Geranium Geranium 'Prelude'
ABOUT
Geranium 'Prelude' is a vibrant and visually appealing plant that catches the eye with its lush foliage and striking floral displays. The foliage of the Geranium 'Prelude' consists of small, rounded leaves that are lightly lobed and often have a soft, velvety texture. These leaves are typically a deep green hue, which serves as the perfect backdrop for the plant's exquisite flowers. The flowers are the main attraction of this Geranium, blooming in clusters atop slender stems that rise above the foliage. Each individual flower has a classic geranium shape, with five rounded petals fanning out from a central point. The petals of the 'Prelude' variety are a deep and vivid shade of pink or magenta, and feature prominent veining which adds depth and character to the overall flower appearance. Often, the flowers will have a lighter or darker center, drawing the eye inward and providing a beautiful contrast to the striking petal color. Additionally, the blooming period of Geranium 'Prelude' adds to its ornamental appeal, as it tends to produce a generous amount of flowers throughout its flowering season. The combination of the Geranium 'Prelude's' attractive foliage and stunning floral displays makes it a favored choice for gardeners and landscape designers looking to inject color and vibrancy into garden beds, borders, and containers.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Geraniaceae
Synonyms
Cranesbill, Hardy Geranium
Common names
Geranium 'Prelude'.
ToxicityTo humans
Geraniums, including the Geranium 'Prelude', are generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, some people may have a sensitivity or allergy that could lead to minor skin irritation if they handle the plants. Ingesting parts of geraniums may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some individuals, but severe toxicity is rare.
To pets
Geraniums are known to be toxic to pets, particularly to cats and dogs. If a pet ingests part of a geranium, it could lead to symptoms such as vomiting, anorexia, depression, and dermatitis. In cats, geraniums can also cause symptoms such as ataxia, muscle weakness, and hypothermia. It is advisable to keep geraniums, including the Geranium 'Prelude', out of reach of pets to prevent any potential poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
1 foot (30 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Temperate regions
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Aesthetic: Geranium 'Prelude', commonly known as Cranesbill, adds vibrant color and visual interest to gardens with its beautiful flowers.
- Long Blooming Season: Cranesbill typically has a lengthy blooming period, providing continuous color from spring to fall.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Cranesbill is relatively drought-tolerant, requiring less water compared to many other plants.
- Wildlife Attraction: The bright flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
- Low Maintenance: Geranium 'Prelude' is easy to care for, making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Ground Cover: Its dense growth habit helps to cover bare spots in the garden and suppresses weed growth.
- Soil Adaptability: Cranesbill is adaptable to a range of soil conditions, though it prefers well-drained soil.
- Versatility in Landscaping: It can be used in borders, rock gardens, and as underplanting for larger shrubs.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistance: The plant is often resistant to deer and rabbit browsing, which can protect it from garden pests.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural fabric dye: The flowers and leaves of Geranium 'Prelude' can be used to create a range of beautiful and natural fabric dyes, giving textiles a unique and eco-friendly touch of color.
- Insect repellent sachets: Dried geranium leaves can be placed in small sachets and tucked into drawers or closets to repel moths and other insects, thanks to their strong fragrance.
- Natural deodorizer: The plant's leaves can be rubbed on wooden furniture or surfaces to impart a fresh, floral scent and help neutralize bad odors.
- Garden border plant: Geranium 'Prelude' can be used effectively as a decorative border in gardens due to its compact growth habit, creating a defined edge for garden beds.
- Garnishing dishes: The edible flowers of the geranium can add a splash of color and a hint of flavor when used to garnish salads, desserts, and drinks.
- Floral arrangements: Fresh or dried Geranium 'Prelude' flowers can contribute to vibrant floral arrangements, adding texture and a pop of color to bouquets or indoor decorations.
- Culinary herb: Although not common, the leaves can be used in small amounts to flavor certain dishes, giving them a subtle, rose-like aroma.
- Companion planting: Geranium 'Prelude' can be used in companion planting to help deter pests from other plants in the garden with its strong scent.
- Homemade potpourri: Dried geranium flowers and leaves can be mixed with other dried botanicals to create a homemade potpourri, offering a pleasant fragrance to rooms.
