Storksbill Pelargonium 'Bredon' (R)
ABOUT
Pelargonium 'Bredon', commonly known as geranium, showcases a striking appearance with lush green foliage and vibrant flowers. The leaves of this plant are rounded, possessing a soft, velvety texture with a noticeably scalloped edge, and they might have a zonal pattern consisting of a darker color in the center, which is characteristic of many geraniums. Throughout its blooming season, the plant produces showy flower clusters, each displaying several individual blooms that are typically arranged in an umbrella-like fashion known as an inflorescence. The flowers themselves are semi-double to double and exhibit a lovely hue that can range from soft pinks to bold reds, often accented with streaks or blotches of contrasting colors which add depth and interest to the overall floral display. This gives the geranium a vibrant and cheerful appearance, making it a popular choice for gardeners wishing to add a splash of color to their outdoor or indoor spaces. The petals are rounded with slight notches, and they sometimes have a soft, velvety feel, complementing the texture of the leaves. The geranium's overall structure is typically bushy and well-branched, creating a full and rounded appearance that serves as an excellent backdrop for the clusters of flowers sitting atop the foliage. The stems are sturdy and sometimes have a slightly succulent quality to them. This geranium variety's aesthetic lends itself to visual impact, presenting a classic and picturesque addition to garden beds, containers, or hanging baskets where their floral display can be admired up close.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Geraniaceae
Synonyms
Bredon Geranium, Bredon Pelargonium
Common names
Pelargonium 'Bredon' (R).
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Varied
Flower color
Mixed
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Pelargonium 'Bredon' enhances gardens with its attractive blooms and foliage.
- Easy Maintenance: Known for being low maintenance, it's suitable for gardeners of all levels.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is relatively drought resistant, requiring minimal watering.
- Pest Resistance: This plant demonstrates a good resistance to pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies to the garden.
- Seasonal Interest: It offers prolonged flowering periods, providing color from spring to fall.
- Versatility: Suitable for container gardening or as part of a border, offering flexibility in garden design.
- Herbaceous Scent: The leaves often emit a pleasant fragrance when touched, adding another layer of sensory enjoyment.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Pelargoniums, commonly known as geraniums, can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, imparting a range of warm tones when the leaves and flowers are boiled and used in the dyeing process.
- Gardeners sometimes use geranium leaves to line hanging baskets or plant containers, not just for their beauty, but because their scent can deter some pests from settling on nearby plants.
- Crushed geranium leaves can be rubbed on wooden furniture as a gentle and natural way to polish and release a pleasant fragrance without the use of chemical polishers.
- The geranium's leaves can be infused in water to create a fragrant rinse for pets, which may help to reduce odors and impart a fresh scent on their fur.
- Geraniums are sometimes included in floral arrangements specifically to take advantage of the plant's ability to repel mosquitoes and other insects during outdoor events.
- Dried geranium flowers can be incorporated into homemade potpourri to add natural fragrance to a room, along with other dried flowers and spices.
- Pressed geranium flowers can be used in crafting, such as in making bookmarks, greeting cards, or decoupage projects, adding a botanical touch to handmade items.
- Geranium leaves can be used to add a decorative and subtly scented layer in gift packaging, such as wrapping soaps or other small items.
- While not edible for humans, geranium plants can be used as part of the habitat for some butterfly species whose caterpillars feed on the leaves.
- Geraniums can be used as natural confetti in events like weddings where they serve a decorative purpose and are biodegradable, causing less harm to the environment compared to synthetic confetti.
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 - Pelargoniums, commonly known as 'geraniums', are often associated with comfort due to their cozy and familiar appearance in window boxes and gardens.
- Health - The geranium is sometimes connected to health and vitality, as some varieties of the plant have been used in traditional herbal remedies.
- Friendship - Offering a geranium can be a symbol of friendship or kind wishes, as they represent positive emotions and relationships.
- Fertility - In some cultures, the geranium is thought to symbolize fertility and the creation of new life, likely because of its abundant and vibrant blooms.
- Happiness - The bright colors and robust nature of geraniums often symbolize happiness and good spirits.
WaterThe common name for Pelargonium 'Bredon' is the Martha Washington geranium, and it should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, usually about once a week. However, frequency will depend on environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity. When watering, soak the soil until water runs out of the drainage holes, then allow it to drain completely. As a general rule, aim to provide between 16 to 32 ounces of water for a standard pot size every week, adjusting the amount during hot or dry periods.
LightMartha Washington geraniums thrive in bright, indirect light, making an east or west-facing window an ideal spot. They can tolerate some direct morning or late afternoon sun but should be protected from harsh midday sun. Adequate lighting is key to vibrant blooms and healthy growth.
TemperatureMartha Washington geraniums prefer a temperature range between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit at night. They can survive brief periods outside this range, but prolonged exposure to temperatures below 50 or above 80 degrees Fahrenheit can be harmful.
PruningPrune Martha Washington geraniums to remove dead or yellowing leaves and to shape the plant, which encourages bushier growth and more blooms. The best time for pruning is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Perform pruning every year or as needed to maintain the desired size and appearance.
CleaningAs needed
SoilGeranium 'Bredon' thrives best in well-draining potting soil mixed with perlite and peat. The ideal pH range for this geranium is slightly acidic to neutral, between 6.0 and 7.0. Adding organic matter like compost can improve soil structure and nutrition.
RepottingGeranium 'Bredon' should be repotted every 1-2 years or when it becomes root-bound. Repotting in spring allows for a fresh start in the growing season with nutrient-rich soil.
Humidity & MistingGeranium 'Bredon' prefers moderate humidity levels but is adaptable to lower humidity found in most homes. Ensure good air circulation around the plant without the need for high humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light; water when top soil dries.
Outdoor
Needs full sun to part shade; protect from frost.
Hardiness zone
10-11 USDA
Life cyclePelargonium 'Bredon' (R), commonly known as a type of geranium, begins its life as a seed, typically sown in early spring. Upon germination, which requires warmth and light, the seedling emerges, focusing on developing roots and foliage. The plant then enters a vegetative stage, where it grows leaves and stems vigorously, especially in warm conditions with plenty of sunlight. As it matures, flower buds develop and bloom into the characteristic geranium flowers, which can occur multiple times per growing season if deadheaded and well-maintained. After flowering, if pollination occurs, the plant may produce seeds, thereby completing the reproductive cycle. Finally, as a perennial in warmer climates, it can enter a dormancy phase during cooler months but will regrow from the rootstock with the arrival of favorable conditions in spring; in colder regions, it is often grown as an annual and would need to be replanted each year.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Fall
Pelargonium 'Bredon', commonly known as a type of Geranium, is most commonly propagated by stem cuttings. This method involves selecting a healthy stem with several leaves, preferably in late spring to early summer. Cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long. Remove the lower leaves, and allow the cutting to callus for a few hours before planting it in moist potting mix. Ensure the cutting is well-supported and keep the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the cutting can be transplanted to a larger pot or directly into the garden. This propagation technique is favored for its simplicity and effectiveness in producing true-to-type offspring of the parent plant.
