Geranium wallichianum -

Family:	Geraniaceae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	0.3
Width:	1.5
Synonyms:
Range:	E. Asia - Himalayas from Afghanistan to Bhutan.

Geranium wallichianum () is a Perennial which grows to a height of 0.3m and a width of 1.5m . It has a hardness rating of 7.
Geranium wallichianum will flower in January to March. The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by Insects

Soil Information

Geranium wallichianum will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is not necessary for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
Geranium wallichianum prefers moist soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Geranium wallichianum can grow in semi or areas with no shade.

Forests, shrubberies and open slopes, 2400 - 3600m[51].

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Grows within a woodland garden
• Works within dappled Shade
• Grows in a shady edge
• Can spread to cover ground and will out compete weeds

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in any moderately fertile retentive soil in a sunny position[200]. Tolerates a wide range of soil types[200]. Prefers a position that is cool and moist in the summer but is not heavily shaded[187]. Plants are hardy to at least -20°c[187]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits[233]. Some named forms have been selected for their ornamental value[187].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 0/5
None known

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 2/5
The plant has astringent properties[211]. A decoction of the root, mixed with the bark of Prunus cerasoides, is used in the treatment of peptic ulcers[272]. It has been used as a cure for toothache and has been applied externally to the eyes[145, 240]. The juice of the plant is applied to fresh cuts to stem the bleeding[272]. A paste of the plant is used as a poultice to relieve joint pains[272].

• Astringent - Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.
• Odontalgic - Treats toothache (temporary measure only) and other problems of the teeth and gums.
• Poultice - A moist, usually warm or hot, mass of plant material applied to the skin in the treatment of burns etc.
• Stomachic - Aids and improves the action of the stomach.

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. Division in spring or autumn. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.

Known Hazards

None known

Other Uses

The root contains 30% tannin, it is used as a dye[61]. A good dense ground cover plant[197, 200]. Plants should be spaced about 60cm apart each way[208].

• Dye - Plants that provide dyes.
• Ground cover - Usually low growing plants that can be grown with other plants, especially shrubs and trees, to prevent the growth of weeds.
• Tannin - An astringent substance obtaied from plants, it is used medicinally, as a dye and mordant, stabilizer in pesticide etc.

Cultivars

'' - There are some named forms for this species, but these have been developed for their ornamental value and not for their other uses. Unless you particularly require the special characteristics of any of these cultivars, we would generally recommend that you grow the natural species for its useful properties. We have, therefore, not listed the cultivars in this database[K].

References

Flowers of the Himalayas.
Polunin. O. and Stainton. A.
Author: Polunin. O. and Stainton. A.
Rating:
Publisher : A very readable and good pocket guide (if you have a very large pocket!) to many of the wild plants in the Himalayas. Gives many examples of plant uses.
Date of Publication : 1984

The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Huxley. A.
Author: Huxley. A.
Rating:
Publisher : Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
Date of Publication : 1992

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