Bembridge Geranium Pelargonium 'Bembridge' (Z/st/d)
ABOUT
The Pelargonium 'Bembridge', commonly known as a type of geranium, is known for its distinctive, vibrant blooms and attractive foliage. The flowers of this plant exhibit striking colors, often a blend of pinks, reds, and purples, with intricate vein patterns and a classic rounded shape. Each bloom clusters together in umbels, creating a full and showy display that can add a pop of color to any garden space. The leaves are equally appealing, typically a soft green hue, and may have a zonal pattern with darker markings. Their texture is somewhat fleshy with a tendency to be velvety to the touch, and the edges are usually gently scalloped, giving the foliage an ornamental quality. The overall growth habit of the Bembridge geranium is robust and bushy, forming a dense mound of foliage and flowers. The stems are strong and upright, carrying the blooms and leaves with a sturdy, yet graceful appearance. This plant has the capacity to bloom for an extended period, often from spring until the first frost, making it a popular choice for gardeners seeking long-lasting color and interest in their outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Bembridge Pelargonium, Bembridge Geranium.
Common names
Pelargonium 'Bembridge'
ToxicityTo humans
The Pelargonium 'Bembridge' is commonly known as a type of geranium. Geraniums are generally considered non-toxic to humans. Ingesting parts of the plant is unlikely to cause serious poisoning. However, some individuals might experience mild, usually self-limiting symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea if large amounts are consumed. Skin contact with the plant's sap could potentially cause irritation in some people with sensitive skin.
To pets
Geranium, the common name for Pelargonium 'Bembridge', can be toxic to pets, especially cats and dogs. If ingested, the plant may cause mild to moderate symptoms such as vomiting, anorexia, depression, and dermatitis. In some cases, ingestion can also lead to more serious symptoms like ataxia or lethargy in cats. It is recommended to keep geraniums out of reach of pets to prevent any unwanted symptoms following ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
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- Ornamental Appeal - Adds visual interest to gardens with its vibrant and colorful blooms.
- Easy to Grow - Requires minimal care, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerant - Once established, it can withstand dry conditions, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Long Blooming - Offers a prolonged display of flowers, often from spring to fall.
- Attracts Pollinators - Flowers provide nectar, attracting beneficial insects like bees and butterflies.
- Container Gardening - Suitable for pots and containers, allowing for flexibility in garden design and space usage.
- Versatility of Use - Can be used in various garden settings, including borders, beds, and as a ground cover.
- Tolerant of Poor Soil - Can thrive in less fertile soil conditions, which is beneficial for challenging garden spots.
- Variety of Uses - Can serve multiple purposes, such as in ornamental, culinary, and cottage gardens.
Medical Properties- Pelargonium 'Bembridge', commonly known as a type of Geranium, has not been extensively documented for medical uses.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Companion Planting: Pelargonium 'Bembridge' can be grown alongside vegetables in a kitchen garden to help deter pests thanks to its strong scent.
- Natural Dye Source: The leaves and flowers of the pelargonium can be used to create natural dyes for fabric or paper crafting.
- Art and Crafts: Dried pelargonium flowers and leaves can be used in potpourri or incorporated into homemade paper for texture and fragrance.
- Floral Arrangements: Fresh pelargonium blooms can add color and scent to flower arrangements or can be used dried in everlasting bouquets.
- Cooking: Edible varieties of pelargonium leaves can be used to flavor desserts, jellies, and teas, imparting a unique aroma and taste.
- Sachets and Pillows: Dried pelargonium leaves and flowers can be used in sachets or pillows to provide a pleasant scent and promote relaxation.
- Homemade Cosmetics: Extracts from pelargonium can be used in home-made lotions or bath bombs for fragrance.
- Garden Aesthetic: With its attractive foliage and flowers, pelargonium can be used for ornamental purposes in garden beds or borders.
- Culinary Garnish: Edible flowers of the pelargonium 'Bembridge' can be used as a decorative and aromatic garnish in culinary presentations.
- Fragrance Enhancer: The leaves of the pelargonium can be infused into oils or waters to create natural room fresheners or scented candles.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Pelargonium, commonly known as geranium, is believed to bring positive energy into the home in Feng Shui when placed in the right area. Geraniums are thought to promote health and happiness, and they can be used to enhance the love and romance sector of your space, which is the southwest area of your home, according to the Bagua map.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe geranium is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Comfort: Pelargoniums, commonly known as geraniums, are often associated with comfort due to their homely and familiar appearance, making them popular in gardens and as houseplants.
