Scented Geranium Pelargonium 'Galway Star' (Sc/v)

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Pelargonium 'Galway Star', also known as geranium 'Galway Star', is a flowering plant that boasts an eye-catching appearance. The plant features rich green foliage that is rounded and occasionally displays a zonal pattern with darker green hues. The leaves are typically lobed or heart-shaped, contributing to the lush background for the flowers. The blooms of the Geranium 'Galway Star' are star-shaped and come in clusters, also known as inflorescences. Each flower within the cluster exhibits striking petals that are typically two-toned. The base color is often a vibrant pink or magenta, while the upper petals might display a contrasting pattern or mark such as darker streaks or blotches. These contrasting marks are reminiscent of a star, which likely influenced the 'Galway Star' designation. The overall look of the Geranium 'Galway Star' is one of bright, lively color contrasted against the deep green leaves, creating a visual impact that is both charming and vivid in a variety of garden settings.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Geraniaceae.
- Synonyms
  Galway Star Geranium, Scented Geranium.
- Common names
  Pelargonium 'Galway Star' (Sc/v)
Toxicity
- To humans
  Pelargonium, commonly known as geranium, is not considered poisonous to humans. However, it can potentially cause mild irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals if ingested or if the sap comes in contact with skin. If ingested, symptoms might include nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea but are generally not severe. It is still advisable to avoid eating any part of the geranium plant.
- To pets
  Pelargonium, commonly known as geranium, is known to be toxic to pets, particularly cats and dogs. If ingested, this plant can cause a range of symptoms including vomiting, anorexia, depression, and dermatitis. In cats, it can also lead to more severe effects such as renal failure. It's important to prevent your pets from ingesting any part of the geranium plant to avoid these potential health issues.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Evergreen
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Mixed
- 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
- Attractive Blooms: Pelargonium 'Galway Star' is known for its stunning, star-shaped flowers that add aesthetic appeal to gardens and living spaces.
- Low Maintenance: This variety of geranium is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal upkeep beyond the basic needs of water, light, and occasional fertilization.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, geraniums are quite tolerant of dry conditions, making them a good choice for water-conserving gardens.
- Long Blooming Season: Geraniums typically have a long flowering period, providing color and interest throughout the growing season.
- Versatile Use: They are suitable for planting in beds, borders, containers, and hanging baskets, offering flexibility in garden design and space utilization.
- Pest Resistant: These plants are generally resistant to many common pests, reducing the need for chemical insecticides.
- Deer Resistant: Geraniums are not a favorite among deer, making them ideal for gardens in areas where deer browsing is a problem.
- Attracts Pollinators: The vibrant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, supporting biodiversity.
- Easy to Propagate: Geraniums can be easily propagated from cuttings, allowing gardeners to increase their stock and share plants with others.
- Seasonal Interest: Geranium leaves often change color in the fall, providing additional seasonal interest beyond the flowering period.
Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Potpourri Ingredient: The scented leaves of the pelargonium can be dried and added to potpourri mixes to impart a pleasant fragrance to your home.
- Garden Aesthetics: The bright flowers and attractive foliage of pelargoniums are used to enhance the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Culinary Flavoring: The leaves of some pelargonium species are edible and can be used to flavor desserts, jellies, and teas with a subtle, rose-like essence.
- Craft Projects: The flowers and leaves can be used in various craft projects like making bookmarks, greeting cards, or pressed flower arts.
- Natural Dye: The petals of pelargoniums can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics or crafting projects.
- Insect Repellant Sachets: Dried pelargonium leaves can be placed in sachets to help repel moths and other insects from closets and drawers.
- Aromatherapy: The essential oils from pelargonium leaves can be used in aromatherapy for relaxation and stress relief.
- Table Decorations: Fresh pelargonium flowers can be used to create attractive table centerpieces for events and special occasions.
- Educational Purposes: Plants like pelargoniums can be used in schools and educational programs to teach about plant biology and horticulture.
