Geranium biuncinatum

[maggiepie]

Am hoping someone might know a source for Geranium biuncinatum seed.
I can't find them anywhere.

[Maggi Young]

Well, Helen, if I had ever even heard of the plant I'd try to help!

Mark Smyth is fond of Geraniums, he might know?

[maggiepie]

Maggi, Mark seems to have disappeared, he must be very busy?
I did get some in the seed exchange, but there weren't any seeds, just empty capsules.
Can't believe something so beautiful is impossible to find.

[Maggi Young]

I've sent Mark a message, Helen.

Is this the name of the one you just got chaff of? I didn't recognise it, must be going doolally... no surprise there, of course.  I don't know it at all.

[maggiepie]

I've sent Mark a message, Helen.

Is this the name of the one you just got chaff of? I didn't recognise it, must be going doolally... no surprise there, of course.  I don't know it at all.

Yep, that's the one.
Do you like geraniums too?
I bought a couple of geranium books and the picture of this one is really, REALLY lovely.

[Maggi Young]

I like the tiny Geraniums,  G. sanguinuem, lancastrense, farrei, cinereum and so on... we grow those in our d rive.  I like little Erodiums too. I like to see drifts of bigger species but I haven't room for those here so I tend not to pay too much attention. 

Looking in an old  RHS plantfinder I see only three places stocked you missing one.

[maggiepie]

Have never seen Farrei, is this what it looks like?

http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/showimage/115256/

That pic is soooooo cute don't recall seeing seeds for those either.
Am hoping to get a variety of erodium seeds shortly.
Wish me luck

[Lori S.]

Geranium farreri?
If so, I shall try to collect seeds this summer.
(PS. I use the name "altagardener" on that forum.)

According to Yeo, G. biuncinatum is native to Yemen and the southern Red Sea area.  Please do report back on hardiness, if you happen to find it! 

[maggiepie]

Lori, that's too funny, I didn't look closely at the photos and didn't see your name.
Can't believe you have Geranium farreri, I think your garden must be like the tardis.
Do you remember where you got it?
Do you leave it outdoors for winter?

[Maggi Young]

It gets even funnier, Helen.... Todd Boland who took the other photos is/was a member of this Forum, too, though he was more active in the old version..... not sure if he still visits.... He's in Newfoundland!  Small world, isn't it?

[Lori S.]

Yes, the G. farreri is outdoors and has been for a small # of years...  I'm very interested in seeing what is hardy here, and have found it a surprisingly forgiving environment.  (Conversely, I have next to no interest in growing anything in pots, or wintering any plant indoors.  )

Edit:  Helen, referring to my records,  I got it in 2005 but did not note from where.  I strongly suspect it was Beaver Creek, as they sell plants at the Calgary Rock and Alpine Garden Society plant sale in the spring.

[mark smyth]

Helen Geranium biuncinatum isnt a reliable flowerer in that it more often than not sets seeds without producing the cerise and black flowers you seek. G. farreri is a beauty but can be short lived.  If it's small and beautiful you are looking for go to Robin Parrer's geraniceae.com and but the tiny form of G. sanguineum or go to the local garden centre and buy some seeds of the blue annual G. bohemica

[maggiepie]

Edit:  Helen, referring to my records,  I got it in 2005 but did not note from where.  I strongly suspect it was Beaver Creek, as they sell plants at the Calgary Rock and Alpine Garden Society plant sale in the spring.

Lori, I am impressed with your records, everyone should have records, I keep telling myself I will start but never seem to get around to it.

Mark, there's nothing I would like better than to order in a bunch of plants from Robin, but apart from needing a phyto certificate, I am told I would also need a permit ( another 35$) because of some types of nematodes in that area of California.
If Geranium biuncinatum isn't a reliable flowerer, perhaps you could tell me if Geranium Ocellatum is reliable.
Btw, local garden centres here don't sell such exotica as hardy geranium seed.

[Maggi Young]

G. bohemica is a good colour ... I don't know that one.

Btw, local garden centres here don't sell such exotica as hardy geranium seed.

 They don't over here , either. Most do a great line in dishcloths , though.......

[maggiepie]

G. bohemica is a good colour ... I don't know that one.

Btw, local garden centres here don't sell such exotica as hardy geranium seed.

 They don't over here , either. Most do a great line in dishcloths , though.......

Was at a nursery yesterday Maggi, didn't see any dishcloths but did find a packet of Canary Creeper, do you know it?
(Tropaeolum peregrinum) am guessing that is prolly a silly question