Geranium Pelargonium 'Lara Maid' (A)
ABOUT
Pelargonium 'Lara Maid' is a stunningly attractive plant, commonly known as a geranium. It boasts a lush foliage that is soft to the touch, with leaves that exhibit a rounded yet slightly lobed silhouette, giving them a unique and intricate shape. The green of the leaves is generally a rich and vibrant hue, presenting as both a backdrop and contrast to the plant's standout feature, its flowers. The blooms of the 'Lara Maid' geranium are a spectacle to behold. They cluster in an umbrella-like fashion, known typically as an inflorescence, where multiple individual flowers on short stalks bunch together to form a rounded display. Each blossom is graced with delicate petals that overlap each other. The petals could range in color, often exhibiting bright and vivacious shades that can attract attention even from a distance. Shades may include colors such as pink, red, purple, or white, often with subtle markings or veins that add depth and beauty to the overall appearance. As ornamental plants, 'Lara Maid' geraniums are often celebrated for this floral display, which is not only visually captivating but may also have a pleasing fragrance. The scent can carry on the breeze and add an aromatic presence to a garden or indoor space. These blooms persist over a generous period, providing long-lasting color and interest. The geranium's structure is typically sturdy yet aesthetically pleasing, with stems that are strong enough to support the weight of the foliage and flowers, but still retaining a graceful bearing. The plant presents a harmonious balance between its leafy greens and the bursts of color offered by its standout flowers, making it a favorite among gardeners and plant enthusiasts for adding a touch of elegance to their plant collections or garden spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Geraniaceae
Synonyms
Lara Maid Geranium
Common names
Pelargonium 'Lara Maid'
ToxicityTo humans
Pelargonium 'Lara Maid' is commonly known as a geranium. Geraniums are not considered highly toxic to humans, but ingestion can cause minor symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is usually not life-threatening, but ingesting large amounts may require medical attention.
To pets
Geraniums are known to be toxic to pets, especially cats and dogs. Ingesting the plant can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, anorexia, depression, and dermatitis. In cats, it can also cause ataxia (loss of coordination). If you suspect your pet has ingested geranium, it is important to seek veterinary care promptly to manage the symptoms effectively.
CharacteristicsLife 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- Ornamental Appeal: Showy leaves and clusters of small flowers add aesthetic beauty to gardens and indoor spaces.
- Easy Maintenance: Known for being low-maintenance, requiring minimal care to thrive.
- Drought Tolerance: Capable of surviving in dry conditions, making it suitable for water-wise gardens.
- Long Blooming Season: Provides color and interest over a long period with its extended blooming time.
- Adaptability: Can be grown in various types of containers, making it versatile for different gardening situations.
- Insect Repellent: The scent is believed to repel certain insects, which can be beneficial when grown outdoors or on patios.
- Variety: Comes in a range of colors, allowing for personalized garden design and color themes.
- Climate Hardy: Able to withstand a variety of climates, depending on the specific variety and region.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: The flowers of the Pelargonium 'Lara Maid' can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, yielding shades of pink and purple depending on the mordant used.
- In aromatherapy: The essential oil derived from the leaves and flowers may be used in aromatherapy for its fragrance, though not for any specific therapeutic benefits.
- As a flavoring agent: The leaves, which are often scented, can be used to flavor jellies, desserts, and teas, imparting a subtle floral or citrus-like aroma.
- In potpourri: Dried leaves and flowers can be included in potpourri mixes for their pleasant aroma and to add a splash of color to the mixture.
- As a craft material: The flowers can be pressed and used in crafting, such as in making bookmarks, greeting cards, or decorative elements in scrapbooking.
- In educational projects: This plant can be used in botany or horticulture classes to teach propagation techniques and hybrid plant breeding methods.
- As an ornamental ice cube: Freeze small flowers in ice cubes for an elegant touch in drinks served at special occasions.
- In companion planting: It can be planted in gardens alongside vegetables and herbs to take advantage of its natural fragrance as a potential pest deterrent.
- For garden design: Its distinctive shape and color can be used in landscape design to create focal points or to add vertical interest with its upright growth habit.
- As a photography subject: The vibrant flowers can be used by photographers looking for natural subjects to capture in macro photography or for practicing depth of field techniques.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Pelargonium, also known as Geranium, can be used in Feng Shui to promote positive energy and balance within the home. It is believed to foster good health, friendship, and happiness when placed in the right area. According to Feng Shui principles, it is beneficial to place Geraniums in the health (east) or family (east) sector of your space, or in the love and marriage (southwest) sector to enhance these aspects of your life.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Geranium is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Comfort: Pelargoniums, commonly known as geraniums, are often associated with comfort due to their homey and familiar scents, which can evoke feelings of peacefulness and nostalgia.
