The Strawberry Geranium

The Strawberry Geranium ( Saxifraga stolonifera) is a perennial plant that is commonly used as a groundcover. Producing tiny white flowers in spring, this plant has foliage of a light green with silver veins and reddish underside.

Planting Tips For Strawberry

Plant in garden beds, planters and hanging baskets.

Geraniums like the sun, but not too much in climates that are very hot. Put them in a spot that will get 6 to 8 hours of sun each day. Strong winds can damage these plants so make sure the area is protected.

Soil conditions should be slightly acidic and well drained.

If planting in containers, choose planters that will be large enough to support growth of the plant. If you find the plant wilting between watering, this may be a sign that it needs to be repotted. Make sure there is adequate drainage and take care not to overwater.

Indoors, geraniums will flower better if you keep them in a sunny spot. They prefer temperatures around 65 degrees during the day and 55 degrees at night. Use a well drained potting mix and fertilize monthly in the spring summer and every 2 months in fall and winter.

Make sure you check the Strawberry for signs of pests and diseases

Where To Buy

Order online from Nature Hills Nursery, Inc. -
Click here to order a Free Nature Hills Nursery Catalog

Of Interest:

Geranium Culture For Home Gardeners

Plant Bytes

The Strawberry can enhance your patio. These perennials have many varieties included scented and ivy geranium particularly for a hanging basket. The geranium grows wild in low grounds and open woods from Newfoundland to Manitoba and south to Georgia and Missouri. The plant can be easily propagated from seeds or cuttings.

Geranium incanum can be used very effectively on banks or as a colourful border plant. When purchasing geraniums, look for sturdy plants with good strong leaves. Geranium oil is used in aromatherapy in the bath and for massage. They are fairly hardy, although not disease free and you must want their leaves carefully.

More On Geraniums:

Healing Properties Of Geraniums
Explore the medicinal uses of this plant from healing skin to repelling insects to relieveing symptoms of PMS.

Geranium Care
How to plant and care for your Geraniums.

Geranium Pests And Disease
What's making your plant turn yellow? Find out what it could be and how to treat it.

Using Geraniums For Healthy Skin and Hair
The wild geranium has antiseptic properties that are said to help balance oily or dry sking and hair. It is also said to help relieve acne. A tea can be made that can be applied topically or a compress can be used to help heal bruises, cuts, sunburn and other skin ailments. A hot steam facial over a geranium tea or using it as a wash for your hair can help even out your complexion and hair texture.

Geraniums And PMS
Among the medicinal properties attributed to geraniums is the ability to help relieve the symptoms of PMS and menopause. Geraniums have astringent and antiseptic properties and have been used for healing and to repel insects for centuries. Native to South Africa, the plant produces essential oils in small glands around the foliage and flowers. The best time to harvest the oil is when the plant is just starting to flower.