium Houtt.
Geranium chelidonium Houtt. is generally disease and pest-resistant, and is not typically affected by serious diseases. However, some occasional diseases and pests may still pose a threat to the plant. Below are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and suggestions to manage them.
Diseases
Crown Rot: This disease is caused by various types of fungi and typically occurs in poorly-drained soil. Symptoms include wilting, yellow leaves, and stem rot. To prevent crown rot, ensure that the soil is well-drained and avoid over-watering. Infected plants should be removed to avoid further spread of the disease.
Leaf Spot: This disease is caused by the fungus Ascochyta and results in brown spots on the leaves of the plant. Foliage may appear withered and distorted, and in severe cases, defoliation may occur. To manage leaf spot, remove fallen leaves from around the plant to reduce the risk of fungal spores. Avoid overhead watering, as this can spread the fungus. Fungicide treatment may be necessary in severe cases.
Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white or gray powder on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. The leaves may curl or become distorted, and in severe cases, the plant may stop producing buds or flowers. To manage powdery mildew, avoid overhead watering and ensure adequate spacing between plants for proper airflow. Fungicide treatment may be necessary in severe cases.
Pests
Spider Mites: These tiny pests are difficult to see and typically appear first as small brown spots on leaves. They multiply quickly and damage the plant by sucking vital nutrients from the leaves, causing them to yellow and die. To manage spider mites, rinse the plant with water, and keep the humidity high around the plant. In severe cases, a neem oil spray or insecticidal soap may be necessary.
Whitefly: These tiny white flies will often fly up when the plant is disturbed. They suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to yellow and fall off. To manage whiteflies, introduce natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings, or use a sticky trap. In severe cases, a neem oil spray or insecticidal soap may be necessary.
Aphids: These small insects can cause leaves to yellow and wilt by feeding on the sap of the plant. They can also transmit plant viruses. To manage aphids, hose down the plant with water, or introduce natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings. In severe cases, a neem oil spray or insecticidal soap may be necessary.
