Geraniums are a very special kind of garden flower. Most green thumbs love it for its odd yet interesting shape while others fancy this flower for its delightful scent. In fact, Geraniums come in multiple colors and different scents that make it quite the popular floral for many enthusiasts!
The flowers behold quite a few amazing symbolic meanings and stories. It also has a lot of uses other than just a beautiful ornamental. This makes growing Geraniums all the more fun and mysterious! If you’d like to know more about this gorgeous flower, you better keep on reading to find out!
History of Geranium Flowers
The very interesting history of Geraniums can be traced back to the early 15th century. It was until the 17th century when it was first brought to Europe by Dutch plant hunters from the paradise of Cape Town in South Africa. Geraniums then were defined as annual or perennial plants with regular yet fragrant flowers in elongated styles.
Although these flowers belong to the genus Geranium, the common floral name Geranium is often mistaken for flowers from the Pelargonium genus. Such flowers were also called Geraniums because of their distant relationship and uncanny resemblance. Both genera belong to the Geraniaceae family.
Geraniums are native flowers in the subtropical southern regions of Asia, Africa, and Europe. Having originated from South Africa, its floral and genus name takes after the Greek words Geranion or Geranos referring to a crane bird found in the continent.
The Geranium was also surprisingly nicknamed after many birds. These include Rockweed, Crowfoot, Storksbill, or Crane’s Bill. Crane’s bill is the most common nickname for it because of how the flower’s seed pod resembled the bird.
Some of the popular species of Geraniums come in white, pink, and purple colors. Such species include the Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum), the Herb Robert (Geranium robertianum), the Meadow Crane’s Bill (Geranium pratense), and the Wood Crane’s Bill (Geranium, sylvaticum).
Geranium Symbolism
Geraniums have a few key symbolisms that are quite interesting. The flowers symbolize availability and dependability – most probably because it is easy to grow and is widely used for their fragrance and ornamental beauty.
It is also a blossom symbolic of pleasantries and all the good things!
Meaning of Geranium Flowers
The meaning of Crane’s Bill flowers is quite different and diverse from what it symbolizes. In the Victorian language of flowers, a Geranium bloomed with the meaning of stupidity and folly. It was given this meaning because of how the seed pods resembled a bird – and birds have this cute nature to be curious and easily swayed.
It can be a flower that means refinement and high esteem – especially since its petals produce various essential oil for fragrances.
Many say that because of its essential oils, the flowers bear the meaning of healing and invigoration. This also indicates that the Crane’s Bill is a source of strength and inspiration during times of need.
What does White Geranium Flower Mean?
White Crane’s Bill flowers convey the meaning of fertility or fruitfulness. The numerous white flowers on each cluster of this plant are what give it this beautiful meaning.
What does a Red Geranium Blossom Symbolize?
Red Geraniums have a very deep and strong sense of symbolism. In the language of flowers, it is symbolic of flaming passion and pure energy.
What does an Orange Geranium Floret Indicate?
Just like the playfulness and cuteness of the crane bird, an orange Crane’s Bill flower indicates a similar thought. Such flowers indicate childishness and a life-long friendship.
What does a Pink Geranium Bloom Represent?
Pink Crane’s Bills represent passionate emotions or feelings. Usually associated with the color of love and affection, this kind of flower is a representation of romantic energy when in full bloom.
What does a Purple Geranium Flower Symbolize?
Crane’s Bills with purple petals are flowers that possess a calming or soothing effect when in full bloom. It is symbolic of feelings of comfort and a peaceful piece of mind.
What does a Blue Geranium Blossom Mean?
The meaning behind blue Crane’s Bill flowers is lightly associated with that of the symbolic meaning of purple Geraniums. When the mind is at peace and the emotions are balanced, the present is now also calming – this is what blue Geraniums stand for. Additionally, it can also mean a personal preference.
What does a Yellow Geranium Floret Represent?
Yellow Geraniums are mysterious even if they are sweet-scented and very beautiful. It is an exciting flower to behold in any garden! This flower means it is full of surprises and maybe a special unexpected encounter!
What is the Spiritual Influence of a Geranium Bloom?
The floral essence and fragrant oils from Geraniums have a very special power over energy, emotions, and environments. Its fresh blooms radiate with positive energy and possess magical powers full of wonder.
The magic wonders of this flower release golden energy full of good chi while promoting healing and recovery – especially for women after birth. In a more realistic sense, it will create a safe space for the healing and health of individuals, inviting more love, courage, and the truth into life.
Additionally, such flowers promote overall purification and instill a stronger sense of resilience.
What are the Folktales Associated with a Geranium Flower?
The folktales associated with Geraniums are just as interesting as their meaning and symbolism. One of these folktales comes from the Iroquois Indian tribes and their cultural beliefs. They believe that wild Crane’s Bills could curb the effects of a casted love charm. A root-infused tea of this plant can be placed beside the person under the spell!
Another spell-casting tale speaks about the magic powers of Geraniums. Early country folk believes in its powers to ward off evil spirits and act as protective charms.
White Crane’s Bill flowers were the ones to bear this mystical ability. Folks often told stories about how these white blossoms were used as charms to ward off snakes and flies.
What does a Geranium Floral Tattoo Symbolize?
Geranium floral tattoos aren’t as popular as Rose, Tulip, or Daisy tattoos – but they are as beautiful and meaningful as the rest of the floral designs. This floral tattoo represents positive emotions coupled with a healthy state of mind.
An embodied tattoo like this is also symbolic of wishing for good health for anyone met unexpectedly during the journey. And lastly, it is a floral portrayal of having good friendships, healthy personal relationships, and genuine happiness.
Uses of Geraniums
Geraniums are useful in the vast fields of culinary, medicine, and ornamentals. It is most popular as a cultivated ornamental flower for its beautiful flowers which have delightful scents. These produce a wonderful essential oil that can be added to different products.
The flowers have a range of different scents ranging from fruity fragrances to spicy aromas. These include the citrus scent of lemons, oranges, limes, and pineapple. Other aromas included the rose, nutmeg, and peppermint.
The leaves were used in potpourris, cosmetic products, jellies, teas, butter, and biscuits.
In terms of medical applications, it possessed astringent and hemostatic properties. Early Native Americans used Wild Geraniums in many medical treatments. It was once used as a popular anti-diarrhea treatment. Chippewa Indians also used dried and powdered rhizomes mixed with grape juice as a mouthwash for children with thrush.
Similarly, a root poultice was used to treat skin burns and hemorrhoids. A combination of leaf and root treatments was often used to remedy sore throats, hemorrhages, and cholera.
A word of warning that it’s a must to always consult a medical professional before using this plant or any part of it for medical purposes.
~ image source: depositphotos/majaFOTO