Armenian Cranesbill
geranium psilostemon
Also known as: ["Armenian Geranium","Stemless Cranesbill"]
Overview
A hardy perennial with striking magenta-red flowers and deeply divided leaves, native to Armenia.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","deer resistant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","cold hardy"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Geraniales |
| Family: | Geraniaceae |
| Genus: | Geranium |
| Botanical Name: | Geranium psilostemon |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in a sunny spot, or indoor pot with bright, direct light
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"7–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining mix with loam, sand, and organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering; lightly prune throughout growing season.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if overgrown.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade but may become leggy.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sun; protect from harsh afternoon sun; ensure good air circulation to prevent scorch.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains in extreme heat; avoid direct sun indoors in summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry between waterings, avoid wetting foliage.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter
pH: 6.0–7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral).
Use cactus mix as base; avoid heavy clay soils; topdress with compost annually.
Temperature
Prefers 65–75°F (18–24°C); tolerates 50–80°F (10–27°C); requires cool winter dormancy.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from frost; ensure good ventilation in warm climates.
Fertilizing
every 2–4 weeks during spring and summer, none in fall and winter
Fertilize after repotting; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; avoid over-fertilizing.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings, remove lower leaves, dip in hormone, plant in medium, keep moist.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), warm (65–75°F), bright indirect light.
Medium
Perlite or sand mixed with peat moss.
Hormone
Recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots in 3–6 weeks; establish in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips, cut above leaf nodes, remove dead/damaged stems.
Pruning Plan
Encourage bushy growth, remove spent flowers, maintain shape, improve air circulation.
Tools
Clean pruners, gloves, disinfectant.
Checklist
Sterilize tools, prune after flowering, remove dead growth, shape plant evenly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot; ensure drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if needed, use fresh soil mix, ensure good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill pot; promotes fresh soil and growth.
Checklist
Choose right pot, prepare new soil, handle roots carefully, water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, avoid wetting leaves, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensure even moisture penetration, allow excess water to drain, water in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage, incorporate compost for fertility, ensure aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf yellowing/browning, wilting, bud drop, stunted growth.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause root damage below 50°F (10°C), leaves may turn purple.
Solution: Move to a warmer spot, insulate pots, avoid cold drafts, reduce watering in winter.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, reduced flowering, increased water demand.
Solution: Provide shade during peak sun, increase watering, use mulch to retain moisture, improve air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer, dilute properly, fertilize during active growth, stop in dormancy.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10) every 4–6 weeks during growing season; dilute to half strength; stop in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest parts of Geranium psilostemon. The plant's compounds can cause irritation, but severe toxicity is rare. Cats are generally more sensitive to plant toxins than dogs, so caution is advised.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Geranium psilostemon can lead to mild gastrointestinal irritation. The plant's compounds may cause discomfort but are not typically severe enough to cause serious health issues unless consumed in large amounts.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicGeranium psilostemon contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal upset when ingested in significant quantities. The plant's essential oils and tannins are responsible for these effects, which are generally not life-threatening but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should Geranium psilostemon be watered?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Q: Does Geranium psilostemon attract pollinators?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators with its vibrant flowers.
Q: Is Geranium psilostemon deer-resistant?
A: Yes, it is generally resistant to deer browsing.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Geraniaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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