Geranium Pelargonium 'Kettlebaston' (A)
ABOUT
Pelargonium 'Kettlebaston' is a variety of geranium known for its ornamental qualities. This plant typically features a robust, shrub-like form with branching stems. The leaves are quite distinctive, generally rounded in shape with a soft, velvety texture, and they exhibit a rich green color. Often, the foliage may display zonal patterns marked by darker shades or hues. The geranium's visual appeal is significantly enhanced by its flowers, which are the main attraction. The blossoms are arranged in clusters known as inflorescences, which rise above the foliage, creating a delightful contrast. Each flower is composed of five petals, and they commonly present in bright shades ranging from pink to purplish hues, sometimes with distinct veining or blotches of a contrasting color that add to the floral show. Pelargonium 'Kettlebaston', like most geraniums, is popular among gardeners and plant enthusiasts for its aesthetic value and is often used in pots, containers, or as a bedding plant to bring color and vibrancy to gardens and outdoor spaces. The combination of its lush foliage and vibrant flowers makes it a standout plant capable of capturing the eye and adding a touch of elegance wherever it is grown.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Geraniaceae.
Synonyms
Kettlebaston Geranium, Fancy Leaf Geranium, Zonal Geranium.
Common names
Pelargonium 'Kettlebaston'.
ToxicityTo humans
Geraniums, including the variety Pelargonium 'Kettlebaston', are generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, eating large quantities of geranium leaves can cause mild irritation or an allergic reaction in some sensitive individuals. Symptoms could include gastrointestinal upset such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. It is always recommended to keep plants out of reach of children and to avoid ingesting plant material.
To pets
Geraniums are considered mildly toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. If a pet ingests a significant amount of geranium, they may exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, depression, anorexia, and dermatitis. The essential oils and some other components in the plant can cause these reactions. It is best to prevent your pets from ingesting any part of the plant and to consult with a veterinarian if you suspect poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
1 foot (30 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
10
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Blooms: Pelargonium 'Kettlebaston', commonly known as geranium, produces vibrant flowers that enhance the visual appeal of gardens and indoor spaces.
- Drought Tolerance: Geraniums are known for their ability to withstand periods of dryness, making them suitable for water-wise gardening.
- Easy Maintenance: They require minimal care, making them ideal for novice gardeners or those with busy lifestyles.
- Pest Resistance: Geraniums are naturally resistant to many pests, reducing the need for chemical pest control.
- Adaptability: This plant can thrive in a variety of soil types and environmental conditions.
- Long Blooming Season: Geraniums have a lengthy flowering period, providing color and interest throughout the growing season.
- Container Gardening: They are well-suited to pots and containers, allowing for versatility in garden design and space usage.
- Variety of Uses: Geraniums can be used in borders, beds, hanging baskets, and as ground covers, offering diverse landscaping options.
- Fragrance: Some geranium varieties, including certain Pelargonium 'Kettlebaston', have a pleasant scent that can be soothing and aromatic in gardens and patios.
- Pollinator-Friendly: The flowers can attract beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies to the garden, aiding pollination.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Pelargonium 'Kettlebaston', commonly known as Scented Geranium, leaves can be used to flavor jellies and desserts, providing a subtle and distinctive taste.
- The fragrant leaves of the Scented Geranium can be infused in sugar for culinary use, giving the sugar a delicate flavor ideal for baking and sweetening beverages.
- Dried Scented Geranium leaves can be added to potpourri mixes to enhance the fragrance and create a fresh, pleasant aroma in the home.
- These leaves can also be utilized as a natural insect repellent, specifically for mosquitoes, when placed in areas where these pests are prevalent.
- The vibrant flowers of the Scented Geranium can be used as a colorful, edible garnish for salads and fancy drinks, adding an unexpected visual appeal to dishes.
- Scented Geraniums can be planted as companion plants in the garden to help deter pests from other plants, thanks to their strong scent.
- Leaves from the Scented Geranium can be used to scent homemade candles and soaps, providing a unique, floral fragrance to DIY beauty and home products.
