Overview
Geranium viscosissimum Fisch. & C.A. Mey. ex C.A. Mey. var. nervosum (Rydb.) C.L. Hitchc. is a flowering plant that is commonly referred to as sticky geranium. It is a member of the Geraniaceae family and is native to North America. This plant features sticky hairs on its leaves and stems, as well as bright pink magenta flowers that bloom in the summer months.
Origin and Distribution
Geranium viscosissimum is native to North America and can be found across the western portion of the continent, from southern Alaska to California and eastward to the Rocky Mountains. It is commonly found in meadows, open forests, and along stream banks at elevations between 1,000 and 10,000 feet.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known by several names including sticky geranium, sticky crane's-bill, and sticky wild geranium. Its scientific name is derived from the Greek word geranos, which means crane, and refers to the shape of the seed capsule.
Appearance
The sticky geranium plant grows 1-3 feet tall and has a spreading growth habit. Its leaves are deeply divided and have serrated edges. The leaves and stems are covered with sticky glandular hairs that help to deter herbivores and attract pollinators. The flowers are bright pink magenta and bloom in a cluster at the end of the stems in the summertime. The seeds are contained in long, narrow capsules that are shaped like a crane's bill, hence the common name.
Uses
The sticky geranium plant has several uses. Some Native American tribes used it to treat wounds, sore throats, and diarrhea. The plant has also been used in herbal medicine to treat headaches, cramps, and digestive issues. In addition, the sticky hairs on the plant's leaves are known to trap small insects, which can serve as a source of nutrition for other animals in the habitat. The plant is also used as a decorative plant in gardens due to its bright flowers and spreading growth habit.
Light Requirements
The Geranium viscosissimum Fisch. & C.A. Mey. ex C.A. Mey. var. nervosum (Rydb.) C.L. Hitchc. plant requires full sunlight exposure in order to flourish. It can tolerate partial shade, but it will not grow well under full shade conditions. Therefore, the plant is best grown in an environment that receives at least six hours of sunlight every day.
Temperature Requirements
The Geranium viscosissimum Fisch. & C.A. Mey. ex C.A. Mey. var. nervosum (Rydb.) C.L. Hitchc. prefers a temperate climate with mild to cooler temperatures. The plant can withstand temperatures that range between -28°C to 35°C, but it grows best in temperatures that range between 15°C to 25°C. Extreme temperature fluctuations or prolonged exposure to temperatures outside of its range can negatively impact the plant's growth.
Soil Requirements
The Geranium viscosissimum Fisch. & C.A. Mey. ex C.A. Mey. var. nervosum (Rydb.) C.L. Hitchc. thrives in deep, well-drained soils. A pH range of 6.0 to 8.0 is ideal for the plant's growth. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged, so the plant should not be grown in areas prone to standing water. The plant can adapt to a variety of soil types, including loamy, sandy, and clay soils, but it grows best in nutrient-rich, humusy soil with good aeration.
Cultivation Methods
The Geranium viscosissimum Fisch. & C.A. Mey. ex C.A. Mey. var. nervosum (Rydb.) C.L. Hitchc. is a hardy plant that is easy to cultivate in almost any type of soil. It is best grown in an area that receives partial to full sunlight, and the soil should be well-draining. The plant can be propagated by seed or cuttings, and the best time to do so is in the early spring or fall.
When planting the Geranium viscosissimum Fisch. & C.A. Mey. ex C.A. Mey. var. nervosum (Rydb.) C.L. Hitchc., make sure to dig a hole that is twice the size of the root ball. The plant should be positioned at the same level it was growing in the previous pot or container. After planting, water the plant thoroughly and continue to water it regularly until it is fully established in the soil.
Watering Needs
The Geranium viscosissimum Fisch. & C.A. Mey. ex C.A. Mey. var. nervosum (Rydb.) C.L. Hitchc. is a drought-tolerant plant that prefers to be grown in well-draining soil. When watering, be sure to avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot. The plant should be watered when the soil feels dry to the touch. Be sure to water the plant deeply so that the water reaches the roots.
Fertilization
The Geranium viscosissimum Fisch. & C.A. Mey. ex C.A. Mey. var. nervosum (Rydb.) C.L. Hitchc. does not require frequent fertilization. However, if you want to encourage healthy growth, you can use a slow-release fertilizer during the growing season. Be sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package carefully and avoid over-fertilizing the plant.
