Delicate purple flowers and soft leaves… the appearance and low maintenance requirements make the Caucasus cranesbill an extremely popular groundcover.
It is above all the appearance that makes the Caucasian cranesbill (Geranium renardii) a popular guest in the garden. The evergreen plant brings with it very delicate and soft leaves that have an almost velvety surface. When it blooms, fine purple flowers appear, which form a beautiful contrast between the grasses.
Origin of the Caucasus Cranesbill
The exact origin of the plant is mainly based on the assumption that the mother plants come from the Caucasus. In the meantime, however, the Caucasus cranesbill can be found throughout Central Europe. There are numerous different species from the group of plants that form flowers in a different color. Due to its ability to adapt to different locations, the Caucasus cranesbill is also spreading.
| Caucasian cranesbill (Geranium renardii) | |
|---|---|
| Growth: | cushion-like, erect, clumpy |
| Growth: | 20 - 30 cm |
| Growth: | 25 - 30 cm |
| Flower: | June to July |
| Location: | sun, partial shade |
| Floor: | dry, permeable, low humus requirement |
Location and environment for the Caucasus Cranesbill
In the gardens, the Caucasus cranesbill is very often planted in groups, as its growth allows it to form a carpet over the ground. The best location is in the sun or semi-shade. Here the plant is flexible. In principle, it can also handle a very sunny location. However, partial shade is ideal for growth. The soil can be sandy, but rocky soil is also accepted.
The Caucasus cranesbill also shows that it is very adaptable in the garden. The leaves spread across the ground and make their way through the ground.
Note this when planting
If the Caucasus cranesbill should be placed in the garden, then it isrecommended to wait here for spring. Even if it is a hardy plant, the Caucasus cranesbill has enough time to become established in the ground. Please note the following points:
- Loosen the soil well before planting. This is particularly important when planting in a rock garden.
- Next, dig individual planting holes.
- Because it is a ground cover, enough plants should be planted per square meter.
- There are about ten plants per square meter.
- Simply put the plants in the planting holes and cover them with soil again.
- Then water sufficiently.
- Once the cranesbill is well established, the plants are very robust.
Note: Even if the ground covers should be planted quite evenly, some space between them is absolutely necessary.
Proper care of the Caucasus cranesbill
Once the perennials have been planted and given sufficient time to grow, they are very easy to care for. If a sunny location has been chosen for the plants, then they should also get enough water. The ground covers grow eagerly and sometimes even beyond the area for which they are intended. If this is the case, they can be cut back in the fall. In the spring, the Caucasus cranesbill appreciates a little fertilizer.
Reproduction of the Caucasus cranesbill
Reproduction of the Caucasus cranesbill can be done in two ways. It is possible to make a split. This should be done with caution. The plants are taken out of the ground, divided and put straight back into the ground. Then they are sufficiently watered. In spring it is also possible to take cuttings from the older perennials and plant them in the ground. Here it takes a little longer until these have reached the sufficient size for ground cover.
Possible pests and diseases
Normally, the Caucasus cranesbill is not susceptible to diseases or pests. If stunted growth spreads or the leaves slowly die off, this can be an indication that an infestation with stem nematodes is present. Sometimes it can happen that the vine weevil spreads on the perennials.