Geranium Pelargonium zonale
ABOUT
Pelargonium zonale, commonly known as geranium, is a vibrant flowering plant known for its lush, rounded green leaves with distinct darker colored zoning, which refers to the patterned markings on the leaves. The foliage typically has a slightly fuzzy texture, giving it a soft appearance. The leaves may have a scalloped or serrated edge, which contributes to the ornamental quality of the plant. Geraniums are celebrated for their bright and showy flowers, which bloom in clusters on long, upright stems that rise above the foliage. The flowers come in a variety of colors, including pink, red, orange, purple, and white, often with interesting patterns or striking color contrasts in their centers. The petals can be single or double, with the double forms resembling little rosettes nestled among the greenery. The flower heads are rounded, adding to the overall rounded habit of the plant's shape. The overall appearance of geraniums is one of cheerful exuberance, making them a popular choice for gardeners and horticulturists looking to add a splash of color to their environments.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Geraniaceae
Synonyms
Horseshoe Geranium, Zonal Geranium, Wildemalva, Fish Geranium
Common names
Pelargonium hortorum, Pelargonium zonal, Geranium hortorum, Geranium zonale.
ToxicityTo humans
Geranium (Pelargonium zonale) is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no significant symptoms of poisoning expected if ingested. While not poisonous, eating large amounts may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, but it is not expected to cause serious harm.
To pets
Geranium (Pelargonium zonale) is known to be toxic to pets, especially cats and dogs. If ingested, symptoms of poisoning may include vomiting, anorexia, depression, and dermatitis. In some cases, ingestion may also lead to more severe reactions such as ataxia or other neurological signs. Pet owners should prevent their animals from ingesting this plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Varies
Flower color
Varies
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
10
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Decorative Appeal: Geraniums are popular for their bright, colorful flowers that can enhance the aesthetic of gardens and homes.
- Low Maintenance: They are easy to care for, requiring minimal watering and no complex pruning or fertilizing regimes.
- Drought Resistance: Geraniums are quite drought-tolerant, making them suitable for arid climates or for gardeners who prefer plants that don't need frequent watering.
- Variety: There is a wide range of geranium colors and leaf patterns, offering gardeners numerous options for garden design.
- Pest Repellent: The scent of geranium leaves can repel certain pests, helping protect nearby plants.
- Container Gardening: Geraniums are well-suited to pots and containers, allowing for flexibility in placement and easy adjustment of garden layouts.
- Long Blooming Season: Geraniums can bloom from spring until fall, providing long-lasting color in the garden or home.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Pelargonium zonale, commonly known as geranium, can be used in potpourri for its fragrant leaves.
- The scented leaves of geraniums can be infused into oils and used for homemade perfumes or room fragrances.
- Some people use the dried petals of geraniums to add color to homemade candles.
- Geranium leaves are sometimes placed among linens to impart a pleasant scent.
- The leaves of geranium can also be used in culinary applications, such as flavoring sugars or desserts.
- Geranium can be planted as a companion plant in gardens to deter pests from other plants due to its strong scent.
- The petals of geranium may be used to create natural dyes for fabric or art projects.
- Geranium is often used in decorative wreaths and floral arrangements for special occasions.
- In some traditions, geraniums are planted in memorial gardens as they are associated with remembrance.
- Geranium plants may be used in educational settings to teach children about plant care and life cycles.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Geranium is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Geranium is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Comfort: The pelargonium, commonly known as geranium, is often associated with the comfort of home as they are a popular plant for window boxes and garden borders.
- Friendship: As a gift, a geranium may represent friendship or wishes for a friend's happiness and good health.
- Stability: The robust nature of geraniums can symbolize stability and groundedness, perhaps a nod to the plant's ease of growth and resilience.
- Positive Emotions: With their bright and varied colors, geraniums can symbolize happiness, good spirits, and positive emotions.
WaterGeraniums, or Pelargonium zonale, prefer even moisture and should be watered thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. During active growth in the spring and summer, watering may be necessary about once a week, but this can vary depending on environmental conditions. Always allow the pot to drain completely and never let the plant sit in water as this can lead to root rot. On average, use about one gallon of water for outdoor plants and 8-16 ounces for smaller indoor pots, adjusting for temperature and sunlight exposure.
LightGeraniums require lots of bright, indirect sunlight to thrive. Place them in a location where they can receive about six to eight hours of sunlight per day, such as near a south or west-facing window. They can tolerate some direct sun but may need to be shaded during the hottest part of the day to prevent leaf scorch.
TemperatureGeraniums are best kept in an environment with daytime temperatures ranging from 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit and nighttime temperatures no lower than 50 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive in temperatures up to around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, but prolonged exposure to temperatures below 50 degrees or above 80 degrees can stress the plants.
PruningPruning geraniums helps to promote bushy growth and prevent legginess. Prune them by pinching or cutting off spent blooms and any leggy stems. This can be done regularly throughout the flowering season. The best time for major pruning is in the early spring, to prepare the plant for the new growth season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor Geranium (Pelargonium zonale), a well-draining potting mix is ideal. A blend containing peat, perlite, and compost works well to provide aeration and moisture retention. The best soil pH should be around 6.0 to 7.0. Adding a balanced, slow-release fertilizer will enrich the soil mix for optimal plant growth.
RepottingGeraniums (Pelargonium zonale) should be repotted every one to two years to ensure they have enough room for growth and fresh soil for nutrients. If you notice roots coming out of the drainage holes or growth seems to have slowed, it's time to repot.
Humidity & MistingGeraniums (Pelargonium zonale) prefer moderate humidity levels but are quite adaptable. They thrive in typical household humidity; however, they do not require high humidity and are tolerant of dry conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Geraniums in bright, indirect sunlight indoors.
Outdoor
Grow Geraniums in pots or beds with good sun access.
Hardiness zone
10-11 USDA
Life cycleThe common name for Pelargonium zonale is Geranium. The life cycle begins with seed germination, where the seeds require warm temperatures and moisture to sprout. Once germinated, the seedling develops true leaves and undergoes a period of growth, producing a bushy foliage. As the plant matures, it starts the flowering stage, with flowers ranging in color from white to pink to red, attracting pollinators for fertilization. After pollination, the geranium forms seed capsules which, when mature, burst open to disperse seeds, thus completing the reproductive cycle. If conditions are unfavorable for seed growth, geraniums can also be propagated vegetatively through cuttings, leading to a new generation of plants that genetically mirror the parent.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Geraniums, commonly referred to as Pelargonium zonale, are frequently propagated through stem cuttings. The best time for propagation is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. To propagate geraniums using stem cuttings, one must select a healthy stem approximately 4 to 6 inches (about 10 to 15 cm) long and cut it just below a node, where the leaf and stem meet. Remove any leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth. The cutting should then be planted in a pot filled with a moist, well-draining potting mix. To maintain humidity, cover the pot with a plastic bag or place it in a propagator, but ensure there is some ventilation to prevent rot. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the new plants can be gradually acclimatized to less humid conditions and continue growing until they are ready to be transplanted outdoors after the risk of frost has passed.