Pruning
The Geranium viscosissimum Fisch. & C.A. Mey. ex C.A. Mey. var. nervosum (Rydb.) C.L. Hitchc. does not require frequent pruning. However, if you want to maintain its shape or promote bushier growth, you can prune the plant in the early spring or fall. Be sure to use sharp and clean pruning shears and make clean cuts. Avoid removing more than one-third of the plant's foliage at a time as this can be stressful for the plant.
Propagation of Geranium viscosissimum Fisch. & C.A. Mey. ex C.A. Mey. var. nervosum (Rydb.) C.L. Hitchc.
Geranium viscosissimum Fisch. & C.A. Mey. ex C.A. Mey. var. nervosum (Rydb.) C.L. Hitchc. can be propagated through various methods:
1. By Seed
Seeds of Geranium viscosissimum Fisch. & C.A. Mey. ex C.A. Mey. var. nervosum (Rydb.) C.L. Hitchc. can be sown directly into the soil. The best time for this method is in early spring when the soil is moist, and temperatures are mild. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 2-3mm and spaced about 30cm apart. Germination usually occurs within 2-3 weeks. The plants need to be watered regularly until they establish themselves.
2. By Division
Geranium viscosissimum Fisch. & C.A. Mey. ex C.A. Mey. var. nervosum (Rydb.) C.L. Hitchc. can also be propagated by division. This method is best done in early spring or late summer when the plant is not in full bloom. The clumps should be dug up and split into several sections, ensuring that each clump has some roots. These new sections can then be planted into new areas, and they will take root quickly.
3. By Cuttings
Another method of propagating Geranium viscosissimum Fisch. & C.A. Mey. ex C.A. Mey. var. nervosum (Rydb.) C.L. Hitchc. is through cuttings. To do this, take cuttings from the plant in late summer or early autumn. The cuttings should be 7-10cm in length, and the leaves removed from the bottom third. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them into pots filled with compost and grit. Keep these cuttings moist and in a warm and bright area until they develop roots, which usually takes around 3-4 weeks. After that, they can be transplanted into the garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Geranium viscosissimum Fisch. & C.A. Mey. ex C.A. Mey. var. nervosum (Rydb.) C.L. Hitchc.
Geranium viscosissimum Fisch. & C.A. Mey. ex C.A. Mey. var. nervosum (Rydb.) C.L. Hitchc., commonly known as Sticky geranium, is a beautiful flowering plant that can attract various diseases and pests. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant, along with ways to manage them.
Diseases that can affect Geranium viscosissimum Fisch. & C.A. Mey. ex C.A. Mey. var. nervosum (Rydb.) C.L. Hitchc.
Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease can create a white or gray powdery coating on the leaves and stems of the plant. It is caused by a number of fungal species and can spread quickly. Remove infected leaves and apply a fungicide to the plant as soon as possible.
Leaf Spot: Another fungal disease that can cause dark, circular spots on the leaves of the plant. This can cause the leaves to wither and die. Remove infected leaves and treat the plant with a fungicide.
Crown Gall: This bacterial disease can cause the plant to form swollen, wart-like growths at the base of the stem. Infected plants usually die. Remove infected plants immediately to prevent the disease from spreading.
Pests that can affect Geranium viscosissimum Fisch. & C.A. Mey. ex C.A. Mey. var. nervosum (Rydb.) C.L. Hitchc.
Aphids: These tiny insects can suck the sap from the plant's leaves, causing them to wither and die. Use insecticidal soaps or neem oil to control the aphids.
Spider Mites: These pests are very small and difficult to see without a magnifying glass. They can cause yellow spots on the leaves of the plant and create webs. Use insecticidal soaps or neem oil to control spider mites.
Snails and Slugs: These pests can eat the leaves of the plant, leaving large holes. Use copper barriers or bait traps to control them.
With proper care, your Geranium viscosissimum Fisch. & C.A. Mey. ex C.A. Mey. var. nervosum (Rydb.) C.L. Hitchc. can remain healthy and beautiful for many years. Follow the above guidelines to manage diseases and pests effectively and keep your plant thriving.
