Geranium lucidum, commonly known as Shining Cranesbill, is a perennial herbaceous plant from the Geraniaceae family. Native to Europe and Asia, it thrives in meadows, woodlands, and rocky areas. This plant can grow up to 60 cm in height and spread up to 30 cm. The leaves of Geranium lucidum are deeply lobed with toothed edges and boast a glossy appearance. The flowers, which are pink or purple and have five petals, bloom from May to August. The plant also produces small fruits that resemble beaks or cranesbills. Geranium lucidum has been used medicinally for centuries because of its anti-inflammatory properties. It has served as an herbal remedy for conditions such as diarrhea, dysentery, hemorrhoids, menstrual cramps, and other ailments. Besides its medicinal uses, Geranium lucidum is also cultivated as an ornamental plant due to its attractive foliage and flowers. It is easy to grow in well-drained soil and flourishes under full sun or partial shade. Overall, Geranium lucidum is an appealing herbaceous perennial that offers both ornamental value and medicinal benefits, making it a popular choice among gardeners worldwide!
Shining cranesbill is fairly disease-resistant and usually not prone to serious ailments. That said, it can be vulnerable to pests and diseases present in its environment, although these problems are typically mild. For care, it requires a moderate amount of attention. Regular pruning is needed to keep a pleasing appearance and support healthy growth. Fertilizing can also encourage more flowering. This plant is suitable for people with outdoor areas such as a garden or patio and does not demand much prior gardening experience. It may, however, need extra care when grown indoors.
How to keep Geranium Lucidum.
Light
Shining cranesbill performs best in bright light and can persist under moderate lighting. Native to habitats with abundant sunbeams, its vitality increases with adequate light, taking in melanin to carry out photosynthesis. However, too much or too little exposure to rays can adversely affect its growth, causing either wilting or stunted growth.
Water
Shining cranesbill thrives in moderate moisture with consistent soil hydration, so it's important to water it weekly. When grown indoors, regular misting helps maintain the necessary humidity. As an evergreen plant, its water requirements remain stable year-round, without significant changes between seasons.
Temperature
Shining cranesbill is native to habitats where temperatures generally range from 68 to 95 °F (20 to 35 ℃). It prefers moderate temperatures, so avoid exposing it to extreme heat or cold conditions. Measures such as shading or mulching can be helpful during seasonal extremes.
Fertilizer
Shining cranesbill benefits from regular, light applications of fertilizer to encourage healthy leaf growth. You should fertilize Shining cranesbill about once a month during the summer months. Nitrogen is essential for foliage, and adding nitrogen-rich sources helps Shining cranesbill thrive.
Pruning
Prune shining cranesbill from early to late spring. Start by removing any damaged stems and thinning out overgrown areas to improve shape and encourage bushiness. Regular pruning boosts the plant’s vigor and helps prevent disease. Use clean, sharp tools to maintain the plant's health, but avoid pruning too much to ensure proper flowering. This routine keeps your shining cranesbill lush and attractive.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Life Cycle
- Annual, Biennial
- Genus
- Geranium
- Family
- Geraniaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 3-9
- Mature Height
- 49 cm
- Mature Spread
- 49 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green, Red
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
- Flower Color
- Pink
- Flower Size
- 0.76 cm to 1.27 cm
- Bloom Time
- Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer
- Planting Time
- Autumn, Winter
- Harvest Time
- Early summer, Mid summer
- Native Area
- Libya, Turkey, Sweden, India, Austria, Slovakia, Montenegro, Pakistan, Slovenia, Morocco, Croatia, Russia, Iraq, Germany, Estonia, Romania, Latvia, Belgium, Portugal, Nepal, France, Tunisia, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Armenia, Greece, Serbia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Norway, Syria, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Iran, Albania, Ireland, United Kingdom, Hungary, Algeria, Turkmenistan
Other names.
Reader questions.
How should I water my Shining cranesbill plant?
To water Shining cranesbill, you have several options: a garden hose with a spray nozzle, a watering can, or any usual watering tool. Shining cranesbill is not too fussy about how it is watered - it can survive on rainwater, tap water, or filtered water. However, it's best to avoid watering this plant from above as it can harm the leaves and flowers and potentially cause disease. Instead, a drip irrigation system is recommended for watering Shining cranesbill as it provides even and direct watering to the soil. If you have a container-grown Shining cranesbill, you can use a cup, watering can, or tap water to apply water directly to the soil in a similar way.
Why should I put fertilizer on my Shining cranesbill plant?
Some plants need extra nutrients to grow, but there are certain types that can get what they need without any extra help. Shining cranesbill is one of those plants. Just like other plants, it uses nutrients to grow and carry out internal processes. The main nutrients that plants need are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and each of these nutrients supports different essential functions in a plant. When it comes to foliage, nitrogen is the most important nutrient. However, Shining cranesbill often struggles to get enough nitrogen from the soil, which is why many gardeners choose to give it a nitrogen supplement.
