Scented Geranium Pelargonium 'Gemstone' (Sc)
ABOUT
Pelargonium 'Gemstone' is popularly known as scented geranium. This plant is admired for its vibrant and colorful appearance. Its leaves are delicately textured and often possess deep green hues with intricate patterns or variegations that may include shades of other colors such as cream or light green. The foliage can be quite aromatic, releasing a pleasant fragrance when brushed against or touched. The flowers of the scented geranium are typically small but numerous, clustered together in umbels that make a showy display. They come in a variety of colors ranging from pure white to deep pinks and purples. Each petal is rounded, with a soft and sometimes velvety texture. Multiple stamens with visible pollen can be seen at the center of each flower, providing a contrasting color to the petals. Overall, the appearance of Pelargonium 'Gemstone' is characterized by its ornamental leaves and attractive clusters of blooms that enhance its decorative appeal.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Geraniaceae
Synonyms
Gemstone Geranium
Common names
Pelargonium 'Gemstone'
ToxicityTo humans
Geraniums, including the variety Pelargonium 'Gemstone', are generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, some people might experience mild irritation or an allergic reaction after handling the plant or coming into contact with its sap due to its essential oils. If ingested in large quantities, it could potentially cause minor symptoms such as an upset stomach, diarrhea, or nausea. It is always recommended to keep plants out of reach of small children who might inadvertently ingest plant parts.
To pets
Geraniums are toxic to pets, such as dogs and cats. If a pet ingests any part of the plant, it may experience symptoms of toxicity such as vomiting, diarrhea, depression, anorexia, and dermatitis. In some cases, ingestion of geranium can also cause more severe reactions like ataxia or hypothermia. Pet owners should prevent pets from accessing geraniums and seek veterinary help if they suspect their pet has ingested the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
10
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental value: Pelargonium 'Gemstone' adds aesthetic appeal to gardens and indoor spaces with its colorful and unique foliage.
- Low maintenance: The plant is easy to care for, requiring minimal watering and pruning, making it suitable for busy or novice gardeners.
- Climate adaptability: It can thrive in a variety of climates, from temperate regions to warm areas.
- Drought resistance: Once established, it exhibits good drought tolerance, making it a water-wise choice for gardeners in arid regions.
- Pest resistance: Pelargonium 'Gemstone' has natural resistance to some common garden pests, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.
- Long blooming period: It often has a lengthened flowering period that extends throughout the growing season, providing long-lasting color and interest.
- Versatility in landscaping: This plant can be used in a range of garden designs, including borders, beds, and containers or hanging baskets.
- Attracts pollinators: The flowers of Pelargonium 'Gemstone' can attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Pressed Flower Art: The colorful flowers of geraniums can be pressed and used to create beautiful patterns in framed art, bookmarks, and greeting cards.
- Botanical Dyes: The leaves and flowers can produce natural dyes for fabric, wool, or paper, giving a unique and eco-friendly color.
- Photography Subjects: Geraniums, with their vivid colors and shapes, are popular subjects for macro and close-up photography enthusiasts.
- Floral Arrangements: Fresh or dried geranium flowers can be used in floral arrangements to add a splash of color and texture.
- Homemade Potpourri: Dried geranium petals and leaves can be included in homemade potpourri mixes for a pleasing scent.
- Decorative Ice Cubes: Freeze geranium petals in ice cube trays to create decorative ice cubes for punch bowls or cocktails.
- Linen Fresheners: Dried geranium leaves can be tucked into drawers or linen closets, imparting a subtle fragrance to fabrics.
- Scented Candles: The essential oils of geraniums can be used in candle making to create a naturally-scented candle.
- Garden Borders: Geraniums are often planted as a colorful border in gardens, offering aesthetic value as well as defining spaces.
- Theme Gardens: Geraniums can be the centerpiece in a theme garden, such as a 'Victorian' theme, featuring plants popular in the Victorian era.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Geranium is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Geranium is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: The Pelargonium, commonly known as 'Geranium', has long been used in traditional medicine, which makes it a symbol of healing and health.
