Origin
Geranium viscosissimum Fisch. & C.A. Mey. ex C.A. Mey. var. viscosissimum, commonly known as sticky geranium, is native to western North America, including Alaska, British Columbia, and the western United States.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as sticky geranium because of the glandular hairs that cover the leaves and stem and give them a sticky texture. Other common names include sticky purple geranium, sticky crane’s bill, and sticky wild geranium.
Uses
Indigenous people of North America used Geranium viscosissimum Fisch. & C.A. Mey. ex C.A. Mey. var. viscosissimum for medicinal purposes. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and was used as a poultice or tea for wound healing, digestive issues, and pain relief.
The plant is also used in landscaping and gardening due to its long blooming period, which typically lasts from late spring to midsummer. It is an attractive plant with bright pink or purple flowers and can tolerate a range of growing conditions, including shade, full sun, and dry soil.
General Appearance
Geranium viscosissimum Fisch. & C.A. Mey. ex C.A. Mey. var. viscosissimum is a herbaceous perennial that can grow up to 2 feet tall and spread up to 3 feet wide. The leaves are deeply lobed and have a sticky texture due to glandular hairs that cover the surface. The flowers are bright pink or purple with darker stripes and have five petals. They bloom in clusters at the end of long stems that arise from the center of the plant. The plant forms a dense mound and is used to control soil erosion in some areas.
Growth Conditions for Geranium viscosissimum var. viscosissimum
Geranium viscosissimum var. viscosissimum, commonly known as sticky geranium, is a hardy perennial herb native to western North America. It is found in a variety of habitats, including rocky slopes, dry meadows, and open forests, from sea level to subalpine elevations.
Light Requirements
Sticky geranium is adaptable to a range of light conditions, from full sun to partial shade. However, it tends to prefer partial shade in hotter and drier climates, as too much sun can cause leaf scorch and reduced growth. In areas with milder temperatures, it can tolerate more sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
Geranium viscosissimum var. viscosissimum is adapted to a range of temperatures but prefers cool to moderate temperatures. It can tolerate temperatures as low as -20°C (-4°F) and as high as 30°C (86°F). However, it thrives at temperatures between 10°C (50°F) and 20°C (68°F).
Soil Requirements
The soil for sticky geranium should be well-drained, with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. It prefers nutrient-rich soil and can tolerate a variety of soil textures, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. Sticky geranium grows naturally in areas with rocky or gravelly soils, so incorporating gravel or rocks into the planting area can be beneficial.
Overall, Geranium viscosissimum var. viscosissimum is a resilient and adaptable plant that can thrive in a variety of growth conditions, making it a great choice for gardens and landscapes across North America.
Cultivation Methods
Geranium viscosissimum Fisch. & C.A. Mey. ex C.A. Mey. var. viscosissimum, commonly known as sticky geranium, is a perennial plant that prefers well-draining soil and full sunlight. It is important also to note that this plant adapts well to both dry and moist soils in cold climatic conditions.
Propagation of the plant is done through seeds and stem cuttings. Seeds should be sown in early spring, and it is advised that they be sowed in trays before transplanting them to their final destination. Stem cutting is ideal in mid-summer with the use of rooting hormones, and new plants develop fast.
Watering Needs
Geranium viscosissimum does not require water continuously, and as such, overwatering must be avoided. Watering should be done once every two to three weeks in summer and once a month during the colder season. The soil must be watered thoroughly, and the plant left to drain excess water, to prevent root rot.
Fertilization
Geranium viscosissimum does not require much fertilization. It is enough to add compost to the soil occasionally to maintain soil fertility. However, a balanced fertilizer can be applied twice a year in the spring and late summer.
Pruning
Pruning is important in maintaining the shape and appearance of the plant. Deadhead regularly to stimulate new flowering, and prune back the plant by half or a third of its height after the growing season ends. This practice helps to stimulate new growth and provides a source of the regeneration of lost foliage. It is vital to prune when the plant is dormant during the colder season to avoid harming the plant during the growing cycle.
Propagation of Geranium viscosissimum Fisch. & C.A. Mey. ex C.A. Mey. var. viscosissimum
Geranium viscosissimum Fisch. & C.A. Mey. ex C.A. Mey. var. viscosissimum is a beautiful and hardy perennial that can be propagated through various methods, including seed sowing and division.
Seed Propagation
Geranium viscosissimum Fisch. & C.A. Mey. ex C.A. Mey. var. viscosissimum can be propagated from seeds that are collected in late summer or early fall from mature plants. The seeds can be sown immediately or stored in a cool, dry place until spring. In the spring, the seeds can be sown in a seed tray or directly in the ground. It is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged as the seeds germinate. Once the seedlings have grown several leaves, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Division
Division is another method of propagating Geranium viscosissimum Fisch. & C.A. Mey. ex C.A. Mey. var. viscosissimum. This method involves separating the plant into smaller sections and replanting them separately. Division should be done in early spring when the plant is still dormant or in the fall after the plant has finished flowering. The plant should be lifted from the ground and carefully divided using a sharp knife or spade. Each section should have a good root system and enough shoots to produce a healthy plant. The divided sections can then be replanted in their desired location.
Disease Management
Geranium viscosissimum is susceptible to a range of diseases, including powdery mildew, leaf spot, and botrytis blight. Powdery mildew appears as a white or gray powdery coating on the leaves, while leaf spot causes circular brown spots on the leaves. Botrytis blight, also known as gray mold, affects the leaves, flowers, and stems, resulting in a fuzzy gray coating.
To manage powdery mildew, it's important to keep the foliage dry by watering the plant at the soil level instead of overhead. Pruning infected leaves and improving air circulation around the plant can also help prevent the spread of the disease. For leaf spot, remove all infected leaves and dispose of them to prevent the disease from spreading. Increasing air circulation can also help control leaf spot.
Botrytis blight can be prevented by avoiding overhead watering, pruning infected plant parts, and disposing of any infected plant debris. Apply a fungicide to protect healthy plant parts if the disease persists.
Pest Management
Geranium viscosissimum can also be affected by pests such as spider mites, aphids, and thrips. Spider mites are tiny sap-sucking pests that cause leaves to turn yellow and drop prematurely. Aphids are small, pear-shaped bugs that cluster on new growth and excrete honeydew, causing the foliage to become sticky. Thrips are slender, winged insects that pierce the leaves and suck the sap, causing silver-white streaks on the foliage.
To manage spider mites, regularly spray the plant with water to dislodge the pests and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill them. Aphids can be controlled by using a strong jet of water to wash them off the plant or introducing natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings. Thrips can be managed by pruning off heavily infected plant parts and applying insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Regularly inspecting your plants and promptly treating any insect infestations or diseases can help ensure the health and longevity of your Geranium viscosissimum plant.