- Companion Planting: Pelargoniums can be planted alongside certain other plants in the garden as they are believed to help deter pests through their scent.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The Geranium is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Geranium is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Hope: The bright and starry blooms of the Galway Star Geranium symbolize hope and a positive outlook, reflecting an anticipation for good things to come.
- Unexpected friendship: Similarly to how a geranium can brighten up a garden unexpectedly, this plant can represent new, surprising friendships that bring joy into one’s life.
- Comfort: The cozy and homely vibes that geraniums exude can convey a sense of comfort and familiarity, often associated with a welcoming atmosphere.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 1-2 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring-Early Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
The common name for Pelargonium 'Galway Star' is Geranium 'Galway Star', and it prefers consistent moisture during the growing season. Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which may be about once a week, depending on temperature and humidity. Make sure to avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf spot and other diseases. A general rule is to provide up to 0.5 gallons of water per week for outdoor plants, depending on weather conditions and soil type. During winter, reduce watering frequency to match the plant's reduced growth and evaporation rate in cooler temperatures.
Light
Geranium 'Galway Star' thrives best in bright, indirect light with some direct early morning or late afternoon sun. Place the plant near an east- or west-facing window for optimal growth. If the plant is outdoors, a spot with partial shade that receives a few hours of direct sunlight is ideal, especially avoiding the harsh midday sun.
Temperature
Geranium 'Galway Star' prefers temperatures between 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, with a slight drop at night but not below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate temperatures up to the low 80s but may need shade or increased watering. Make sure to protect your Geranium 'Galway Star' from frost and from temperatures that drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid cold damage.
Pruning
Prune Geranium 'Galway Star' to maintain its shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or faded flowers and leaves. Regular deadheading will promote continuous blooming. The best time to prune is in early spring before new growth begins or throughout the growing season as necessary to remove spent blooms.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
The best soil mix for Pelargonium, commonly known as Geranium, is a well-draining potting mix with peat, perlite, and compost. A soil pH of 6.0 to 7.0 is ideal for 'Galway Star' Geraniums.
Repotting
'Galway Star' Geraniums should be repotted every one to two years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. Best done in spring before active growth.
Humidity & Misting
Geraniums, such as the 'Galway Star', prefer moderate humidity levels around 40-60%, but they are adaptable and can tolerate indoor humidity conditions.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Place Geranium in bright, indirect light and ensure good air circulation.
- Outdoor
  Plant in sunny spot with well-draining soil; water moderately.
- Hardiness zone
  10-11 USDA
Life cycle
The life cycle of the Pelargonium 'Galway Star', commonly known as geranium, begins with seed germination, where warmth, light, and moisture initiate the growth of a new plant. This is followed by the vegetative stage where the seedling develops roots and shoots, growing into a young plant with characteristic scalloped leaves and a sturdy stem. As it matures, the geranium enters the flowering stage, producing vibrant, star-shaped flowers that attract pollinators and may also be propagated by cuttings. After pollination, the flowers develop into fruit capsules, containing seeds that can be dispersed, ensuring the continuation of the species. Once the plant has set seed, it may enter a period of dormancy, particularly in cooler climates, where growth slows down or halts until favorable conditions return. Depending on care and environmental conditions, geraniums can be perennial, living and blooming for several years, or grown as annuals in regions with harsh winters.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring-Early Summer
- The Pelargonium 'Galway Star', commonly known as a type of Geranium, is typically propagated by cuttings. This is the most popular method due to its ease and effectiveness. To propagate by cuttings, a healthy stem tip about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long is cut from the parent plant. It's best to make the cut just below a leaf node, where the concentration of growth hormones is high. The cut end can be dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root development, though this is optional. The cutting should then be planted in a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix and kept in a warm, bright place until roots have developed, which usually takes several weeks. Once rooted, the cutting can be treated as a new plant and eventually transplanted outdoors if desired.