Pelargonium 'Lara Starshine' Pelargonium 'Lara Starshine' (Sc)

Water

The zonal geranium, which is the common name for Pelargonium 'Lara Starshine', should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Water the plant deeply until excess water drains out of the bottom of the pot, approximately every 7 to 10 days, but this can vary based on climate and indoor conditions. Use room temperature water and aim to use about a gallon for outdoor plants or adjust the amount according to the size of the indoor pot. Avoid getting water on the leaves to reduce the risk of disease. It's essential to allow the soil to dry out between waterings as zonal geraniums do not like to sit in wet soil.

Light

Zonal geraniums thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. Place your Pelargonium 'Lara Starshine' in a spot where it will receive at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight daily, avoiding the intense direct sun of the midday which can scorch the leaves. An east or west-facing windowsill is often ideal for ensuring it gets enough light without being damaged by the heat.

Temperature

Zonal geraniums prefer temperatures between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and do not like to go below 55 degrees Fahrenheit at night. They can survive in temperatures up to around 80 degrees Fahrenheit but will struggle if the temperature rises above this for an extended period. During winter, it's vital to protect Pelargonium 'Lara Starshine' from frost, as it cannot survive freezing conditions.

Pruning

Zonal geraniums benefit from regular pruning to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Prune Pelargonium 'Lara Starshine' in early spring before new growth begins and throughout the growing season as needed to remove dead or yellowing leaves and spent flowers. Cut back up to one-third of the plant to promote healthy new growth. Pruning is also helpful to shape the plant and keep it compact, which is best done with clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for a Scented Geranium, such as 'Lara Starshine', is a well-draining, fertile potting mix with added perlite or sand to enhance drainage. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ideally between 6.0 and 7.0.

Repotting

Scented Geraniums like 'Lara Starshine' should be repotted every one to two years or when they outgrow their current container to ensure continued growth and vitality.

Humidity & Misting

Scented Geraniums prefer moderate humidity levels, around 40-60%, but are adaptable and will tolerate indoor humidity levels well.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil moderately dry.

• Outdoor

  Grow in full sun to partial shade and protect from frost.

• Hardiness zone

  9-11 USDA

Life cycle

Pelargonium 'Lara Starshine', commonly known as Scented Geranium, begins its life cycle as a seed, which when sown in well-draining soil and provided with warmth, will germinate. The seedling stage follows, characterized by the emergence of the plant's first true leaves, after which the plant enters the vegetative stage, focusing on leaf and stem growth. With adequate sunlight, water, and nutrition, the Scented Geranium matures, developing a robust root system and increased foliage. The flowering stage is marked by the production of small, star-shaped blooms that may attract pollinators, after which, if pollination occurs, the plant may produce seeds, perpetuating the life cycle. Eventually, as the plant ages, it enters a period of senescence, where growth slows and it may become more susceptible to environmental stressors. In cultivation, to maintain vigor, it is common to propagate Scented Geraniums from cuttings, thus continuing the cycle without the plant reaching full senescence.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method of propagation for Pelargonium 'Lara Starshine', commonly known as a type of geranium, is through stem cuttings. This is usually done in late summer to early fall. To propagate, a healthy stem cutting about 4-6 inches (10-15 centimeters) long is taken from a mature plant. The cutting should have at least two sets of leaves. The bottom set of leaves is removed, and the cut end can be dipped into rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then planted in a pot filled with a well-draining soil mixture. It's important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and place the pot in a warm area with indirect sunlight. Roots will typically form within a few weeks, after which the new geranium plant can be gradually acclimated to more direct light and eventually transplanted outdoors if desired.