Geranium nodosum
Geranium nodosum · Geraniaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant geranium nodosum: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous, deeply lobed and serrated
- Blooming
- May to September, pink-mauve flowers
- Adult size
- 12 to 20 inches tall, bushy form
- Growth
- Moderate
- Hardiness
- Very hardy, down to 5 °F
- Origin
- Mediterranean Basin and Middle East
- Soil type
- Well-draining, fertile, drought-tolerant
- Exposure
- Part shade to part sun
Care
Watering
Water regularly during the first year after planting to establish a strong root system. Once established, knobbly geranium tolerates drought well and requires little watering. During prolonged dry spells, weekly watering is sufficient. Avoid excess winter moisture that promotes rot.
Exposure
Knobbly geranium thrives in part shade, making it valuable for partially shaded areas of your garden. It also accepts direct sun, particularly in cooler regions. Plant it away from drying winds to preserve its foliage.
Pruning and Cutting
Prune lightly in late winter to maintain a compact form and remove dead or diseased stems. After flowering, you can cut off faded flower heads to encourage reblooming. No drastic pruning is necessary; this plant naturally grows into an attractive bushy shape.
Soil
Well-draining, fertile soil is ideal, but knobbly geranium is undemanding. It tolerates poor and chalky soils, making it a hardy garden plant. Enrich the soil slightly at planting time with compost, then little additional feeding is needed.
Fertilizer
No fertilizer is essential once the plant is established. A light application in spring with a balanced fertilizer is enough to support abundant blooming. Avoid excess nitrogen, which would promote foliage at the expense of flowers.
Diseases and Pests
Knobbly geranium is generally robust and rarely affected by disease. Powdery mildew may appear in humid, warm conditions; improve air circulation in that case. Spider mites can affect foliage during prolonged drought; regular watering prevents the problem. Chemical treatment is generally not necessary.
Did you know?
Knobbly geranium owes its scientific name 'nodosum' to its swollen, knotted stems, visible to the naked eye. This Mediterranean species was once used in traditional herbal medicine for its astringent properties. Today, it's mainly a valuable ally in sustainable gardening thanks to its hardiness and lack of required treatments.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Meadow geraniumGeranium pratense
- Bloody Crane's-billGeranium sanguineum
- Rock crane's-billGeranium macrorrhizum
- French crane's-billGeranium endressii
- Purple-vein geraniumGeranium wallichianum
- Himalayan crane's-billGeranium himalayense
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.