Geranium ‘Orion’

Geranium ‘Orion’ (02/07/2016, Kew Gardens, London)

Position: Full sun to partial shade

Soil: Moist, well drained soil

Flowering period: Summer

Eventual Height: 80cm

Eventual Spread: 80cm

Hardiness: 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a

Family: Geraniaceae

Geranium ‘Orion’ is a deciduous herbaceous perennial with a clump forming habit. Its mid green leaves  are deeply lobed with up to seven divisions, up to 12cm across and 12cm long. Its leaves turn red during autumn before dying. Its dark blue flowers have small white centres, are saucer-shaped borne singly and up to 5cm across.

Geranium ‘Orion’ Flower (02/07/2016, Kew Gardens, London)

Geranium ‘Orion’,  commonly known as Geranium Orion,  is a seedling of Geranium ‘Brookside’.

The etymological root of the binomial name Geranium is derived from the Greek geranos, meaning ‘crane’; referring to the beak-like fruit.

The landscape architect may find Geranium ‘Orion’ useful as a free flowering low maintenance ground cover suitable for full sun to partial shade.

Geranium ‘Orion’ Leaf (02/07/2016, Kew Gardens, London)

Ecologically,  Geranium ‘Orion’ flowers are attractive to pollinating insects.

The Royal Horticultural Society gave Geranium ‘Orion’ their prestigious Award of Garden Merit in 2004.

Geranium ‘Orion’ prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.

Geranium ‘Orion’ requires little to no maintenance. Flowered stems and old foliage may be removed mid summer to encourage new growth. Large clumps may be divided in spring.



Landscape Architecture

Geranium macrorrhizum ‘Spessart’

Geranium macrorrhizum ‘Spessart’ (02/07/2016, Kew Gardens, London)

Position:  Full sun to shade

Soil: Moist, well drained

Flowering period: Early summer

Eventual Height: 40cm

Eventual Spread:  60cm

Hardiness: 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a

Family: Geraniaceae

Geranium macrorrhizum ‘Spessart’ is a semi-evergreen perennial with a clump forming, spreading habit. Its mid green aromatic leaves are palmate with five lobes and serrate, up to 10cm long and 10cm across. Some of its leaves may turn red in autumn. Its pale pink to dark pink hermaphrodite flowers are up to 3cm across and appear above its leaves. It roots contain fleshy rhizomes which aids its spread.

Geranium macrorrhizum ‘Spessart’ Flower (02/07/2016, Kew Gardens, London)

The species Geranium macrorrhizum, commonly known as Balkan Cranesbill, Bigroot Geranium or Rock Crane’s-Bill, is native to southern Europe. In its native habitat it grows at woodland margins and scrubby places.

The etymological root of the binomial name Geranium is derived from the Greek geranos, meaning ‘crane’, referring to the beak-like fruit. Macrorrhizum is derived from the Greek makros meaning ‘large’ and riza meaning ‘rooted’.

Geranium macrorrhizum ‘Spessart’ Leaf (02/07/2016, Kew Gardens, London)

The landscape architect may find Geranium macrorrhizum ‘Spessart’ useful as an effective semi-evergreen ground cover perennial. Once established this plant is drought tollerant. This plant is not attractive to deer or rabbits.

Ecologically, Geranium macrorrhizum ‘Spessart’ flowers are attractive to many pollinating insects, including bees.

Geranium macrorrhizum ‘Spessart’ prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil. It will tolerate dry soils

Geranium macrorrhizum ‘Spessart’ requires little maintenance. Flowered shoots and old stems may be removed to encourage new growth. Large clumps may be divided in spring.



Landscape Architecture

Geranium nodosum

Geranium nodosum (02/07/2016, Kew Gardens, London)

Position: Full sun to partial shade

Soil: Moist, well drained

Flowering period: Early summer to early autumn

Eventual Height: 50cm

Eventual Spread:  50cm

Hardiness: 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a

Family: Geraniaceae

Geranium nodosum is a deciduous perennial with a spreading, clump forming habit. Its mid green leaves are palmate having up to five lobes with dentate margins, up to 15cm across and 10cm long. Its light pink to lilac flowers flowers are saucer shaped, up to 25mm across and are borne in loose cymes. Its roots contain rhizomes which aids its spread.

Geranium nodosum Flower (02/07/2016, Kew Gardens, London)

Geranium nodosum, commonly known as Knotted Crane’s Bill, is native to mountainous regions of south Europe. In its native habitat this plant grows at the margins of deciduous woodlands.

The etymological root of the binomial name Geranium is derived from the Greek geranos, meaning ‘crane’, referring to the beak-like fruit. Nodosum is derived form the Latin nodosus meaning ‘knotty’.

Geranium nodosum Leaf (02/07/2016, Kew Gardens, London)

The landscape architect may find Geranium nodosum useful as a free flowering semi deciduous ground cover plant. It is appropriate species for use as a woodland understory plant.

Ecologically,  Geranium nodosum flowers are attractive to pollinating insects, including butterflies and honey bees.

Geranium nodosum prefers moist, humus rich, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.

Geranium nodosum requires little to no maintenance. This plant may be divided in spring or autumn to increase numbers.



Landscape Architecture