Geranium Pelargonium 'Arctic Star' (St)

👤 Non-toxic to humans
🐾 Toxic to pets
🌸 Blooming
🍪 Not edible
‍🌱 Easy-care
pelargonium 'Arctic Star'

ABOUT

Pelargonium 'Arctic Star', commonly known as geranium, is an ornamental plant that strikes a captivating presence in gardens and on patios. The main attraction of this cultivar is its striking flowers, typically comprised of bright white petals that sometimes have touches or veins of soft pink, exuding an icy aesthetic that contrasts beautifully against other colorful garden plants. The flowers are often rounded and clustered together in umbel-like formations, making them quite showy and a focal point in plant arrangements. The foliage of the geranium is no less attractive, with leaves that are usually a lush green. They are often shaped with a rounded outline but sport deeply incised edges, giving them a lacy appearance reminiscent of some species of ferns. The leaves can sometimes have a zonal pattern, displaying darker coloration in the center, which only adds to the visual interest of the plant. The geraniums are favored for their extended blooming period, which means they can provide vibrant color and interest for a significant part of the gardening season. They are also known for their pleasant fragrance, which can vary from plant to plant but often carries a fresh, slightly lemony scent that enhances their appeal when placed near seating areas or walkways where people can enjoy the aroma. Overall, the geranium 'Arctic Star' is a versatile and attractive plant, whose beauty lies in its splendid flowers and decorative foliage. Whether used for bedding, container gardening, or as a standalone accent, its appearance can enliven any setting without the need for extensive care or maintenance.

Plant Info
Care
Common Problems

About this plant

  • memoNames

    • Family

      Geraniaceae

    • Synonyms

      Zonal Geranium, Geranium Arctic Star

    • Common names

      Pelargonium 'Arctic Star' (St).

  • skullToxicity

    • To humans

      The plant commonly known as geranium, specifically the Pelargonium 'Arctic Star', is not considered highly toxic to humans. However, some people might experience mild irritation or an allergic reaction if they have sensitive skin or allergies to the plant. If ingested, the plant may cause minor symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, but it is not known to cause severe poisoning in humans.

    • To pets

      Geraniums, including the Pelargonium 'Arctic Star', are known to be toxic to pets, notably cats and dogs. If a pet ingests part of a geranium, they may show symptoms of poisoning, which can include vomiting, anorexia, depression, and dermatitis. In some cases, ingestion can lead to more serious conditions such as kidney failure, so it is important to keep these plants out of reach of pets and to seek veterinary care if you suspect your pet has consumed any part of the plant.

  • infoCharacteristics

    • Life cycle

      Perennials

    • Foliage type

      Evergreen

    • Color of leaves

      Green

    • Flower color

      White

    • 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

  • money-bagGeneral Benefits

    • Easy to care for: Pelargonium 'Arctic Star' is relatively low-maintenance and can thrive with only basic gardening skills.
    • Attractive foliage: The plant features uniquely patterned leaves that add visual interest to any garden space.
    • Blooming flowers: It produces beautiful white flowers that can enhance the aesthetic appeal of its surroundings.
    • Drought-resistant: Being drought-tolerant, it requires less watering and can do well in drier climates or during water restrictions.
    • Long flowering season: The Arctic Star can bloom for an extended period, providing color and vibrancy for much of the year.
    • Container gardening: This plant is suitable for potting, making it versatile for balconies, patios, and indoors.
    • Attracts pollinators: The flowers can attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.

  • medicalMedical Properties

    • This plant is not used for medical purposes.

  • windAir-purifying Qualities

    This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

  • leavesOther Uses

    • Decorative ice cubes: The petals of 'Arctic Star' geraniums can be frozen in ice cubes to create a decorative touch for summer drinks.
    • Natural fabric dye: The colorful flowers can be used to naturally dye fabrics with shades ranging from light pink to deep red, depending on the concentration.
    • Floral bath sachets: Dried 'Arctic Star' petals can be placed in small sachets to add a fragrant touch to baths, releasing their scent when submerged in water.
    • Eco-friendly confetti: Fresh or dried petals serve as biodegradable confetti for weddings and other celebratory occasions, adding a splash of color without harming the environment.
    • Geranium oil infusion: While avoiding medical claims, the leaves can be infused in oils for making fragrant candles, soaps, or potpourri.
    • Plant-based ink: The pigments from the flowers of 'Arctic Star' may be used in the creation of natural, plant-based inks for art and craft purposes.
    • Culinary garnish: The edible flowers of the 'Arctic Star' can be used to add color and a slight aroma to salads and desserts.
    • Homemade botanical paper: Incorporate 'Arctic Star' petals into paper pulp to create decorative, botanical-infused handmade paper for stationary or art.
    • Garden pest control: The geranium scent can be used to help repel certain garden pests without using harmful chemicals.
    • Floral bookmarks: Pressing the flowers or petals into bookmarks can create unique and attractive placeholders for book lovers.

