Scented Geranium Pelargonium 'Lara Candy Dancer' (Sc)
ABOUT
The Pelargonium 'Lara Candy Dancer' is a showy plant characterized by its distinctive leaves and flowers. The leaves of this variety are somewhat rounded, with a heart-like shape and scalloped edges, creating a lacey appearance. They are often a rich green color that may have a variegated or zonal pattern, which consists of a darker or differently colored zone that follows the shape of the leaf margin. This plant flaunts clusters of flowers that are visually striking. The flowers themselves are composed of five petals, typically in a bicolored pattern where the two upper petals are different from the three lower petals. The colors are vivid and can be pink, with the upper petals showcasing pronounced maroon or purple markings that add to the visual allure. These decorations on the petals can resemble veining or may form intricate designs that catch the eye. The contrast between the bright colors and the markings gives these flowers a candy-striped appearance, hence the name 'Candy Dancer'. Overall, the Pelargonium 'Lara Candy Dancer' exudes a cheerful and vibrant persona, making it a popular plant for decorative purposes in gardens and as a houseplant. Its colorful blooms can be expected to appear when conditions are favorable, and they can add a sense of movement and liveliness to any setting thanks to their delightful dance-like array.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Geraniaceae
Synonyms
Scented Geranium, Fancy-leaf Geranium, Zonal Pelargonium, Geranium
Common names
Pelargonium 'Lara Candy Dancer'
ToxicityTo humans
Pelargoniums, commonly known as geraniums, are not considered highly toxic to humans. However, ingestion of large amounts of the plant might cause minor symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. It is always advisable to keep plants out of reach of small children who might inadvertently ingest plant parts.
To pets
Geraniums, including the Pelargonium 'Lara Candy Dancer', can be toxic to pets, especially cats and dogs. If ingested, the plant can cause symptoms such as vomiting, anorexia, depression, and dermatitis. In severe cases, geranium poisoning can also lead to renal failure. If you suspect your pet has ingested this plant, consult your veterinarian immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Varies
Flower color
Mixed
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: Pelargonium 'Lara Candy Dancer', commonly known as scented geranium, has vibrant and uniquely patterned flowers that enhance the visual beauty of gardens and indoor spaces.
- Fragrance: This plant emits a pleasant scent which can contribute to a relaxing and enjoyable garden atmosphere.
- Easy to Grow: Scented geraniums are generally easy to cultivate and maintain, making them suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerance: They are relatively drought-resistant once established, thereby reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Pest Resistance: The natural fragrance of scented geraniums can repel certain pests, helping protect other plants in proximity.
- Versatility: Scented geraniums can be grown in pots or containers, making them versatile for balcony gardens, patios, or indoor settings.
- Long Flowering Season: They have a long blooming period which ensures that your garden remains colorful for an extended time.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Decorative Ice Cubes: Freeze the small, vibrant flowers of the Pelargonium in ice cube trays to create colorful and edible additions for summer drinks and punches.
- Natural Fabric Dyes: The blossoms of the Pelargonium can be boiled to extract natural dyes that produce beautiful tints on fabrics like silk and cotton.
- Plant-Based Inks: By crushing the leaves and flowers, it is possible to derive a green-to-brownish ink for use in artistic endeavors or natural printing.
- Floral Arrangements: The Pelargonium 'Lara Candy Dancer' can be used as a long-lasting cut flower to add an unusual look and texture to bouquets and centerpieces.
- Fragrance Sachets: Dried Pelargonium leaves can be placed in small pouches to create natural fragrance sachets for drawers and closets.
- Companion Planting: Planting Pelargonium in a vegetable garden may help repel unwanted insects and could enhance the growth of certain vegetables.
- Garden Borders: Use the Pelargonium to create colorful and low-growing borders along walkways or flower beds for eye-catching appeal.
- Pressed Flower Art: The flowers of Pelargonium can be pressed and used in creating unique, botanical artwork such as bookmarks or framed pieces.
- Plant Potpourri: Combine dried flowers and leaves of the Pelargonium with other herbs and spices to craft homemade potpourri.
- Homemade Soaps and Candles: Infuse melted soap or wax with the scent and petals of the Pelargonium for a personal touch in homemade crafts.
