Ashby Geranium Pelargonium 'Ashby' (Dec/sc)
ABOUT
Pelargonium 'Ashby' is a striking plant known for its showy flowers and attractive foliage. The blooms of this geranium variety are vibrant and colorful, often showcasing shades of pink, purple, or red, with each petal typically marked with a darker vein that adds depth and contrast to their appearance. The flowers are grouped in clusters that sit atop sturdy stems, creating a bold visual impact. The leaves of the 'Ashby' geranium are equally appealing, featuring a rounded shape with scalloped or lobed edges, giving them a somewhat ruffled look. They have a plush, velvety texture and are usually a rich green color, which may have darker zones or patterns that add to their ornamental value. These leaves are often aromatic when touched or brushed against, releasing a pleasant fragrance that is characteristic of many geraniums. With its lush floral displays and appealing leafy backdrop, Pelargonium 'Ashby' adds a pop of color and texture to any garden setting or container arrangement. It's a popular choice for gardeners and flower enthusiasts who appreciate its aesthetic charm and the way it can brighten up outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Geraniaceae
Synonyms
Ashby Geranium, Scented Geranium
Common names
Pelargonium 'Ashby'.
ToxicityTo humans
Pelargonium 'Ashby', commonly known as scented geranium, generally has a low toxicity profile for humans. While it is not usually considered poisonous, ingestion of the plant can potentially cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort, such as nausea or diarrhea, though symptoms are typically not severe. It is always prudent to avoid eating any part of ornamental plants due to potential individual sensitivities or allergic reactions.
To pets
Scented geranium, the common name for Pelargonium 'Ashby', can be mildly toxic to pets. If ingested, the plant could cause symptoms such as vomiting, depression, anorexia, and dermatitis in some animals. While the toxicity is generally considered low, it is recommended to keep this plant out of reach of pets to prevent any potential negative consequences.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Varied
Flower color
Varies
Height
1 foot (30 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
10
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Its vibrant blooms and attractive foliage add visual interest to gardens and indoor spaces.
- Low Maintenance: It is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal watering and no complex pruning.
- Drought Tolerance: The plant is suited for dry climates, as it can withstand periods of low water availability.
- Suitability for Containers: It thrives well in pots and containers, making it ideal for balconies and patios.
- Attracts Pollinators: Its flowers can attract butterflies and bees, which are beneficial for pollination in gardens.
- Long Blooming Season: It has a long flowering period, providing color to the garden for an extended time.
- Easy Propagation: It can be easily propagated from cuttings, allowing gardeners to create more plants without additional cost.
- Adaptable to Different Locations: It can grow in a variety of soil types and environments, from full sun to partial shade.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Pelargonium 'Ashby' can be used for its essential oil, which is sometimes incorporated into perfumes and fragrances for its sweet and floral scent.
- The leaves of Pelargonium 'Ashby' can be infused in water to create a flavored liquid for use in cooking or baking, adding a subtle rose-like flavor to dishes.
- The flowers can be used as edible garnishes in salads, desserts, and cold drinks, adding a splash of color and a mild taste.
- Dried Pelargonium 'Ashby' petals can be incorporated into potpourri mixes, contributing to the visual appeal and aroma of the mixture.
- Crafters may use the vibrant flowers of Pelargonium 'Ashby' to make natural dyes for fabrics and papers.
- The plant can be a component in homemade soaps, lending its scent and potentially its light astringent properties.
- It might be included in homemade candles, where the oil or the flowers contribute to the candle's fragrance profile.
- The leaves of the Pelargonium 'Ashby' can be used to line cake pans or cookie sheets, imparting a subtle flavor to the baked goods.
- During special occasions, the fresh blooms of Pelargonium 'Ashby' can be floated in bowls of water for a simple and elegant decoration.
