Bushfire Geranium Pelargonium 'Bushfire' (R)
ABOUT
Pelargonium 'Bushfire' is a stunning plant with a robust and bushy appearance, boasting vibrant and showy flowers. The blooms are striking, usually displaying a rich, fiery red color that very much resembles a blaze, which is how it gets the name 'Bushfire'. Each flower cluster emerges on sturdy stems above the foliage, forming a rounded head composed of many individual blossoms. The petals may have subtle markings or a gradation of color that adds to their visual interest. The leaves of 'Bushfire' are equally attractive and contribute to the lush look of the plant. They are generally green, with a soft, velvety texture, and can have a slightly ruffled or scalloped edge. The foliage often releases a pleasant fragrance when touched, which is characteristic of many in its plant group. Overall, the 'Bushfire' presents a luxurious and colorful display that catches the eye and is well-suited for ornamental purposes in various garden settings. It can also be grown in pots, where it adds a splash of intense color and textural contrast to patios, balconies, or indoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Geraniaceae
Synonyms
Bushfire Pelargonium, Bushfire Geranium
Common names
Pelargonium 'Bushfire'
ToxicityTo humans
The plant known commonly as geranium is not typically considered highly toxic to humans. However, if ingested in large amounts, it can potentially cause minor symptoms such as gastrointestinal upset, including nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
To pets
Geraniums can be toxic to pets, especially cats and dogs. If ingested, they could cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, depression, anorexia, and dermatitis. It is advised to keep geraniums out of reach of pets to prevent any accidental ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
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- Attractive Foliage: The Pelargonium 'Bushfire' has appealing leaves that add a decorative touch to wherever they are grown.
- Colorful Blooms: It produces vibrant flowers that enhance the visual appeal of gardens and indoor spaces.
- Low Maintenance: This plant requires minimal care, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can withstand periods of low water, which is beneficial in arid climates or for water-efficient gardening.
- Versatility: It can be grown in containers, borders, or as a bedding plant, providing flexibility in landscaping and garden design.
- Pest Resistance: Pelargonium 'Bushfire' tends to have a natural resistance to many common garden pests.
- Long Blooming Season: It often has a prolonged flowering period, offering color and interest over an extended time.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers can attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies to the garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Insect repellent: The leaves of the geranium can be rubbed onto skin as a natural way to repel mosquitoes and other insects due to its strong scent.
- Companion planting: Geraniums can be planted near vegetables and other garden plants to help deter pests through their scented leaves.
- Flavoring for food: The leaves can sometimes be used to flavor sugars, jellies, teas, or desserts with their unique taste.
- Mood enhancer: The vibrant colors and pleasant scent of geraniums are known to boost mood when used in indoor displays or garden arrangements.
- Natural dye: The petals can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics or crafts, providing a range of colors from the various shades of the flowers.
- Art inspiration: The vivid hues and interesting forms of geraniums are often used as subjects or inspiration in paintings, photographs and other art forms.
- Religious ceremonies: In some cultures, geranium flowers are used in religious ceremonies or placed on altars as offerings.
- Aromatherapy: The essential oil of geraniums is used in aromatherapy for its potential to create a balancing and calming atmosphere.
- Decorative potpourri: Dried geranium leaves and flowers can be added to potpourri mixes for their fragrance and color.
- Homemade cosmetics: The essential oil or infusions made from geranium leaves can be utilized in homemade lotions, creams, or bath products.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Geranium is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Geranium is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Passion and Intensity: The 'Bushfire' moniker suggests a connection to the intense energy and uncontrolled spread of a wildfire, symbolizing strong emotions and powerful passion.
- Renewal and Rebirth: Just as bushfires can lead to new growth and regeneration in ecosystems, this plant can represent the cycle of renewal and the opportunity for a fresh start.
- Transformation: Fire is a transformative element, turning everything it touches into ash, which then nourishes the soil. The Bushfire pelargonium can symbolize personal transformation and change.
- Resilience and Survival: Bushfires are known for their destructive power, yet the landscape eventually recovers and thrives again, making this plant a symbol of resilience and the ability to overcome adversity.
WaterGeraniums, such as the Pelargonium 'Bushfire', prefer to be watered thoroughly but infrequently. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again, which typically means once every 7 to 10 days, depending on the weather conditions and soil drainage. When watering, avoid getting water on the leaves to prevent fungal diseases. Give the plant about one gallon of water per watering session, ensuring that the water penetrates deeply to reach the entire root system.
LightGeraniums thrive in bright, sunny conditions. Place your Pelargonium 'Bushfire' in a location where it will receive at least six hours of sunlight per day. An east- or west-facing window is ideal for indoor plants, while an unobstructed spot in the garden suits outdoor plants well. Avoid deep shade as this can lead to leggy growth and reduced flowering.
TemperatureGeraniums are best suited to warm temperatures and do not tolerate frost. The ideal temperature for Pelargonium 'Bushfire' is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, with a minimum temperature not dropping below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid exposing the plant to temperatures above 85 degrees Fahrenheit for extended periods, as this can cause heat stress.
PruningPruning Geraniums stimulates bushier growth and encourages more blooms. Remove any dead or yellowing leaves and spent flowers to promote new growth. Prune your Pelargonium 'Bushfire' in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This is also a good time to cut back any leggy stems to maintain a compact, attractive shape.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe geranium 'Bushfire' prefers a well-draining potting mix consisting of equal parts peat, pine bark, and coarse sand or perlite. The ideal pH for the soil should be slightly acidic to neutral, in the range of 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingGeranium 'Bushfire' should be repotted every 1-2 years or when it outgrows its container, typically in spring before new growth begins.
Humidity & MistingGeranium 'Bushfire' thrives best in average room humidity levels, not requiring high humidity; too much can actually harm the plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Full to part sun, protect from harsh afternoon sun.
Hardiness zone
9-12 USDA.
Life cycleThe 'Bushfire' Pelargonium, commonly known as Geranium 'Bushfire', begins its life cycle when seeds are sown or cuttings are taken from mature plants. Germination or root development occurs with adequate warmth and moisture, leading to the sprouting of seedlings or rooting of cuttings. The seedlings or rooted cuttings then grow into juvenile plants, developing a robust root system and initial sets of true leaves. As the plant matures, it enters the vegetative stage, where it produces a bushy growth of leaves and stems. The 'Bushfire' Pelargonium reaches the flowering stage under appropriate light conditions, producing its distinctive vibrant blooms that attract pollinators and may set seed if pollinated. After the flowering period, the plant may enter a period of dormancy, particularly in cooler climates, but with proper care, it can return to the vegetative stage in the following growing season, continuing its lifecycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Pelargonium 'Bushfire', commonly known as a type of Geranium, is through stem cuttings. To propagate this plant, a healthy, non-flowering shoot should be selected and cut just below a node, making sure the cutting is about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long. Leaves from the lower half of the cutting should be removed to reduce moisture loss. The cut end can then be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth and planted in a mixture of equal parts peat and perlite or in a well-draining potting mix. The cutting should be kept moist and in a warm place with indirect light until roots have developed, which typically takes a few weeks. Once the roots are established, the new plant can be transplanted into a larger pot or into the garden.
