Geranium robertianum 

'Herb Robert'

[Ex. Co. Durham, England]

Geraniaceae: annual/biennial growing to 0.4 m (1ft 4in) by 0.4 m (1ft 4in). Straggling, hairy annual of shady hedgerows, rocky banks and woodlands. The flowers are 12-15mm across with pink petals with orange pollen, held in loose clusters from April-October. The fruit or long and hairy ending in a beak. The leaves are hairy; deeply cut into 3 to 5 pinnately divided lobes, turn a fantastic red in late summer. Native to Europe, including Britain, from Scandinavia to North Africa, east to Japan and the Himalayas.

USES:

Herb Robert is little used in modern herbalism, but is occasionally employed as an astringent to halt bleeding, treat diarrhoea in much the same way as G. maculatum. The leaves have antirheumatic, astringent, mildly diuretic and vulnerary properties. Modern research has shown that the leaves can lower blood sugar levels and so it can be useful in the treatment of diabetes. An infusion of the leaves is used in the treatment of bleeding, stomach ailments, kidney infections, jaundice. Externally, a wash or poultice is applied to swollen and painful breasts, rheumatic joints, bruises, bleeding. It is best to use the entire plant, including the roots. The plant can be harvested at any time from late spring to early autumn and is usually used fresh. A homeopathic remedy is made from the plant.

Freshly picked leaves are rubbed on the body to repel mosquitoes. They impart their own peculiar odour. A brown dye is also obtained from the whole plant.

GROWING INFORMATION:

Surface sow seeds in spring in situ. Succeeds in any moderately fertile retentive soil in a shady - sunny position. Very easy.

HARVESTED: 2022*

 
APPROX. 45+ SEEDS