- Health and Healing: The geranium is thought to symbolize good health and has been used historically in folk medicine to treat a variety of ailments.
- Friendship: Geraniums can represent closeness and friendship, as they are common gifts between friends in a garden setting.
- Positive Emotions: With their bright and colorful flowers, geraniums are often linked with positivity, happiness, and a cheerful atmosphere.
WaterGeraniums, like Pelargonium 'Bembridge', require watering when the soil feels dry to the touch. Typically, you should water these plants once every 1 to 2 weeks, allowing the soil to partially dry out between waterings. Use room-temperature water and pour slowly at the base of the plant to moisten the soil without soaking it completely. A general amount would be about 8-16 ounces of water for smaller pots, and up to a gallon for larger containers, depending on the size of the plant and the environmental conditions. It’s crucial to avoid waterlogging, as this can lead to root rot.
LightGeraniums need plenty of light to thrive. Place your Pelargonium 'Bembridge' in a location where it can receive at least 6 hours of sunlight daily, such as a south or west-facing window. Geraniums can tolerate some partial shade, but too little light can lead to leggy growth and poor flowering. Avoid placing them in full shade or in excessively hot, scorching sunlight, which can damage the leaves.
TemperatureGeraniums prefer a temperature range between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and should not be subjected to temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit at night. The ideal growing conditions for Pelargonium 'Bembridge' would be in an area that remains consistently within this temperature range. Avoid exposing the plant to extremes, as temperatures above 86 degrees Fahrenheit can stress the plant, and freezing temperatures can be fatal.
PruningPruning is important for geraniums to encourage bushy growth and prevent legginess. For Pelargonium 'Bembridge', prune in early spring just before the new growth starts. Cut back the plant by about one-third to one-half, focusing on removing any dead or yellowing leaves and old flower stems. Regular deadheading of spent blooms throughout the growing season will also promote further flowering. The best time for pruning is typically after the last frost when the plant begins to show signs of new growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for a Geranium, commonly known as Pelargonium 'Bembridge', is well-draining potting soil with added organic matter such as peat moss or compost. The ideal soil pH for Geraniums is between 6.0 and 7.0.
RepottingGeraniums, including the Pelargonium 'Bembridge', should be repotted every one to two years or when the plant outgrows its current pot.
Humidity & MistingGeraniums like Pelargonium 'Bembridge' prefer moderate humidity levels but are quite tolerant of dry air, making them suitable for typical indoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, away from drafts, water when dry.
Outdoor
Needs full to part sun, shelter from harsh weather.
Hardiness zone
10-11 USDA
Life cyclePelargonium 'Bembridge', commonly known as Geranium 'Bembridge', begins its life cycle when seeds are sown in warm, well-drained soil, after the last frost of the spring. Germination occurs within a week or two, at which point the seedlings develop their first true leaves. As they grow, these young plants are transplanted to larger pots or directly into the garden, where they will experience vegetative growth, developing a bushy structure with multiple leaves and stems. Upon reaching maturity, generally a few months after planting, they produce clusters of vibrant flowers, attracting pollinators that aid in the plant’s reproduction. The Pelargonium 'Bembridge' typically flowers throughout the summer and may continue into autumn with proper care and deadheading to encourage continuous blooming. After the flowering period, as the temperatures drop towards winter, the plant may enter a dormant stage, particularly in climates with colder winters, or it may be treated as an annual and die after setting seed if left to face frost unsheltered.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-early summer
Propogation: The Pelargonium 'Bembridge', commonly known as a type of Geranium, can be propagated most effectively through stem cuttings. This method involves cutting a healthy stem from the main plant, preferably about 4-6 inches (10-15 centimeters) long, making sure it has several leaves. The cut end of the stem should be allowed to dry and callous for a few hours or overnight, which helps to prevent rot when planted. The calloused end is then dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth and planted in a moist potting mix. It is essential to keep the soil uniformly moist but not waterlogged and place the cutting in a warm, brightly lit area without direct sunlight. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the new plant can be transplanted to a permanent location.
