Scented Geranium Pelargonium 'Charmay Snowflurry' (Sc/v)
ABOUT
Pelargonium 'Charmay Snowflurry' is widely known as geranium and is favored for its decorative nature and blooming habit. This particular variety is characterized by its lush foliage and profusion of flowers. The leaves are typically rounded, with a soft, velvety texture and often display a zonal pattern which may be more pronounced in certain conditions. The geranium, 'Charmay Snowflurry,' produces a flurry of flowers that are distinctive for their delicate appearance. The flowers are generally small, with slender petals that give an impression of daintiness to the overall flower clump. They are pure white in color, resembling a blanket of snow which is apt given the name 'Snowflurry.' The blossoms may appear in clusters, dotting the plant with their snowy hues and creating a striking contrast against the green of the leaves. The impressive flowering display is usually at its peak during the warmer months, when the plant is likely to be covered in blooms, drawing the eye and making it a standout addition to any garden or collection of potted plants. Despite not mentioning the specific dimensions, this plant can be described as well-proportioned, with a balanced spread of both flowers and foliage. In summary, with its velvety green leaves and clusters of snowy white flowers, the geranium 'Charmay Snowflurry' is a charming and picturesque plant that adds a burst of brightness wherever it is grown.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Geraniaceae.
Synonyms
Scented Geranium, Storksbill, Rose Geranium.
Common names
Pelargonium 'Charmay Snowflurry'
ToxicityTo humans
Geraniums, like Pelargonium 'Charmay Snowflurry', are not considered highly toxic to humans. However, they can cause minor skin irritation in some sensitive individuals upon contact. Ingestion of the plant parts, particularly in large amounts, could potentially lead to mild gastrointestinal upset, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is always best to avoid eating non-food plants, and to keep them out of reach of children who might accidentally ingest them.
To pets
For pets, geraniums, specifically Pelargonium 'Charmay Snowflurry', contain geraniol and linalool, which can be toxic to them if ingested. While not usually life-threatening, the ingestion of geranium can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, anorexia, depression, and dermatitis in pets. Cats may be particularly sensitive to geraniums, more so than dogs, due to their specific metabolism. If your pet ingests any part of this plant, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife 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
9
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds a splash of color with its snowy white flowers, enhancing the beauty of gardens and landscapes.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care, making it ideal for busy gardeners or those new to horticulture.
- Drought Tolerance: Can survive with less water, suitable for regions with water scarcity or for water-wise gardening.
- Adaptability: Able to thrive in a variety of climates, from temperate to subtropical regions.
- Long Blooming Period: Provides a long-lasting display of flowers, often from spring into fall, offering extended visual interest.
- Pest Resistance: Typically resistant to many common garden pests, increasing its survivability and reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Container Gardening: Well-suited for pots and containers, allowing for versatility in garden design and suitable for those with limited space.
- Attracts Pollinators: Invites beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies to the garden, supporting biodiversity.
- Easy Propagation: Can be easily propagated from cuttings, allowing gardeners to expand their collection without additional cost.
- Fast Growing: Quick growth rate means it can fill in garden spaces rapidly, providing quick results for gardeners.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: The vibrant flowers of the geranium can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, offering hues ranging from soft pinks to rich blues, depending on the pH levels.
- In art and crafts: Pressed geranium flowers can be used in scrapbooking, card making, or as a natural decoration in decoupage projects.
- Photography prop: These picturesque plants make an excellent addition to still life photography, adding a splash of color and interest.
- Insect repellent sachets: Dry the leaves and use them in sachets to repel moths and other insects from closets and drawers.
- Garden design: Use as a living mulch—its dense foliage can help suppress weeds while keeping the soil moist and cool.
- Companion planting: When planted alongside vegetables and herbs, geraniums may help deter certain pests with their strong scent.
- Culinary decoration: While not widely used in cooking, pesticide-free geranium petals can add a decorative touch to salads and desserts.
- Homemade potpourri: Dried geranium leaves and flowers can contribute to a fragrant potpourri mix for the home.
- Gifting: Potted geraniums make thoughtful and eco-friendly gifts for various occasions, encouraging greener living.
