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Geranium Facts

Geranium Facts
Geranium, also known as cranesbill, is herbaceous plant that belongs to the geranium family. There are more than 400 species of geranium that are widely distributed in temperate areas of the world (they are especially abundant in Mediterranean region). Pelargonium is type of plant that is erroneously called geranium in literature. These two groups of plants (geranium and pelargonium) look similar, but they originate from different parts of the world and belong to different genera. Geranium usually grows in the fields, woodlands and mountains. It thrives the best in sunny areas on the humus-rich soil. People cultivate geranium in ornamental purposes and as a source of essential oils.
Interesting Geranium Facts:
Geranium can reach from 6 inches to 3 - 4 feet in height, depending on the species.
Geranium develops elongated, palmately divided leaves with serrated edges. Most species of geranium have green leaves. Some varieties develop yellow, orange or red-colored leaves.
Geranium produces individual flowers that can be white, red, pink, purple or blue colored. Some varieties of geranium produce double blooms (flowers with 2 or more rows of extra petals). Flowers can be scented or odorless.
Geranium blooms from early spring until the late autumn. Flowers are rich source of nectar which attracts bees, bumblebees, flies and beetles, which are responsible for the pollination of these plants.
Fruit of geranium is elongated capsule with a beak-like tip. Capsule is filled with 5 seed. It resembles the crane's bill, hence the nickname "cranesbill". Ripe fruit splits explosively and ejects seed away from the mother plant.
Geranium propagates via seed and cuttings.
Flowers of geranium are good source of essential oils that can be used for the removal of scars from the surface of the skin.
Root of geranium contains compounds that are effective in treatment of excessive bleeding, conjunctivitis, retinal disorders and hemorrhoids. Root also has antiseptic properties (prevents growth of harmful microorganisms) and ability to relieve symptoms of diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome.
Extract of geranium root is available in the form of capsules and tinctures.
Flowers of some types of geranium have rose-like scent. Essential oils extracted from those plants are used for the manufacture of artificial rose oil in the perfume industry.
Rose-scented geraniums can be also used as flavoring agent for jellies and cakes.
Leaves of geranium can be used for the preparation of tea.
Citronella-scented geranium repels mosquitoes. It can be used as natural insect repellent, instead of chemical, industrially manufactured insecticides.
Geranium belongs to the group of low-maintenance plants. It is frequently cultivated in gardens because of its ornamental, colorful flowers.
Geranium grows as annual (lifespan: one year), biennial (lifespan: 2 years) or perennial plant (lifespan: more than 2 years), depending on the species and climate.


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