Golden Harry Hieover Geranium Pelargonium 'Golden Harry Hieover' (Z/c)
ABOUT
The plant known as 'Golden Harry Hieover' is a variety of the commonly named geranium. This plant boasts vibrant green foliage that sets the backdrop for its striking flowers. The blooms are prominent, showcasing a vibrant color palette that can include various shades, often with intricate veining or patterns that may contrast with the primary petal color. The leaves are also noteworthy, with some geranium varieties having leaves edged or patterned with a different hue, such as a golden or creamy variegation, which could be why it has "Golden" in its name. The overall aesthetic of the plant is lush and full-bodied, making it a popular choice for ornamental purposes in gardens and containers. Geraniums are known for their rounded leaf shape, which often has a quilted texture, and can sometimes carry a scent depending on the variety. The flowers typically have five petals and can appear in clusters, making for a showy display.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Geraniaceae.
Synonyms
No common names available.
Common names
Pelargonium 'Golden Harry Hieover' (Z/c).
ToxicityTo humans
Pelargoniums, commonly known as geraniums, are not generally considered to be poisonous to humans. However, consuming parts of the plant, particularly in large quantities, may cause mild irritation or gastrointestinal discomfort, such as diarrhea or vomiting. It's always advisable to avoid ingesting plants that are not meant for consumption to prevent any potential adverse effects.
To pets
Geraniums are known to be toxic to pets, particularly dogs and cats. If a pet ingests part of a geranium plant, they might exhibit symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, or skin irritation. Ingesting large quantities can lead to more severe reactions and should prompt immediate veterinary attention. Pet owners should keep geraniums out of reach of their animals to avoid the risk of poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: The Pelargonium 'Golden Harry Hieover', commonly known as Geranium, is prized for its vibrant flowers and golden foliage, which can add a splash of color to gardens and balconies.
- Low Maintenance: Geraniums are generally easy to care for, requiring only minimal watering and occasional deadheading to keep them looking their best.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, Geraniums are quite drought-tolerant, making them a good choice for gardeners in drier regions or those looking to conserve water.
- Versatility: Geraniums can be grown in pots, hanging baskets, or directly in the ground, making them suitable for various garden designs and spaces.
- Long Blooming Period: Geraniums can flower for most of the spring and summer, providing long-lasting color and interest in the garden or home.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of Geraniums can attract butterflies and bees, promoting pollination in the garden.
- Deer Resistant: Geraniums are often resistant to deer, which can help prevent the garden from being eaten by wildlife.
- Fast Growing: Geraniums can grow and establish quickly, providing rapid coverage and gratification in garden settings.
- Propagation Ease: Geraniums can be easily propagated from cuttings, allowing gardeners to expand their collection without additional cost.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Handmade Paper Infusion: Dried leaves of the scented Pelargonium can be infused into handmade paper for a unique aroma and textured appearance.
- Natural Dyes: The intense colors of Pelargonium flowers can be used to produce natural dyes for fabric or wool, giving them a soft, earthy hue.
- Culinary Garnishes: The edible flowers can be used fresh or candied to garnish desserts and salads, adding a touch of elegance and subtle flavor.
- Traditional Doll Making: Dried Pelargoniums are sometimes used in the crafting of traditional dolls, where the flowers adorn the dolls' dresses or hair.
- Plant Potpourri: Both leaves and flowers of the Pelargonium can be dried and combined with other herbs to create a natural potpourri mix.
- Scented Ink: The essential oils from Pelargonium leaves may be mixed with ink to add fragrance to handwritten letters or calligraphy.
- Photography Props: The bright and diverse Pelargonium blooms are often used as props or background in macro and still life photography.
- Fragrant Bookmarks: Dried flowers or leaves can be embedded into homemade bookmarks to give a pleasant scent when nestled in the pages of a book.
- Scented Candles: The essential oil of the scented Pelargonium can be used in candle making to infuse the candles with a natural, calming aroma.
- Creative Art Workshops: Leaves and pressed flowers of Pelargonium may be used in craft workshops to teach botanical imprint techniques on clay or plaster.
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, often symbolize comfort due to their pleasant scent and homey appearance, suggesting a sense of coziness and familiarity.
- Health: Historically, geraniums have been used for their medicinal properties, representing overall well-being and health.
- Friendship: Geraniums are sometimes given as gifts between friends, symbolizing close bonds and positive relationships.
- Sturdiness: The robust nature of geraniums, able to thrive in various conditions, can symbolize strength and resilience.
- Positive Energy: With vibrant flowers and a fresh fragrance, geraniums are often associated with positivity and uplifting energy.
WaterFor the geranium 'Golden Harry Hieover', it's important to water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. On average, this might translate to watering once a week, but the frequency will vary depending on environmental conditions. Use lukewarm water and aim to provide around 16-24 ounces per watering for a medium-sized pot, ensuring you're maintaining even soil moisture without waterlogging the plant. During the winter months, reduce watering slightly as plant growth slows down. Always avoid letting the geranium sit in standing water as this can lead to root rot.
LightGeraniums, including 'Golden Harry Hieover', thrive in bright, indirect light. They do best in a location where they can receive at least six hours of sunlight daily, such as an east- or west-facing windowsill. If direct sunlight is particularly intense, as in a south-facing window, it may be necessary to provide some shade during the hottest part of the day.
TemperatureGeraniums like 'Golden Harry Hieover' perform well in temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, though they can tolerate a range from about 55 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They should be protected from temperatures below 55 degrees Fahrenheit as they are not frost-tolerant and can suffer damage or die if exposed to cold extremes.
PruningPruning geraniums like 'Golden Harry Hieover' is crucial for maintaining a bushy, compact shape and encouraging more blooms. Prune in early spring before new growth begins, cutting back leggy stems to one-third of their length. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming throughout the season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilGeranium 'Golden Harry Hieover' prefers a well-draining soil mix consisting of equal parts peat, perlite, and potting compost, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingGeraniums like 'Golden Harry Hieover' should generally be repotted every one to two years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth.
Humidity & MistingGeranium 'Golden Harry Hieover' tolerates average indoor humidity levels but performs best with moderate humidity, avoiding excessively dry or damp conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and avoid overwatering.
Outdoor
Ensure full to partial sun and protect from frost.
Hardiness zone
10-11 USDA
Life cyclePelargonium 'Golden Harry Hieover', commonly known as Golden Geranium, begins its life cycle when seeds are sown in well-draining soil after the last frost has passed. The seeds germinate, and seedlings emerge, typically requiring warm temperatures and plenty of sunlight. As these seedlings grow, they develop into young plants with characteristic colorful leaves and a compact growth habit. Over time, the plants mature and produce clusters of flowers that vary in color, attracting pollinators to aid in reproduction. After flowering, seeds develop and can be collected or allowed to fall naturally to the ground, where they can germinate to start a new generation. The plant typically enters a period of dormancy during colder months, although in milder climates, some vegetative growth may continue year-round.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The geranium Pelargonium 'Golden Harry Hieover' can be propagated most effectively through stem cuttings, a method that is popular due to its simplicity and high success rate. During the active growing season, which is typically from early spring to late summer, one selects a healthy, non-flowering stem of about 4 to 6 inches long (10 to 15 cm) and makes a clean cut just below a node, the point from which leaves grow. The lower leaves are removed to reveal a section of the bare stem, which is then dipped in rooting hormone to promote root development and planted in a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix. The cutting should be placed in a warm, brightly lit area but out of direct sunlight and kept consistently moist but not water-logged. Roots usually develop within a few weeks, at which point the cutting can be transferred to a larger pot or into the garden if outdoor conditions are favorable.
