Dear Bonsai Buddies,

A friend recently gave me my first *accent plant*, also called a companion plant. The accent plant is generally used to compliment a Bonsai tree display such as in the Tokonoma or traditional Japanese display area in home-usually just inside the main entrance). This type of Bonsai tree display is also common during shows and exhibitions or for one's personal pleasure.

I was able to find one source davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/51600/ to identify my Erodium reichardii / Cranesbill which offered only the minimum of basic information about this plant ie: there was nothing on watering or cultivation. Does anyone have more information regarding this plant?

Here are a couple of photos of my Cranesbill:








Thanks for viewing!

Hey Leslie,
Is that a cranesbill geranium? I have never heard of any other kind of plant other than that. This plant is cute. If it's a cranesbill greanium, I have info in them.

Lance

Pinkham wrote:

Hey Leslie,
Is that a cranesbill geranium? I have never heard of any other kind of plant other than that. This plant is cute. If it's a cranesbill greanium, I have info in them.

Lance

Hey Lance!

Yes, it's actually an Alpine Geranium. Here is the link: davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/51600/

If you have more information to share, please do! And thanks for your post!

I have one in my yard, and a root clipping from last spring in a small pot with my trees. I was hoping to make it an accent plant. These plants are hardy. I chop mine back every fall because it gets big and unruly.Other than that I kind of ignore it. haha It comes back every spring.
Mine is vivid pink. I have also seen them white.
This species is different than mine. Mine go through winter outside, although I'm not sure if they "need" it. As long as you keep it watered and provide light, it will be fine. It looks really healthy.

check out erodium bonsai the are used primarily for mame size. the roots are elongated to form the trunk i've been wanting one of these guys

Nice. I have never thought of trying to bonsai my cranesbill .......something to think about. Thanks

Keith, would I just Google to find Erodium Bonsai? I have a wonderful book borrowed from the library on Shohin and Mame. It shows many wonderful photos of various plants that have the exposed, elongated roots that take place of the trunk. They are sooo cool and I so want to learn how grow them!

Lance, I look forward to your summer postings on the progession of your Cransbill bonsai!

yep, do an image search for them,they're pretty sweet

This isn't my plant, I got it off the internet....but this is the variety I have exactly. It looks different than Leslie's. I'm digging mine up in the spring and looking at the roots.
Thanks again.
Lance.

Thank you Keith...I found some great images! I am sharing a couple of photos I found of Erodium Mame Bonsai from what appears to be the same as mine...hope they post okay.

Lance, according to Wikipedia, there are about 60 different varieties.