- The plant can be used to create a natural fabric dye, yielding a variety of earthy tones depending on the mordant used.
- Culinary artists can incorporate the leaves into ice cubes, creating visually appealing and aromatic ice that adds a touch of elegance to drinks.
- Scented Geranium can be used in craftwork, such as pressing the leaves and flowers into paper to create beautiful, botanical-themed stationery or bookmarks.
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 Healing: Pelargoniums, commonly known as geraniums, often symbolize comfort and healing due to their pleasant fragrance and the traditional use of their essential oils in aromatherapy.
- Friendship: Geraniums can represent closeness and positive relationships, making them a popular gift between friends to signify a strong and supportive bond.
- Good Health: With their lush foliage and use in herbal remedies, geraniums are often associated with wishes for good health and vitality.
- Happiness and Positive Energy: The bright and colorful flowers of geraniums convey happiness and are thought to bring positive energy into the home or garden where they are placed.
WaterGeraniums, like Pelargonium 'Kettlebaston', require moderate watering. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again, which typically translates to watering once every 7 to 10 days, depending on environmental conditions. Ideally, use room temperature water, and when watering, do so deeply to encourage robust root growth, but be careful to avoid waterlogging the soil. It's best to provide about 8-16 ounces of water for potted geraniums each time you water, ensuring even distribution across the soil. Adjust the amount based on the size of the pot and the plant's response.
LightGeraniums, including Pelargonium 'Kettlebaston', thrive best in bright, indirect sunlight. A spot near an east or west-facing window that receives several hours of light but is protected from the hot midday sun is ideal. Avoid placing your geraniums in areas with low light or deep shade, as this can lead to leggy growth and reduced blooming.
TemperatureGeraniums, such as Pelargonium 'Kettlebaston', favor temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and should not be exposed to temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit for extended periods. Avoid placing your geranium in locations that experience cold drafts or sudden temperature changes. The ideal temperature range ensures healthy growth and blooming.
PruningPruning geraniums, like Pelargonium 'Kettlebaston', is necessary to remove dead or yellowing leaves and promote bushier growth and more blooms. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts, cutting back up to one-third of the plant. Deadhead spent blooms regularly throughout the growing season to encourage continuous flowering.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for a Geranium, commonly Pelargonium 'Kettlebaston', is well-draining potting soil with added perlite or sand to improve aeration and drainage. It should have a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingGeraniums should be repotted every one to two years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. It is best to repot in spring before the onset of the growing season.
Humidity & MistingGeraniums prefer moderate humidity levels, around 40-60%. They can tolerate indoor humidity levels, but it's best to avoid overly humid conditions to prevent disease.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Full sun to part shade; protect from harsh elements.
Hardiness zone
10-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life of a Geranium 'Kettlebaston' begins with germination, where the seed absorbs water and sprouts, developing roots downward and a shoot upward. As a seedling, it develops true leaves, distinct from the initial cotyledons, and begins photosynthesis. During the vegetative growth stage, the plant grows robustly, forming a bushy structure with numerous leaves and stems. It then enters the flowering stage, producing colorful blossoms that attract pollinators necessary for reproduction. After pollination, the flowers develop into seeds, encapsulated within fruits that will eventually disperse for the next generation. Finally, in environments with seasonal changes, the Pelargonium 'Kettlebaston' may go dormant or die back in colder months, preserving energy in its roots or stem tubers for the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Pelargonium 'Kettlebaston', commonly known as a type of Geranium, is most popularly propagated through stem cuttings. The ideal time for taking stem cuttings is during the late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate through stem cuttings, you should select a healthy non-flowering shoot and cut a length of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm). Make the cut just below a node (a point where leaves emerge), because this is where the new roots will form. Remove the lower leaves to expose a section of the stem that will be placed in the soil and possibly dip the end of the cutting in rooting hormone to enhance root development. Afterward, insert the cutting into a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix. The cutting should then be kept in a warm place with indirect sunlight and maintained consistently moist until roots develop, which usually takes a few weeks.