- Art and crafts: The flowers and leaves of Geranium 'Prelude' can be pressed and used in a myriad of arts and craft projects, adding natural beauty to handmade cards or bookmarks.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Geranium is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Geranium is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Friendship: Geraniums often symbolize close bonds and friendships due to their clustering blooms that represent togetherness.
- Sturdiness: This plant is known for its hardiness, symbolizing a person's strength and ability to withstand adversity.
- Health: Geraniums can denote well-being and good health, since they are also used in traditional medicine.
- Positive Emotions: The bright colors of the Geranium 'Prelude' blooms stand for happiness, joy, and an uplifted spirit.
- Foresight: The name 'Prelude' suggests anticipation or looking forward, hence the plant could be seen to embody foresight or preparation for the future.
WaterGeraniums, including the 'Prelude' variety, require consistent watering to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. During active growth, typically in the spring and summer months, they should be watered once every week with approximately 1-2 gallons of water, depending on the size of the plant and the weather conditions. Reduce watering frequency in the fall as the plant begins to go dormant, and during winter, water sparingly, providing just enough to prevent the soil from drying out completely. If the geranium is potted, ensure excess water can drain to prevent root rot. Water at the base of the plant to avoid getting water on the leaves which can promote disease.
LightGeranium 'Prelude' prefers bright, indirect sunlight for optimal growth. It thrives when placed in a location that receives morning sunlight and partial shade in the afternoon to protect it from the intense heat of the day. A spot near an east-facing window indoors or a partially shaded area in the garden is ideal. While geraniums can tolerate some direct sunlight, prolonged exposure during the hottest part of the day can cause leaf burn.
TemperatureGeraniums like 'Prelude' perform best in temperatures ranging from 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive minimum temperatures down to about 55 degrees Fahrenheit but will not tolerate frost. Protect your geranium from temperatures above 85 degrees Fahrenheit, as extreme heat can stress the plant. During winter, if grown outdoors, geraniums should be moved inside or protected because they cannot survive freezing conditions.
PruningPrune your Geranium 'Prelude' to encourage bushy growth, remove dead or yellowed leaves and spent blooms to promote further flowering. Pruning should be done in early spring before new growth begins and again in mid-summer if the plant becomes leggy. Snip off any dead flowers at their base and cut back leggy stems to about half their length to maintain a compact shape. The best time for heavy pruning is in spring or just after the plant has finished a major flush of blooming.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the geranium, commonly known as cranesbill, is well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. The ideal soil pH for cranesbill is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.8 to 7.0. A mixture of two parts peat, one part perlite, and one part compost is suitable for potted cranesbill.
RepottingCranesbill geraniums should be repotted every two to three years or when rootbound. It is best to repot in spring before the growing season begins, using fresh soil mix to replenish nutrients.
Humidity & MistingCranesbill geraniums prefer moderate humidity levels, but are adaptable to various indoor conditions. Aim for a relative humidity around 50% for optimal growth. Avoid overly humid conditions to prevent fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light; water when topsoil dries.
Outdoor
Plant in part-shade, protect from harsh sun, ensure drainage.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleGeranium 'Prelude', commonly known as Cranesbill, begins its life cycle when seeds are sown or cuttings are taken and rooted. These young plants go through a vegetative stage where they develop a rosette of leaves and a strong root system. As the plant matures, it enters the flowering stage, producing distinctive blooms that can be various shades depending on the variety, typically in spring or early summer. After pollination, often by insects, the cranesbill produces fruit in the form of a beaked capsule, which gives it the common name. Once seeds are dispersed, either naturally or by human intervention, the plant can enter a period of dormancy, especially in colder climates, surviving as a perennial through below-ground parts like rhizomes. With the return of favorable growing conditions, the cranesbill resumes growth, completing its lifecycle and beginning anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
The most popular method of propagating Geranium 'Prelude' is through stem cuttings. This can typically be done in spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate by cuttings, a healthy stem about 4 to 6 inches long (10 to 15 cm) is cut just below a node, where a leaf joins the stem. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth. The cutting is then planted in a well-draining potting mix, and kept moist and warm until roots develop, which usually takes a few weeks. The new plant can then be transplanted to a permanent location once it has established a robust root system.