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: The delicate and soothing appearance of the pelargonium often evokes a sense of nurturing and offers a visual form of comfort, making it a symbol for healing and recuperation.
- Protection: In some cultures, pelargoniums are believed to have protective properties, often planted around homes to ward off evil spirits and negative energies.
- Feminine Energy: The soft, rounded petals of the pelargonium are sometimes associated with femininity, symbolizing grace, gentleness, and the nurturing aspects of womanhood.
- Friendship: Giving a pelargonium plant can symbolize a wish for enduring friendship, as these plants can be long-lived and require care and attention similar to the nurturing of relationships.
- Positive Spirit: The bright and cheerful flowers of the pelargonium represent positivity and a light-hearted spirit, often used to lift the mood and bring joy into a home or to a person.
WaterScented Geraniums like Pelargonium 'Lara Candy Dancer' should be watered thoroughly when the soil feels dry to the touch. It's best to water this plant deeply every 7 to 10 days, allowing the water to run freely from the drainage holes, indicating that moisture has reached the entire root system. Use roughly 16-24 ounces of water for small pots or up to 1-2 gallons for larger containers, ensuring even soil moisture but not soggy conditions. During the growing season in spring and summer, they may need more frequent watering, especially if they are outdoors in warm, windy weather. In winter, water less frequently, just enough to keep the soil from drying out completely.
LightScented Geraniums need bright, indirect light to thrive. Place Pelargonium 'Lara Candy Dancer' in a spot where it will receive at least 6 hours of sunlight daily, such as a south or west-facing window. Avoid direct midday sun in summer, which can scorch the leaves. If grown outdoors, they enjoy morning sun with some afternoon shade.
TemperatureScented Geraniums prefer a temperature range between 55-85°F. They can survive a minimum temperature of around 30°F, but frost should be avoided. Pelargonium 'Lara Candy Dancer' enjoys warmth and will do best when night temperatures don't drop below 50°F. Always protect the plant from cold drafts and drastic temperature changes.
PruningPrune Scented Geraniums to encourage bushier growth and to remove any leggy or dead stems. For Pelargonium 'Lara Candy Dancer', pinch back the tips of stems regularly, and perform a more thorough pruning in early spring or after blooming. This will help to maintain an attractive shape and promote more vigorous growth. Remove spent flowers as needed to keep the plant looking tidy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilGeranium 'Lara Candy Dancer' thrives best in a soil mix consisting of equal parts peat, perlite, and potting soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingGeranium 'Lara Candy Dancer' should be repotted every one to two years, typically in the spring, to refresh the soil and encourage healthy growth.
Humidity & MistingGeranium 'Lara Candy Dancer' prefers moderate humidity levels and does well in typical indoor environments without the need for additional humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, away from drafts, in well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade, protect from frost, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
10-11 USDA
Life cycle'Lara Candy Dancer' Pelargonium, commonly known as geranium, begins its life cycle as a seed, which when sown in warm, well-draining soil and provided with ample sunlight, germinates into a small seedling. The seedling grows into a young plant with a strong root system and distinctive foliage, entering a vegetative growth phase where it focuses on developing leaves and stems. As it matures, the plant enters the flowering stage, producing vibrant and uniquely patterned blooms that can enhance any garden or container display. After pollination, some geraniums can produce seed pods, although many hybrid varieties, like 'Lara Candy Dancer', are typically propagated from cuttings rather than seeds. Once mature, the plant can be regularly pruned to encourage bushier growth and more blooms, and it will continue to flower until the conditions become unfavorable. In colder climates, this geranium is often treated as an annual but in milder climates or with proper overwintering, the plant can survive for several years, going dormant in the winter and returning to active growth in the spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for the scented geranium, Pelargonium 'Lara Candy Dancer', is through stem cuttings. Cuttings are best taken in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Choose a healthy, non-flowering stem and make your cut just below a leaf node, about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) in length. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with a mix of peat moss and perlite or sandy soil, ensuring at least two nodes are buried. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a warm, indirect light area until roots develop, which typically takes 4 to 8 weeks. Once the cuttings have rooted and show signs of new growth, they can be transplanted into individual pots or into the garden.