- Gardeners may use the Pelargonium 'Ashby' as a companion plant in vegetable gardens to enhance the overall aesthetic and potentially deter specific pests with its scent.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Pelargonium, commonly known as Geranium, can be used in Feng Shui to create a balancing energy in the home. It is associated with good health, positive energy, and the ability to ward off negative energies. Place Geraniums in areas that need an uplift in these aspects, such as living rooms or near entryways to invite positive chi.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Geranium is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Comfort - Pelargoniums, commonly known as geraniums, are often associated with comforting thoughts due to their warm and vibrant flowers and their homey, familiar presence in gardens.
- Health and Healing - The scent of geraniums is believed to promote health and well-being, making them symbolic of healing.
- Friendship - Geraniums are also symbolic of friendship because of their long-lasting nature and the ease of sharing and propagating the plants among friends.
- Bridging the Gap - With their ability to thrive in both indoor and outdoor environments, geraniums can symbolize versatility and the bridging of differences.
- Protection - The geranium plant has historically been used in folk medicine to ward off evil spirits, making it a symbol of protection.
WaterThe sweet scented geranium (Pelargonium 'Ashby') should be watered once the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch; typically, this means watering once every 7 to 10 days, but the frequency can vary depending on environmental conditions. Use tepid water to water the plant evenly around the base until it flows out of the drainage holes. This could mean using approximately half a gallon of water for a medium-sized pot. Avoid overwatering, as sweet scented geraniums do not like to sit in soggy soil, and ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot.
LightSweet scented geraniums prefer bright, indirect sunlight and can tolerate some direct sunlight, especially in the mornings. A spot near a south or west-facing window with some sheer curtains to filter the intense afternoon sun would be ideal. They perform best when they receive at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight daily.
TemperatureSweet scented geraniums thrive in temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, but they can tolerate a range down to about 50 degrees at night and up to 85 degrees during the day. It's important to protect them from frost and to not expose them to temperatures below 45 degrees, as they are not cold-hardy.
PruningPrune sweet scented geraniums to encourage bushier growth and to remove any dead or yellowing leaves. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Cut back up to one-third of the plant, making sure to use clean, sharp shears, and focus on removing leggy stems and shaping the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Geranium 'Ashby' should be well-draining and fertile, with a mix of two parts peat moss, one part perlite, and one part compost. The soil pH should lean slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingGeranium 'Ashby' should typically be repotted every 1 to 2 years, or when the plant outgrows its current pot, to refresh the soil and encourage healthy growth.
Humidity & MistingGeranium 'Ashby' prefers moderate humidity levels. Ideal humidity for this plant ranges between 40% to 60%, avoiding excessively dry or humid conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, water when topsoil is dry.
Outdoor
Plant in partial sun, shelter from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cyclePelargonium 'Ashby', more commonly known as Ashby's geranium, begins its life as a seed, typically emerging in early spring when the conditions are suitable for germination. Upon sprouting, the seedling stage is characterized by initial leaf development as the plant establishes its root system. As the plant grows, it enters the vegetative stage, producing distinctive foliage and branching out. The plant reaches maturity during the flowering stage, where blossoms in varying shades, often vibrant pinks or purples, appear and may be present throughout the warmer months if conditions are favorable. After pollination, fertilization occurs, leading to the production of seeds encapsulated in unique beak-like seed pods called mericarps. As a perennial, Ashby's geranium will experience a period of dormancy in the cooler months, where growth slows down before the cycle begins anew with the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
Pelargonium 'Ashby', commonly known as geranium, is most commonly propagated through stem cuttings. This method is favored for its simplicity and effectiveness in producing new, identical plants. To propagate 'Ashby' geraniums using stem cuttings, a healthy, non-flowering shoot should be selected. Cut a 4- to 6-inch (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) length from the parent plant, ensuring there are at least three leaf nodes present. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone to encourage root development. Then, insert the cutting into a moistened potting mix. Place the pot in a warm, bright area but out of direct sunlight, and keep the soil consistently moist. Roots usually develop within a few weeks, after which the new plant can be transplanted into a larger pot or garden setting.
