Overview of Geranium divaricatum Thunb.
Geranium divaricatum Thunb. is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Geraniaceae family. It is native to Japan, where it is commonly found growing in moist areas such as wooded areas, rocky slopes, and riverbanks.
Common Names
Geranium divaricatum Thunb. is known by several common names, including Oriental geranium, Spreading cranesbill, and East Asian geranium. It is also sometimes referred to as Geranium yoshinoi Nakai.
General Appearance
The plant typically grows up to 30 cm in height and has a spreading habit. It produces several stems that are hairy and reddish in color. The leaves are deeply lobed and have toothed margins. They are green in color and turn red in autumn. The flowers of Geranium divaricatum Thunb. are small and pink in color. They grow in clusters and bloom from late spring to early summer.
Uses
Geranium divaricatum Thunb. is not commonly used for medicinal purposes. However, it is a popular ornamental plant in gardens, parks, and public landscapes. It is known for its long blooming period and low maintenance requirements. The plant is also used as ground cover due to its spreading habit. It is deer resistant and attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Overall, Geranium divaricatum Thunb. is an attractive and useful plant for both ornamental and practical purposes.
Light Requirements:
The plant Geranium divaricatum Thunb. thrives in an environment with a moderate amount of light. It is best to place this plant in a location that receives filtered sunlight, which is around four to five hours of mild morning or afternoon sunlight. Direct sunlight, especially in the afternoon, can cause scorching or burning on the leaves.
Temperature Needs:
This plant can tolerate temperatures between 10 – 20°C but prefers a temperature between 16-18°C. It cannot survive in extreme cold, so it is necessary to keep the plant indoors, especially during chilly weathers. Geranium divaricatum Thunb. is sensitive to drastic temperature changes and should be placed in a location where there are no sudden temperature changes such as near air conditioning or heating vents.
Soil Requirements:
Geranium divaricatum Thunb. is a low-maintenance plant, and its soil requirements are basic. For optimal growth and health, it needs well-draining, nutrient-rich soil that has good aeration. It thrives in a slightly acidic soil mixture with a pH of 6.0-7.0. The soil should be slightly moist but not waterlogged. It is best to plant this species in a pot with a drainage hole to prevent standing water.
Cultivation Methods
Geranium divaricatum Thunb. is a drought-tolerant plant that prefers full sun to partial shade. It can thrive in various soil conditions, including sandy, loamy, and clayey soils, as long as it is well-draining. Before planting, prepare the soil by adding organic matter to enhance drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient content.
You can grow Geranium divaricatum Thunb. from either seeds or cuttings. Sow seeds in spring either directly in the ground or in seed trays, and transplant the seedlings after they develop four true leaves. Propagate the plant through cuttings in spring or summer by taking 4-6 inch cuttings from healthy parent plants and rooting them in moist soilless mix or water.
Watering Needs
Once established, Geranium divaricatum Thunb. is relatively drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering. Water the plant only when the top two inches of soil are dry. Avoid overwatering the plant as it can lead to root rot. During the dormant period, reduce watering to once a month.
Fertilization
Geranium divaricatum Thunb. does not require frequent fertilization. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once a year in spring or early summer. Alternatively, you can add compost, bone meal, or aged manure to the soil to improve nutrient content. Avoid over-fertilizing the plant as it can lead to leggy growth and reduced floral display.
Pruning
Geranium divaricatum Thunb. requires minimal pruning. Remove dead, damaged, or diseased stems and leaves as soon as you notice them to promote healthy growth and prevent the spread of diseases. In fall, after the plant has finished blooming, cut back the stems by a third to prevent leggy growth and encourage bushy growth in the next growing season. Pinching the tips of young stems can also help the plant maintain its shape and produce more blooms.
Propagation of Geranium divaricatum Thunb.
Geranium divaricatum Thunb. is a flowering plant with beautiful pink or purple-colored flowers. Propagation of this plant can be done through various methods.
Seed Propagation
Propagation of Geranium divaricatum Thunb. through seeds is a simple and easy method. The ideal time to sow the seeds is in spring or early summer. The following steps can be followed for seed propagation:
- Collect the ripe seeds from the mature seedpods of the plant.
- Clean and dry the seeds.
- Sow the seeds in well-draining soil mix.
- Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Germination can take up to 3 weeks.
- Transplant the seedlings into individual pots when they have grown a few true leaves.
Cuttings Propagation
Propagation of Geranium divaricatum Thunb. through cuttings can be done in early summer or late summer. This method is more reliable than seed propagation. The following steps can be followed for cuttings propagation:
- Take stem cuttings from healthy plants. Cuttings should be 3-4 inches long.
- Remove the lower leaves from the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder.
- Plant the cutting in well-draining soil mix and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Keep the cuttings in a shaded area until they have formed roots.
- Transplant the rooted cuttings into individual pots.
Division Propagation
Propagation of Geranium divaricatum Thunb. through division is the easiest and quickest method. This method is suitable for mature plants which have become large and overgrown. The following steps can be followed for division propagation:
- Carefully dig up the plant and remove it from the soil.
- Divide the plant into several sections, making sure each section has roots and healthy foliage.
- Replant the divided sections in well-draining soil mix.
- Water the plants and keep them in a shaded area until they have established themselves.
- Once they have established, transplant the plants in their permanent location.
By following these methods, propagation of Geranium divaricatum Thunb. can be easily accomplished, yielding more plants for the garden or indoor spaces.
Disease and Pest Management for Geranium divaricatum Thunb.
Geranium divaricatum Thunb. is a commonly grown plant that is loved for its attractive appearance and easy maintenance. However, as with any plant, it is not immune to the threat of diseases and pests. Here are some common diseases and pests that can affect Geranium divaricatum Thunb. and the ways to manage them:
Common Diseases
Botrytis Blight: This fungal disease is characterized by wilted leaves, brown spots, and a white mold on the stem. To manage this disease, remove any affected plant parts, treat the plant with a fungicide, and avoid keeping the plant in high humidity or stagnant air.
Root Rot: This disease is caused by overwatering and poor drainage, which leads to the roots becoming waterlogged and rotting. Signs of root rot include yellowing and wilting leaves and a foul smell coming from the soil. To manage root rot, reduce watering, improve drainage, and remove any affected roots. Use a fungicide to treat if necessary.
Common Pests
Spider Mites: These tiny pests are hard to spot but can cause significant damage to the leaves and flowers of the plant. Signs of infestation include yellow speckles on the leaves and fine webbing on the plant. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with water to dislodge them, use insecticidal soap or neem oil to treat the plant, and ensure proper air circulation.
Aphids: These small, pear-shaped insects cluster on the undersides of leaves and can cause the leaves to curl and discolor. To manage aphids, remove them by hand, spray the plant with a strong stream of water to dislodge them, use insecticidal soap, or release beneficial predators such as ladybugs or lacewings.
Thrips: These slender insects feed on plant sap, causing leaves to become distorted and stippled. They are usually found on the undersides of leaves. To manage thrips, remove affected plant parts, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil, or use sticky traps to catch the pests.
In summary, by keeping a close eye on your Geranium divaricatum Thunb. and promptly addressing any signs of diseases or pests, you can help ensure the health and longevity of your plant.
