Origin
Geranium multiflorum Gray ssp. ovatifolium (Gray) Carlq. & Bissing is a flowering plant species that belongs to the family Geraniaceae. This plant is native to western North America and can be found in the states of California, Nevada, and Oregon in the United States of America. It mostly grows in dry or rocky soils at elevations ranging from 400 to 3000 meters.
Common Names
Geranium multiflorum Gray ssp. ovatifolium is commonly known as Mountain Geranium or Round-leaf Geranium. Its scientific name derives from the Greek word "geranos" meaning "crane," due to the long and pointed shape of its fruit.
Uses
Mountain Geranium has several medicinal properties and is commonly used in traditional medicine to treat different ailments. The roots of this plant contain tannins and astringents that have antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antidiarrheal properties. The leaves and flowers of Mountain Geranium are also edible and can be used to make tea or added to salads for their nutritional value. Additionally, this species is occasionally used as an ornamental plant.
General Appearance
The Mountain Geranium is a perennial herb that grows up to 30 cm tall. The plant has rounded and deeply lobed leaves that are arranged alternately on the stems. The inflorescence of this plant is a cyme that features 2 to 12 pink or purple-colored flowers with 5 petals each. The flowers are about 1 cm in diameter and bloom from April to July.
Light Requirements
The Geranium multiflorum Gray ssp. ovatifolium (Gray) Carlq. & Bissing plant requires full sunlight to grow properly. It needs direct sunlight for about 6-8 hours each day to thrive. This plant can also tolerate some shade, but it should never be grown in a completely shady area.
Temperature Requirements
The Geranium multiflorum Gray ssp. ovatifolium (Gray) Carlq. & Bissing plant prefers moderate temperatures around 60-75°F (15-24°C) and can tolerate temperatures as high as 85°F (29°C) with moderate watering. Extreme heat and below-freezing temperatures must be avoided to protect the plant from damage.
Soil Requirements
The Geranium multiflorum Gray ssp. ovatifolium (Gray) Carlq. & Bissing plant grows well in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. This species prefers a slightly acidic soil pH of 6.0-6.5. It can grow in clay, loam, and sandy soils but definitely need well-drained soil. Reasonable moisture is a requirement as the plant starts struggling in dry conditions.
Cultivation methods for Geranium multiflorum Gray ssp. ovatifolium (Gray) Carlq. & Bissing
Geranium multiflorum Gray ssp. ovatifolium (Gray) Carlq. & Bissing requires well-draining soil and an area with full to partial sun exposure. The plant is cold hardy and can thrive in USDA hardiness zones 5-9. Geranium multiflorum Gray ssp. ovatifolium (Gray) Carlq. & Bissing can be propagated through seeds or cuttings, and it is best to plant them in the spring or summer when the soil is warm.
Watering needs for Geranium multiflorum Gray ssp. ovatifolium (Gray) Carlq. & Bissing
Geranium multiflorum Gray ssp. ovatifolium (Gray) Carlq. & Bissing prefers well-draining soil that is moist but not overly saturated. The plant requires regular watering, especially during dry periods. However, it is essential to avoid waterlogging the soil as it could lead to root rot. It is best to water Geranium multiflorum Gray ssp. ovatifolium (Gray) Carlq. & Bissing deeply every 7-10 days, depending on the weather conditions.
Fertilization of Geranium multiflorum Gray ssp. ovatifolium (Gray) Carlq. & Bissing
Geranium multiflorum Gray ssp. ovatifolium (Gray) Carlq. & Bissing requires regular fertilization to maintain its growth and overall health. The plant requires a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20. It is best to fertilize Geranium multiflorum Gray ssp. ovatifolium (Gray) Carlq. & Bissing every 4-6 weeks during the growing season, starting in early spring and ending in late summer.
Pruning of Geranium multiflorum Gray ssp. ovatifolium (Gray) Carlq. & Bissing
Geranium multiflorum Gray ssp. ovatifolium (Gray) Carlq. & Bissing does not require extensive pruning, but it is recommended to cut back the plant after it has finished blooming. It is best to remove any dead or damaged foliage and spent flowers to encourage new growth and a prolonged blooming period. Regular deadheading will also help to prolong the flowering season of Geranium multiflorum Gray ssp. ovatifolium (Gray) Carlq. & Bissing. Pruning should be done in late summer or early fall to avoid interrupting any new growth.
Propagation of Geranium multiflorum Gray ssp. ovatifolium (Gray) Carlq. & Bissing
There are different propagation methods that can be utilized to propagate Geranium multiflorum Gray ssp. ovatifolium (Gray) Carlq. & Bissing. These include:
Seed Propagation
Geranium multiflorum Gray ssp. ovatifolium (Gray) Carlq. & Bissing can be propagated from seeds. Seeds should be collected when the plant fruits, and they can be sown immediately or stored for later sowing. Before sowing, soak the seeds in water for about 24 hours to enhance germination. Sow the seeds in well-draining soil and keep them moist until germination occurs.
Division
Geranium multiflorum Gray ssp. ovatifolium (Gray) Carlq. & Bissing can also be propagated through division. Divide the plant in early spring or fall by carefully separating the roots and replanting individual divisions into well-draining soil. Water diligently until the plant establishes.
Cuttings
Another viable propagation method of Geranium multiflorum Gray ssp. ovatifolium (Gray) Carlq. & Bissing is through cuttings. Take stem cuttings in late spring or summer from the parent plant and dip the cut ends in rooting hormone before planting in moist, well-draining soil. Cover the cuttings with plastic to increase humidity and keep them in indirect light until the cuttings root.
Disease and Pest Management for Geranium multiflorum Gray ssp. ovatifolium (Gray) Carlq. & Bissing
Geranium multiflorum Gray ssp. ovatifolium (Gray) Carlq. & Bissing is a hardy plant that can withstand normal plant stressors such as temperature changes, low nutrient levels, and pests. However, there are specific diseases and pests that can target this plant and affect its growth. Here are some common diseases and pests that affect Geranium multiflorum Gray ssp. ovatifolium (Gray) Carlq. & Bissing and how to manage them.
Diseases
Bacterial leaf spot - This disease is caused by the bacteria Xanthomonas campestris. It appears as water-soaked spots on the leaves that turn brown and eventually lead to leaf drop. To manage this disease, remove the infected leaves and avoid overhead watering.
Botrytis blight - This fungal disease appears as brown spots on the leaves and flowers, and can also cause gray mold on the plant. To manage this disease, remove infected plant material and improve air circulation around the plant.
Verticillium wilt - This fungal disease can cause wilting and yellowing of leaves, as well as plant stunting and eventual death. To manage this disease, remove infected plants and avoid planting new plants in the same area for several years.
Pests
Spider mites - These tiny pests can cause yellowing of leaves, webbing, and a decline in plant health. To manage spider mites, remove heavily infested leaves and improve air circulation around the plant.
Slugs and snails - These pests can cause irregular holes in the leaves and damage to the plant. To manage slugs and snails, remove plant debris and provide moisture control to avoid damp areas where they thrive.
Aphids - These tiny pests can cause curling of leaves and stunted growth. To manage aphids, remove infected leaves and rinse the plant with a strong stream of water to dislodge them from the plant.
By being vigilant and knowing which diseases and pests commonly affect Geranium multiflorum Gray ssp. ovatifolium (Gray) Carlq. & Bissing, gardeners can keep this plant healthy and thriving.
