Geranium quinquevulnerum Andrews
Geranium quinquevulnerum Andrews, also known as Five-Wound Cranesbill, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Geraniaceae. It is native to Europe, specifically to the United Kingdom where it can be found growing in limestone and chalkgrassland habitats throughout the country.
Common Names
Five-Wound Cranesbill gets its common name from its folklore use as a remedy for wounds that were beleived to have been inflicted by the devil or evil spirits. Other common names for this plant include Herb Robert, Storks-bill, and Red Robin.
Uses
Geranium quinquevulnerum has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. The plant contains tannins, which give it astringent properties, and it has been used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, and internal bleeding. It has also been used as a poultice for cuts and bruises. In addition to its medicinal properties, the plant is also used in herbal teas and as a flavoring agent.
General Appearance
Five-Wound Cranesbill is a low-growing plant that typically reaches a height of 30cm when in bloom in the summer months. The plant is characterized by its deeply lobed leaves that are green in color. The leaves turn reddish in autumn. The flowers are small, pink to red in color and are produced in small umbels. The plant's fruit is a long, narrow capsule that splits into five when ripe, thus releasing the seeds.
Growth Conditions for Geranium quinquevulnerum Andrews
Light: Geranium quinquevulnerum requires full to partial sunlight for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade limits its blooming potential. Therefore, it should be planted in an area that receives at least six hours of sunlight each day.
Temperature: Geranium quinquevulnerum grows best in cool temperatures and can withstand temperatures as low as -20°C. However, it cannot tolerate high heat and humidity levels. Therefore, it is essential to plant this species in areas with a consistent temperature range of 10-25°C.
Soil: Geranium quinquevulnerum prefers well-draining soils that are moist but not waterlogged. It can tolerate different soil pH levels, ranging from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline, but thrives in a neutral environment. The soil should be rich in organic matter and minerals, and the addition of compost or well-rotted manure before planting can help improve soil fertility and texture.
Cultivation Methods
Geranium quinquevulnerum is a resilient plant that thrives best in well-drained soils with good air circulation. It can grow both in full sun and partial shade. Before planting, prepare the soil by removing any weeds and rocks and loosening it to a depth of about 12 inches. You can cultivate the plant through seeds or cuttings. If planting from seeds, start indoors in early spring and transplant the seedlings outside when the soil warms up.
Watering Needs
Geranium quinquevulnerum requires moderate watering from spring to fall, and slightly less in winter to prevent root rot. Water the plant when the soil is dry to the touch; avoid overwatering as it can cause diseases. It is best to water at the base of the plant to prevent water from settling on the leaves and causing damage or fungal diseases. During hot and dry spells, water the plant more frequently to keep it healthy.
Fertilization
You can feed Geranium quinquevulnerum with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to help it thrive. A balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 is ideal. However, you should avoid over-fertilization, which can lead to excessive foliage growth and fewer blooms. Always follow the package instructions for application and dilution rates, and avoid applying fertilizer on dry soil to prevent burning the roots.
Pruning
Regular pruning helps Geranium quinquevulnerum maintain its shape and encourages blooming. You can prune the plant in early spring or late fall when it is still dormant or after it has finished blooming. Trim off any dead or diseased leaves or flowers, and cut back the stems to about 1 inch above the soil line. You can also pinch back the plant throughout the growing season to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. However, avoid pruning too much or during hot and dry spells as it can stress the plant.
Propagation of Geranium quinquevulnerum Andrews
Geranium quinquevulnerum Andrews, commonly known as Five-Flowered Geranium, is an attractive plant that blooms in spring and summer. If you are looking to propagate it, there are several methods to consider:
Seed Propagation
The easiest way to propagate Geranium quinquevulnerum is through seeds. Sow the seeds in a well-draining soil mix, maintain temperature between 20-25°C, and keep the soil moist. The seeds will germinate in 2-3 weeks.
Cuttings
Another method of propagation is through cuttings. Take 7-8 cm long stem cuttings from the mother plant, strip the leaves from the bottom, and dip the cuttings in rooting hormone. Then, plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix and keep it moist. The cuttings will root in about 4-6 weeks.
Division
Geranium quinquevulnerum can also be propagated through division. Gently lift the mother plant from the soil, and separate the roots into small sections. Plant the sections in a well-draining soil mix at the same depth as before, and keep the soil moist. The new plants will establish in about 4-6 weeks.
Air Layering
Air layering is an uncommon method of Geranium quinquevulnerum propagation. Choose a healthy stem, remove a small section of the bark, and apply rooting hormone to the exposed area. Then, wrap wet sphagnum moss around it and cover it with a plastic bag. When roots have developed, cut the stem below the plastic and plant it in a well-draining soil mix.
By using one of these methods, you can propagate Geranium quinquevulnerum and share the beauty of this plant with others.
Disease and Pest Management for Geranium quinquevulnerum
Geranium quinquevulnerum Andrews, commonly known as Five-Booted or Five-Fingered Cranesbill, is a hardy species that displays resistance to most pests and diseases. However, it is not immune to infestation by certain insects and fungal pathogens. Here is a breakdown of common pests and diseases that can affect Geranium quinquevulnerum and how to manage them.
Pests
Aphids: These soft-bodied insects suck sap and can cause considerable damage to foliage by curling or deforming leaves. Aphids often secrete honeydew, a sugary excretion that attracts sooty molds and other fungal pathogens. You can manage aphids by blasting them with a jet of water from a garden hose or by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap. Neem oil, pyrethrins, and horticultural oil are also effective in controlling aphids.
Spider Mites: These tiny arachnids feed on the undersides of leaves and cause a stippled or bronzed appearance. Severe infestations can lead to leaf drop or stunted growth. Spider mites thrive in hot and dry conditions, so you can manage them by increasing humidity around the plant by misting it with water. You can also use horticultural oil or neem oil to suffocate spider mites.
Slugs and Snails: These gastropods feed on young shoots and foliage, leaving a trail of slime behind them. You can manage slugs and snails by handpicking them off the plant at night or early in the morning when they are most active. Beer traps or copper tape around the base of the plant can also deter them.
Diseases
Rust: This fungal disease causes orange, yellow, or brown pustules on the leaves, stems, and flowers of Geranium quinquevulnerum. Rust thrives in humid conditions and can overwinter on fallen leaves, so it is crucial to remove any infected plant debris and to practice good sanitation. You can manage rust by applying a copper fungicide or neem oil to the affected plant parts.
Root Rot: This fungal disease is caused by overwatering and poorly drained soil, which leads to the decay of the roots. Symptoms include yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and wilting. Root rot is challenging to manage, and prevention is key. Ensure that the plant is growing in well-draining soil, water only when the top inch of soil is dry, and avoid over-fertilizing.
Botrytis Blight: This fungal disease causes grey mold on the leaves, stems, and flowers of Geranium quinquevulnerum. Botrytis thrives in moist conditions and can be spread by water splash or wind. You can manage botrytis blight by removing infected plant parts and applying a copper fungicide or neem oil.
In conclusion, Geranium quinquevulnerum is a hardy plant that is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, regular monitoring and implementing appropriate preventive measures can help to keep it healthy and thriving.