- Protection: In folkloric beliefs, geraniums are thought to keep evil spirits away, thus representing protection.
- Friendship: With its bright flowers and pleasant scent, geraniums are often associated with positive relationships, symbolizing friendship and good vibes.
- Fertility: Geraniums are robust and prolific bloomers, which can be associated with fertility and abundance.
- Happiness: The vibrant and colorful nature of geranium flowers symbolizes happiness and positivity in life.
- Unity: The various parts of the geranium plant work in harmony, often making it a symbol of togetherness and unity in diversity.
WaterThe common name for Pelargonium 'Gemstone' is Geranium. When watering Geraniums, allow the soil to dry out between waterings to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Typically, watering thoroughly once a week is sufficient, although this may vary based on temperature and humidity. During the hot summer months or if the plant is in a particularly sunny spot, check the soil moisture more frequently, as the plant may require twice-weekly watering. When you water, aim for about 8-16 ounces of water for small pots, or approximately 1-2 gallons for larger containers, ensuring you water deeply until it runs out of the drainage holes.
LightGeraniums thrive best in bright, indirect sunlight. Direct, harsh sun can scorch the leaves, so the ideal location would be a spot where the plant receives sunlight for part of the day but is protected during the intense midday rays. East or west-facing windows are usually the best spots for Geraniums, providing the optimal light conditions they need to flourish.
TemperatureGeraniums prefer to be kept in temperatures ranging between 55°F and 80°F, which are ideal for their growth. They can survive a brief period of cooler temps down to about 30°F, however, prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures will kill the plant. In the summer, Geraniums will enjoy the warmth, but make sure they are not subjected to extreme heat above 90°F for extended periods.
PruningPruning Geraniums encourages bushier growth and prevents legginess. Remove spent flowers and yellowing leaves to promote new growth and more blooms. Pruning is typically done in spring or early summer, but deadheading flowers can be done throughout the blooming season. Pruning away up to one-third of the plant can lead to a healthier, more vibrant Geranium.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for a Geranium (Pelargonium 'Gemstone') is well-draining potting soil with added perlite or sand to increase drainage. A general mix could be 2 parts peat moss, 1 part perlite, and 1 part loamy garden soil. The preferred soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingGeraniums (Pelargonium 'Gemstone') should be repotted every one to two years or when they become root-bound. It's best to repot in the spring just before the new growth starts.
Humidity & MistingGeraniums (Pelargonium 'Gemstone') prefer moderate humidity levels around 40-60%. They can tolerate dry air but thrive with increased humidity as long as there is good air circulation.
Suitable locationsIndoor
For indoor Geraniums, place in bright, indirect light.
Outdoor
Outdoor Geraniums need sun to part shade and shelter.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Pelargonium 'Gemstone', commonly known as Scented Geranium, starts with seed germination, which occurs in warm, moist soil where temperatures are kept consistent. Following germination, seedlings develop true leaves and are then transplanted to individual pots or garden beds. As a vegetative stage, the plant grows stems, leaves, and begins branching, requiring regular watering and plenty of sunlight. The mature plant then blooms, producing clusters of small, decorative flowers that vary in color throughout the growing season, which happens when the plant experiences optimal growing conditions. After the flowering stage, the plant sets seed, although many cultivators propagate Scented Geranium via cuttings to maintain specific cultivar traits. In colder climates, the plant enters a dormant period during winter or may die if not brought indoors, while in warmer zones, it may continue to grow year-round with reduced vigor during cooler months.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Pelargonium 'Gemstone', commonly known as a type of geranium, is often propagated through stem cuttings, which is its most popular method. This technique is usually undertaken during the warmer months, ideally early spring to summer, when the plant is actively growing. To propagate using stem cuttings, a healthy, non-flowering stem of about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) is chosen. The selected stem is cut just below a leaf node, and the lower leaves are removed to expose a clean section of stem. This cutting is then dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development and planted in a mix of potting soil and perlite or vermiculite to ensure good drainage. The cutting should be kept in a warm, lightly shaded area and maintained with consistent moisture until roots have established, after which it can be transplanted to a permanent location.