What are the sunlight requirements for Shining Cranesbill?
Shining Cranesbill requires full sun, which is above 6 hours of sunlight daily, to thrive. It can also grow in partial sun, meaning about 3-6 hours of sunlight each day. To ensure the plant's happiness and optimal growth, it's essential to observe how sunlight moves through your garden and place your Shining Cranesbill in a spot that offers a perfect balance of light and shade.
What is the ideal temperature range for Shining Cranesbill?
Shining cranesbill thrives in environments with temperatures ranging between 68 to 95 °F (20 to 35 °C). It prefers moderate temperatures and can struggle with extreme heat or cold. Although it has strong cold resistance and doesn't usually require special frost protection, measures should be taken if temperatures are expected to drop below -35°C. Seasonal adjustments such as shading during hot periods or mulching to protect against cold can be beneficial.
What should I do if I give too much or too little water to my Shining cranesbill plant?
If you notice that your Shining cranesbill lacks moisture, water it more regularly. Overwatering can be a bigger problem, as it can cause diseases that lead to the plant's decline and death. To prevent this, choose a growing location with plenty of sunlight and good drainage. If your potted Shining cranesbill is overwatered, consider changing it to a new pot with proper drainage. When repotting, use loose soil and a pot that drains efficiently.
When should I fertilize my Shining cranesbill plant?
Shining cranesbill generally grows well, but to give it a boost during active growth, you can apply fertilizer about once a month. It is recommended to fertilize Shining cranesbill once a month during spring and summer, but not during fall and winter when it is less active. Signs of new growth are an indication that you should start fertilizing. Whether the plant is grown outside or indoors in a container, the fertilization schedule remains the same. However, if your Shining cranesbill is in a container, you may not need to fertilize for the first one to two months. Container plants typically have enough nutrients in the potting soil, so it is best to start fertilizing after the plant has been in the same soil for some time.
How does Shining Cranesbill respond to light?
Shining Cranesbill thrives in ample sunlight and can sustain itself under moderate light conditions, thanks to its origin in habitats with abundant sunlight. Sufficient light is crucial for its vitality as it aids in photosynthesis, allowing the plant to take in melanin. However, both excessive and insufficient light can be detrimental, leading to wilting or stunted growth, respectively.
What should I do for my Shining Cranesbill in winter?
During winter, Shining cranesbill typically doesn't require special frost protection due to its strong cold resistance. However, if temperatures are forecasted to fall below -35°C, it's important to protect the plant. This can be done by covering it with soil or straw. To help prevent drought and water scarcity during the colder months and into early spring, water the plant abundantly before the first freeze, ensuring the soil is moist as it freezes.
How often do I need to water my Shining cranesbill plant?
To care for your Shining cranesbill, it will need regular watering during the growing season. In the spring, water it about once per week. As the weather gets warmer, increase watering to two to three times per week. However, be careful not to overwater, as this can harm the plant. Keep the soil moist but not wet. When watering a Shining cranesbill in a pot, you may need to water it more frequently because pot soil can dry out faster. Typically, water a potted Shining cranesbill a few times per week compared to once per week for a plant in the ground.
When is the best time to not use fertilizer on my Shining cranesbill plant?
To ensure the health of your Shining cranesbill, avoid fertilizing it if it's unhealthy, such as having a disease or insect pests. Additionally, refrain from fertilizing a dehydrated plant, as this can exacerbate the issue. Only apply fertilizer to thriving plants. When watering, be cautious not to splash fertilizer onto the leaves or stem, as this can cause burnt spots. Unless you are using a designated foliage fertilizer, make sure the fertilizer doesn't directly touch the plant.
Can Shining Cranesbill grow with artificial lighting?
Yes, Shining Cranesbill can grow with artificial lighting, especially when natural sunlight is insufficient. Artificial lights, such as LED lights, can be customized to provide specific wavelengths needed for the plant's growth. For optimal growth, full sun plants require 30-50W/sq ft, partial sun plants need 20-30W/sq ft, and full-shade plants require 10-20W/sq ft of artificial light. The light source should be placed 12-36 inches above the plant to mimic natural sunlight, and most plants need 8-12 hours of artificial light per day.
How does low temperature affect Shining Cranesbill, and what are the solutions?
Shining cranesbill is cold-tolerant and performs best when temperatures stay above 20°C. During winter, the plant should be kept above 0°C to avoid damage. If temperatures drop below -35°C, the plant may not show immediate distress, but you might notice a decrease in sprouting or no sprouting at all come spring. In such cases, you should remove any parts of the plant that have failed to sprout.
