Flowering Months:
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Family:
Geraniaceae (Cranesbill)
Also in this family:
Bloody Cranesbill, Bohemian Geranium, Common Storksbill, Cut-leaved Cranesbill, Dovesfoot Cranesbill, Dusky Cranesbill, Hedgerow Cranesbill, Herb Robert, Little Robin, Long-stalked Cranesbill, Meadow Cranesbill, Musk Storksbill, Pencilled Cranesbill, Purple Cranesbill, Round-leaved Cranesbill, Sea Storksbill, Shining Cranesbill, Small-flowered Cranesbill, Sticky Storksbill, Wood Cranesbill
Maximum Size:
60 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Gardens, grassland, meadows, moorland, rocky places, woodland.
French Cranesbill produces saucer-shaped, pink to rose-coloured flowers with five rounded petals and fine, darker pink or reddish veins. Each flower measures around 2–3 cm across and is borne in loose clusters on long, slender stalks. Flowering occurs from May to September, with a particularly long blooming period that makes the plant popular in gardens as well as naturalised areas.
Fruit:
After flowering, the plant forms the characteristic crane’s-bill fruit typical of the Geranium genus. These fruits consist of a long, beak-like structure that splits into five segments when ripe, each containing a single seed. The seed dispersal mechanism is spring-loaded, flinging the seeds away from the parent plant to promote wider spread.
Leaves:
The leaves of Geranium endressii are deeply lobed and slightly hairy, forming a soft, mound-like clump of mid-green foliage. Each leaf is palmately divided, usually into five to seven lobes with slightly toothed edges. The foliage remains attractive throughout the growing season and is often semi-evergreen in milder climates.
Fragrance:
The flowers of French Cranesbill have little to no noticeable fragrance. Its appeal to insects such as bees and hoverflies lies mainly in its vivid colour, accessible nectar, and long flowering season rather than scent. The leaves may have a faint, mildly green aroma when crushed but are not strongly aromatic.
Other Names:
Endres Cranesbill, Endress' Cranesbill, Endress' Geranium.
Summary
Geranium endressii, also known as Endress' cranesbill or Endress' geranium, is a species of flowering plant in the geranium family (Geraniaceae). It is native to Europe and is found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, meadows, and rocky slopes. The plant is known for its hairy, downy leaves and small, pink or purple flowers that bloom in the spring and summer months. It is a perennial plant, meaning it will come back year after year. It is often grown in gardens for its attractive foliage and flowers. Geranium endressii is similar in appearance to other species of Geranium, such as Geranium molle and Geranium sylvaticum, but it has a more compact growth habit and smaller flowers.
Blog
French Cranesbill (Geranium endressii) is a beautiful and hardy perennial plant native to the mountains of France and Italy. This plant is a member of the Geranium family and is well-known for its attractive blooms and attractive foliage. It is a low-growing plant that typically grows to be about 12 inches tall, making it a great choice for rock gardens, borders, or as an accent plant in mixed beds.
The flowers of French Cranesbill are what make this plant truly special. They are typically pink or lilac in color and have a distinctive shape that resembles a crane’s bill. The blooms are produced on long, delicate stems that rise above the foliage and provide a wonderful display of color from late spring to early summer. In addition to the lovely blooms, the leaves of French Cranesbill are also attractive, being large, deeply lobed, and a bright green color.
This plant is very easy to grow and is highly adaptable to a variety of growing conditions. It prefers well-drained soils, but can tolerate a wide range of soil types and pH levels. French Cranesbill is also very resistant to pests and diseases, making it a great choice for gardeners who want a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for.
When it comes to planting and care, French Cranesbill is very easy to grow. It can be planted in full sun or partial shade, but it does best in areas that receive at least a few hours of direct sunlight each day. The plant should be spaced about 18-24 inches apart, and once it is established it requires very little watering. In fact, over-watering can be a problem with this plant, as it is susceptible to root rot if the soil stays too moist.
If you are looking for a plant that will add beauty and color to your garden, French Cranesbill is a great choice. With its attractive blooms and foliage, it is sure to draw attention and provide a wonderful display of color from spring to early summer.
Another great feature of French Cranesbill is its versatility. It can be used in a variety of garden styles and settings, including cottage gardens, meadows, and rock gardens. It also makes a great groundcover, as it spreads slowly and covers a wide area, filling in spaces between other plants. This can be especially useful in areas where you want to reduce the amount of weeds or prevent soil erosion.
In addition to its ornamental value, French Cranesbill also provides several benefits for wildlife. The blooms attract bees and butterflies, providing a food source for these important pollinators. The leaves and stems of the plant are also a food source for several species of caterpillars, making it a great choice for butterfly gardens.
If you are interested in growing French Cranesbill in your garden, it is best to purchase plants from a reputable nursery. The plant can also be propagated from seed, but it may take several years for the plants to reach maturity and produce blooms. It is also important to note that this plant is not a true Geranium, but rather a member of the genus Geranium that is commonly referred to as a “Cranesbill.”
In conclusion, French Cranesbill (Geranium endressii) is a versatile, attractive, and low-maintenance perennial plant that is well-suited to a variety of garden styles and conditions. With its lovely blooms and attractive foliage, this plant is sure to add beauty and color to your garden, while also providing a valuable food source for pollinators and other wildlife.
Video
French Cranesbill in Adlington, Lancashire on the 7th July 2022.
Music credits
Bushwick Tarentella Loop by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1300003
Artist: http://incompetech.com/
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