Geranium traversii
Chatham Island Geranium, also known as Chatham Islands Cranesbill, is a distinctive and charming endemic New Zealand flowering herb that forms attractive silvery-grey to greyish-green rosettes creating leafy patches up to 80cm × 60cm, featuring a stout woody base with branches near ground level and broad-reniform to orbicular leaves measuring 2-7cm in diameter that are densely covered in silvery hairs and typically lobed to about halfway with 5-7 cuneate segments that may be further toothed or lobed. This remarkable Chatham Islands endemic produces delightful flowers measuring 20-25mm in diameter with broad-obovate petals about 12mm × 10mm that range from pure white through various shades of pink to almost purple, sometimes displaying darker veins, blooming from July to June with peak flowering in summer on slender petioles up to 20cm long. Easily distinguished from all other New Zealand geraniums by its stout caulorrhiza rootstock, distinctive silvery-hairy foliage, and relatively large colorful flowers, this naturally uncommon but easily cultivated species thrives on coastal cliffs, consolidated sand dunes, limestone cliffs, and peat-filled crevices throughout the main Chatham Islands, making it an outstanding choice for borders, mass plantings, and coastal gardens where its silvery rosette habit, extended flowering period, and ability to self-seed readily can create authentic New Zealand island displays while supporting the conservation of this unique cranesbill. flowering plants
Image credit: Chatham Island Geranium (Geranium traversii). Wikipedia
| Scientific Name | Geranium traversii |
|---|---|
| Height | 12cm (low rosette form) |
| Spread | 40cm (rosette patches to 80cm) |
| Water Needs | Low to moderate (dislikes excessive moisture) |
| Light | Full sun preferred |
| Frost Tolerance | Good (coastal endemic) |
| Salt Tolerance | Excellent (coastal native) |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Lifespan | Perennial (self-seeding) |
Chatham Island Geranium is naturally adapted to cool, maritime climates with moderate rainfall and good drainage. It demonstrates excellent adaptability to New Zealand's diverse climate zones and thrives in coastal conditions.
| City | Climate Suitability |
|---|---|
| Whangārei | Good |
| Auckland | Ideal |
| Hamilton | Ideal |
| Tauranga | Good |
| Rotorua | Ideal |
| Gisborne | Good |
| New Plymouth | Ideal (coastal conditions) |
| Napier | Good |
| Whanganui | Ideal |
| Palmerston North | Ideal |
| Wellington | Ideal (windy coastal) |
| Nelson | Ideal |
| Christchurch | Ideal |
| Dunedin | Ideal |
| Invercargill | Ideal (maritime climate) |
Chatham Island Geranium has adaptable soil preferences:
Full sun preferences:
Low to moderate moisture needs:
Chatham Island Geranium requires minimal maintenance:
The distinctive silvery rosette growth habit and colorful flowers are the main attractions and benefit from minimal intervention to maintain natural form.
The best time to plant Chatham Island Geranium is during spring or autumn when conditions are mild and favorable for establishment.
Choose a site with:
Water sparingly and ensure excellent drainage at all times. This adaptable coastal endemic establishes readily with appropriate care and minimal maintenance.
Growing from seed is the primary propagation method:
Natural propagation is highly effective:
Division of established clumps can be successful:
Chatham Island Geranium (Geranium traversii) represents both the unique evolutionary journey of New Zealand's isolated island flora and the remarkable adaptability of endemic species to specialized coastal environments:
Today, Chatham Island Geranium serves as an excellent example of successful endemic plant cultivation, representing both the unique evolution of New Zealand's offshore island flora and the potential for conservation through horticulture. It is one of the few Chatham Islands endemics easily grown throughout New Zealand.
Provide excellent drainage and avoid overwatering. Protect from slugs and snails in humid conditions. This coastal endemic is generally very hardy when grown in appropriate well-draining conditions with full sun exposure.
Chatham Island Geranium is a fantastic gateway plant for growing Chatham Islands endemics - it's one of the few that's genuinely easy to grow almost anywhere in New Zealand! The silvery-grey rosettes are incredibly attractive, and the flower color variation is amazing - you might get white, pink, or even purple flowers from the same batch of seeds. The key to success is excellent drainage - think "coastal cliff" conditions rather than "lush garden bed." It self-seeds readily, so once established you'll have new plants appearing in perfect spots around your garden. This is a great plant for mass plantings and makes wonderful ground cover for difficult dry areas. Plus, you're growing a piece of New Zealand's unique island heritage - the Chatham Islands are home to so many endemic species, and this beautiful geranium brings that special island flora right into your garden!
Learn more about New Zealand's unique flowering plants in Flowering Plants.
This section provides important information about plant care and cultivation practices. Understanding these aspects helps ensure successful growth and development in garden conditions.
This section provides important information about plant care and cultivation practices. Understanding these aspects helps ensure successful growth and development in garden conditions.
This section provides important information about plant care and cultivation practices. Understanding these aspects helps ensure successful growth and development in garden conditions.
This section provides important information about plant care and cultivation practices. Understanding these aspects helps ensure successful growth and development in garden conditions.
Chatham Island geranium plays important ecological roles in the specialized plant communities of the Chatham Islands, where it contributes to the unique island ecosystems that developed in isolation from mainland New Zealand. The plant supports specialized island invertebrate communities and contributes to the distinctive character of Chatham Island vegetation. Its endemic status makes it particularly important for maintaining the unique biodiversity that characterizes these remote islands.
This section provides important information about plant care and cultivation practices. Understanding these aspects helps ensure successful growth and development in garden conditions.
This section provides important information about plant care and cultivation practices. Understanding these aspects helps ensure successful growth and development in garden conditions.
Chatham Island geranium faces severe conservation challenges as an endemic species with a very limited distribution, making it extremely vulnerable to habitat loss, invasive species, and environmental changes. The plant's island habitat faces ongoing threats from introduced mammals, invasive weeds, and potential climate change impacts. Conservation efforts focus on intensive habitat protection, invasive species control, population monitoring, and potentially establishing additional populations to reduce extinction risk for this remarkable endemic plant.
This plant has cultural associations in Aotearoa and is valued in restoration and gardens for ecological services; use eco‑sourced stock near natural areas.
Chatham Island geranium represents the unique island flora of the Chatham Islands, recognized for its distinctive characteristics that developed in isolation from mainland New Zealand. While not traditionally used by Moriori (the indigenous people of the Chatham Islands), the plant represents the remarkable evolutionary processes that created unique island plant communities. The species holds cultural significance as a symbol of the Chatham Islands' unique natural heritage and the conservation challenges facing isolated island ecosystems.
This section provides important information about plant care and cultivation practices. Understanding these aspects helps ensure successful growth and development in garden conditions.
This section provides important information about plant care and cultivation practices. Understanding these aspects helps ensure successful growth and development in garden conditions.