Interesting Facts

  • bedFeng Shui

    The plant_name is not used in Feng Shui practice.

  • aquariusZodiac Sign Compitability

    The plant_name is not used in astrology practice.

  • spiralPlant Symbolism

    • Comfort: The Pelargonium, commonly known as geranium, often symbolizes comfort due to its familiar, pleasant fragrance and its use in traditional medicine to soothe the mind and body.
    • Friendship: As geraniums are commonly gifted between friends, they have come to represent friendship and kind gestures.
    • Good Health: Geraniums are sometimes associated with good health and vitality, partly because of their use in herbal remedies to promote wellness.
    • Peace: The 'Arctic Star' variety, with its calming white blooms, may be particularly symbolic of peace and tranquility.
    • Ingenuity: Geraniums can thrive in varying conditions and are known for their resilience, which can represent human ingenuity and adaptability.
    • Happiness: The bright and cheerful flowers of the Pelargonium are often seen as a symbol of happiness and positive emotions.

💧
Every 1-2 weeks
Water
☀️
2500 - 10000 Lux
Light
💦️
5%
Humidity
🪴
Every 1-2 years
Repotting
🌱️
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation
✂️️
As needed
Pruning

  • water dropWater

    Scented geraniums like Pelargonium 'Arctic Star' should be watered thoroughly once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, generally every 7 to 10 days. Use room temperature water directly to the soil to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to disease. Depending on the size of the pot, watering with 1 to 2 cups (8 to 16 ounces) of water each time should be sufficient to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. During the winter months, water less frequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly more between waterings.

  • sunLight

    Scented geraniums like Pelargonium 'Arctic Star' thrive best in bright, indirect sunlight. They should be placed in a spot where they receive at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight daily, such as near a south-facing or west-facing window. Avoid harsh direct summer sun which can scorch the leaves while ensuring the plant gets enough light to prevent leggy growth.

  • thermometerTemperature

    Scented geraniums like Pelargonium 'Arctic Star' prefer temperatures between 55°F and 70°F, which are typical indoor conditions. They can tolerate a minimum temperature of 35°F, making them unsuitable for freezing conditions. During the summer, they can be moved outdoors as long as temperatures do not exceed 80°F.

  • scissorsPruning

    Pruning scented geraniums such as Pelargonium 'Arctic Star' encourages bushy growth and prevents legginess. Prune or pinch back the top growth every few weeks during the growing season. The best time to perform a more substantial prune is in early spring, before new growth starts, which can include reducing the size of the plant by up to one-third.

  • broomCleaning

    As needed

  • bambooSoil

    Scented Geraniums prefer well-draining soil with a mixture of peat, perlite, and loam; a pH of 6.0-7.0 is ideal for 'Arctic Star'.

  • plantRepotting

    Scented Geraniums like 'Arctic Star' should be repotted every 1-2 years to ensure they have enough room for growth.

  • water dropsHumidity & Misting

    Scented Geraniums such as 'Arctic Star' thrive best in moderate humidity levels, avoiding excess moisture to prevent leaf and root issues.

  • pinSuitable locations

    • Indoor

      Place Scented Geraniums in bright light, away from drafts.

    • Outdoor

      Grow in full sun to part shade, protect from strong winds.

    • Hardiness zone

      10-11 USDA

  • circleLife cycle

    The Pelargonium 'Arctic Star', commonly known as a type of Geranium, begins its life as a seed, which when sown, germinates in warm, well-drained soil with plenty of light. The seedling emerges and develops true leaves, growing into a juvenile plant; during this phase, consistent moisture and protection from harsh conditions are essential for healthy growth. As it matures, the plant experiences a period of vegetative growth, wherein it focuses on producing lush foliage and, in the case of 'Arctic Star', distinctive variegated leaves, typically triggered by longer daylight hours. The geranium then enters the flowering stage, producing its notable white to pale pink flowers with dark pink markings, which can be extended with deadheading and proper care. After pollination, it sets seed, completing the reproductive phase, unless grown as a perennial where it may not go through a full seeding cycle every year. In regions where it is not hardy, the plant can be overwintered indoors before being brought back outside for the next growing season, thus continuing its life cycle.

  • sproutPropogation

    • Propogation time

      Spring-Early Summer

    • Propogation: The Pelargonium 'Arctic Star', commonly known as a type of geranium, can be effectively propagated through stem cuttings, and the best time for this is usually late spring to early summer. For propagation, a healthy stem that is 3-4 inches (about 7.5-10 centimeters) long is cut just below a node or leaf joint, where there is a concentration of hormones to encourage root growth. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone to accelerate root development. The cutting is then placed in a well-draining soil mix and kept in a warm environment with indirect sunlight. Consistent moisture is maintained without overwatering, and if the conditions are right, roots should form within a few weeks, after which the new plant can eventually be transplanted into a larger pot or garden setting.

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