Plant Overview
A low mat-forming Haardy Geranium, making it good ground cover, with eye-catching darkly veined flowers. Masses of light pink saucer-shaped flowers from late spring through summer. The foliage often turns a lovely red in autumn.
Happy in full sun or partial shade in well-drained soil. Drought tolerant when established.
Loved by bees
Height and spread: 15cm x 25cm
Common name(s): Cranesbill
This plant may be supplied in a 7cm or 9cm pot.
Myth and Legend
Apparently, the Prophet Mohammed, whilst resting beside a stream, decided to wash his shirt in the water. Having done so, he spread his shirt out to dry on a bed of mallows that grew close by and then lay down and slept. As he slept, a miraculous transformation occurred. First the mallows blushed with pleasure at having the opportunity to serve the great man. Then, by the time he awoke, the mallows had all been transformed into cranesbills.
Traditionally, cranesbills offer protection against snakes and serpents. Hence the following country rhyme:
Snakes will not go
Where geraniums grow.
Dreaming of geraniums is meant to be a sign that you need not worry about a recent quarrel, as it meant nothing and will soon be forgotten.
Photo Alvesgaspar, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
