Rook leg (Geranium purpureum)

Geranium purpureum flower is pink

When we talk about geraniums it is very easy to think of plants with a perfect size both to grow in pots and in the garden. The species that I am going to tell you about next is not far behind: its name is Geranium purpureum.

What is special about this plant? Well, the flowers are the smallest of the genus, but they are very pretty. In addition, taking care of it is so simple that it will be difficult for you to believe that it is like that 😉. Know her.

Origin and characteristics

The Geranium purpureum is a very decorative plant

Image - Wikimedia / Franz Xaver

It is a evergreen shrub native to the Canary Islands, whose scientific name is Geranium purpureum, and the popular "rook leg". It reaches a height of up to 70 centimeters, with widely divided leaves with serrated margins, and purple flowers of up to 2cm.

It is very similar to Geranium Robertianum; in fact, they are very easily confused. But it differs from this one by the anthers, which are yellow (and not purple), and the petals that measure from 5 to 9,5mm by 1,5 to 2,5mm (the G. robertianum they are larger, 10-14mm by 3,5-5,5mm).

What are their cares?

View of Geranium purpureum growing in habitat

Image - Flickr / Bas Kers (NL)

If you want to have a copy, we recommend that you provide it with the following care:

  • Location- Place it outside in full sun or partial shade.
  • Earth:
  • Irrigation: it has to be watered about 3-4 times a week in summer, a little less the rest of the year.
  • Subscriber: in spring and summer it is advisable to pay it with fertilizers such as guano or compost, once a month or every 15 days. If you have it in a pot, use liquid fertilizers.
  • Multiplication: by seeds in spring.
  • Pruning: It's not necesary. Remove only wilted flowers and dry leaves.
  • Rusticity: it is sensitive to cold, more than other geraniums. Ideally, it should not drop below 0 degrees.

What did you think of the Geranium purpureum?


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