Plant Overview
Attractively marked foliage, which forms sprawling clumps of brown-centered leaves with lots of small pale pink flowers from spring through summer.
Excellent ground cover in shady areas and will also grow in full sun if the soil isn't too dry for too long.
From Washington, USA, where it was discovered growing in Heronswood Garden.
Loved by bees
Height and spread: 15cm x 25cm
Common name(s): French Cranesbill
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 1: Kor!An (Андрей Корзун), CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