- Healing: Geraniums have been used in traditional medicine for their healing properties, symbolizing health and recovery.
- Friendship: Giving a geranium is sometimes seen as an expression of friendship or a kind gesture, symbolizing strong bonds and positive relationships.
- Happiness: The bright and colorful flowers of geraniums can represent cheerfulness and positivity, bringing joy to those who receive or encounter them.
- Fertility: Historically, geraniums have been linked to fertility and reproduction, as some varieties can be prolific bloomers.
- Protection: In folk traditions, geraniums were believed to protect against evil spirits, symbolizing a safe and secure environment.
WaterGeraniums, which include the Pelargonium 'Lara Maid', should be watered deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between watering sessions. The frequency of watering largely depends on weather conditions, but a good rule of thumb is once a week to once every two weeks. When watering, aim to use about one gallon of water per square foot of soil, ensuring that the water reaches deep into the root zone. During hot, dry periods, you may need to water more frequently, and less often during colder months or when rain is plentiful. It's crucial to avoid waterlogging as geraniums are prone to root rot when left in soggy soil.
LightGeraniums thrive in bright, indirect sunlight and should be positioned in a spot where they receive about 6 to 8 hours of light daily. The ideal location would be in an east- or west-facing window, where they can get plenty of light without the harshness of the midday sun. Avoid placing geraniums in full shade or direct afternoon sunlight, as both can harm the plant and impede its growth and flowering.
TemperatureGeraniums do best in temperatures that range between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and should not be exposed to temperatures below 55 degrees Fahrenheit, as they are not frost-tolerant. The ideal night temperature is between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. They can withstand brief periods of higher temperatures, but prolonged heat can stress the plant.
PruningPruning geraniums encourages bushier growth and more blooms. Remove dead flowers and leaves regularly to promote healthy new growth and prevent disease. In the spring, pinch back the stems to encourage a fuller plant. Major pruning is best done in early spring or after the plant has finished blooming in the fall. Geraniums can be pruned throughout the growing season as needed to maintain shape and size.
CleaningAs needed
SoilGeranium 'Lara Maid' thrives in a well-draining soil mix composed of 2 parts potting soil, 1 part peat moss, and 1 part perlite or coarse sand. The ideal soil pH for Geraniums is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingGeraniums should be repotted every 1 to 2 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. Choose a new pot that is slightly larger than the current one.
Humidity & MistingGeranium 'Lara Maid' prefers moderate humidity levels, around 40-60%, which is typically found in typical home environments, making extra humidity measures unnecessary.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Geranium 'Lara Maid' needs bright light and occasional watering when indoor.
Outdoor
Place Geranium 'Lara Maid' outdoor in full sun and protect from frost.
Hardiness zone
10-11 USDA
Life cyclePelargonium 'Lara Maid', commonly known as geranium, begins life as a seed, which, when planted in well-draining soil and given appropriate warmth and moisture, germinates to produce a seedling. The seedling stage involves the development of primary leaves as it establishes a root system, and once matured, it enters the vegetative stage, growing larger leaves and stems to collect sunlight and nutrients. Following vegetative growth, the geranium enters the flowering stage under suitable conditions, which include ample sunlight and proper fertilization; it produces vibrant blossoms that attract pollinators and may be deadheaded to encourage further blooming. After pollination, the plant may produce fruit containing seeds, completing its reproductive cycle. In perennial growing zones, the geranium will enter a period of dormancy during colder months, conserving energy to resume growth in the spring. If the conditions are not perennially suitable, geraniums can be grown as annuals or overwintered indoors to protect them from frost and enable them to continue their life cycle the following season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Pelargonium 'Lara Maid', commonly known as geranium, is typically propagated through stem cuttings. This method is most popular due to its simplicity and high success rate. To propagate geraniums from cuttings, you should take a 3-5 inch (about 7.5-12.5 cm) cutting from a healthy mother plant just above a leaf node using a sharp, sterile cutting tool. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone to encourage root development. Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix, ensuring that at least one node is beneath the surface. The pot should then be placed in a warm, brightly lit area but out of direct sunlight, and kept moist but not waterlogged. Roots typically begin to form within a few weeks, after which the new plant can be gradually acclimated to more direct light and eventually planted in its permanent location.