- Educational tool: Geraniums can be used in schools to teach children about plant biology, life cycles, and horticulture.
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 and Consolation: With the 'Charmay Snowflurry' being a cultivar of geraniums, these plants often symbolize comfort, suggesting a soothing presence in difficult times.
- True Friendship: Geraniums as a group are considered to express the sentiment of true friendship, making them a common gift between close friends to denote a deep and meaningful bond.
- Healing: The 'Charmay Snowflurry' shares the geranium's association with healing properties, thanks to the historical use of the plant's oils for skin treatments and aromatherapy.
- Good Health: Often plants and flowers represent wishes for good health, and geraniums, with their robust nature and pleasant scent, are believed to promote a healthy environment.
- Happiness: The bright and cheerful appearance of the 'Charmay Snowflurry' geranium can be symbolic of happiness and positive energy in the home or garden where it grows.
WaterThe geranium 'Charmay Snowflurry' should be watered thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Typically, this might mean watering once every week, but the frequency can vary depending on environmental conditions like temperature and humidity. Use room temperature water and pour it directly onto the soil, avoiding the leaves to minimize the risk of fungal diseases. Each watering session should provide enough water to moisten the soil all the way through, which could be approximately 1-2 gallons for a standard pot, but always adjust based on the size of your container and plant's needs.
LightGeraniums, including the 'Charmay Snowflurry', thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. They perform best when placed in a location where they will receive at least six hours of sunlight each day. An east- or west-facing window is ideal, providing plenty of light without the harsh midday sun that can sometimes scorch the leaves.
TemperatureGeraniums like 'Charmay Snowflurry' prefer temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and should not be subjected to temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Protecting the plant from frost is crucial as it cannot survive freezing conditions. Ideal growing conditions are within this temperature range, but geraniums can tolerate up to 80 degrees if properly cared for.
PruningPruning geraniums like 'Charmay Snowflurry' encourages bushier growth and promotes more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to maintain the plant's appearance and health. Cut back leggy stems in early spring or fall to rejuvenate and reshape the plant. Overall, geraniums benefit from pruning several times a year, especially after major flowering cycles.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for a Geranium (Pelargonium 'Charmay Snowflurry') is light, well-draining, and fertile, with added peat, perlite, and compost. Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
RepottingGeraniums (Pelargonium 'Charmay Snowflurry') should be repotted annually or when they become root-bound to ensure continuous growth.
Humidity & MistingGeraniums (Pelargonium 'Charmay Snowflurry') prefer moderate humidity levels but are quite tolerant and can adapt to lower humidity indoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light and well-draining soil for Geraniums indoors.
Outdoor
Place Geraniums in sun to part-shade with well-draining soil outdoors.
Hardiness zone
9-12 USDA
Life cyclePelargonium 'Charmay Snowflurry' (commonly known as a type of geranium) starts its life as a seed, which when sown, will germinate given suitable conditions of warmth, light, and moisture. Following germination, the seedling will emerge, developing its first true leaves as it enters the vegetative stage, during which it focuses on growth and photosynthesis. As the plant matures, it enters the flowering stage, characterized by the production of white flowers with a distinctive flurry-like appearance, usually from spring to fall in temperate climates. After pollination, which can occur via insects or wind, the flowers will develop into seed capsules if conditions allow, completing the reproductive cycle. If the seeds are not harvested, they can fall to the ground and potentially start a new plant, given suitable environmental conditions. Throughout its life, the geranium will undergo periods of active growth and dormancy, often linked to seasonal changes, with pruning and proper care ensuring a healthy life cycle year after year.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Pelargonium 'Charmay Snowflurry', commonly known as scented geranium, is typically propagated through cuttings. The best time to take cuttings for propagation is late winter or early spring, just before new growth begins. To propagate, choose a healthy stem about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long and make a cut just below a leaf node. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem and dip the cut end into rooting hormone to encourage root growth. Then, insert the cutting into a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix, ensuring that at least two leaf nodes are buried beneath the soil surface. The pot should be kept in a warm, bright place out of direct sunlight, and the soil should be consistently moist but not waterlogged. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the new scented geranium plants can be gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions if desired.
