Geranium Pelargonium 'Lavender Grand Slam' (R)
ABOUT
The Pelargonium 'Lavender Grand Slam', commonly known as a type of geranium, is known for its striking appearance. This plant features lush, velvety green foliage that is rounded with scalloped edges, creating a plush background that contrasts beautifully with its blooms. The flowers themselves are a standout feature, characterized by their vibrant lavender hue with hauntingly beautiful dark maroon veins running through each petal. These eye-catching petals radiate around a central, plum-colored eye, which is accented with lighter tones, giving each flower a dramatic and mesmerizing look. These geraniums typically produce clusters of flowers that appear at the ends of the stems, creating a showy display that attracts onlookers and pollinators alike. The leaves may also have a hint of fragrance when touched or brushed against, adding to the sensory experience of this plant. Overall, Pelargonium 'Lavender Grand Slam' presents a captivating display of color and texture.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Geraniaceae
Synonyms
Lavender Grand Slam Geranium, Lavender Grand Slam Pelargonium
Common names
Pelargonium 'Lavender Grand Slam' (R).
ToxicityTo humans
Geraniums, including the 'Lavender Grand Slam' variety, are generally not considered highly toxic to humans. However, they can cause minor irritation if ingested, with potential symptoms including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is always advisable to avoid eating plants that are not specifically grown for consumption to prevent any adverse effects.
To pets
Geraniums, including the 'Lavender Grand Slam' variety, can be toxic to pets, especially cats and dogs. If ingested, they can cause symptoms such as vomiting, anorexia, depression, and dermatitis. In some cases, ingestion may lead to more serious symptoms such as lethargy and hypothermia. If you suspect your pet has ingested part of a geranium, it is important to contact your veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Lavender
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- Aesthetic Appeal: The Pelargonium 'Lavender Grand Slam' offers bright lavender-colored flowers that can enhance the visual beauty of gardens and spaces.
- Ease of Care: Known for being low-maintenance, requiring minimal care once established, making it suitable for novice gardeners.
- Drought Tolerance: This plant is relatively drought-tolerant, making it a good choice for water-wise gardens and for areas with water restrictions.
- Long Blooming: It has a long blooming season, offering flowers throughout spring and summer, and sometimes into fall, providing sustained beauty.
- Versatility: Can be used in various garden settings, including borders, containers, and as bedding plants, offering flexibility in landscape design.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies, which is vital for the health of your garden and the environment.
- Herbal Scent: Pelargoniums are known for their pleasant scent, which adds a sensory aspect to gardens and outdoor spaces.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Art and Craft Material: The vividly colored leaves and flowers of the geranium can be pressed and used in creating botanical prints, greeting cards, and book covers.
- Natural Fabric Dye: Petals of the geranium can provide a natural dye for fabrics, imparting a soft lavender hue to textiles.
- Perfumery: Geranium oil, while typically sourced from Pelargonium graveolens, the leaves of 'Lavender Grand Slam' may share similar qualities and be used in homemade perfumes.
- Aromatherapy: The pleasant aroma of the geranium is often used in aromatherapy for creating a calming environment within homes and during meditation.
- Drawer Freshener: Dried geranium petals and leaves can be made into sachets that impart their fragrance to clothes and linens when placed in drawers or closets.
- Garden Companion Planting: Geraniums can help repel certain insects and can be planted alongside vegetables and herbs as a companion plant to protect against pests.
- Culinary Decoration: Edible geranium flowers can be used to decorate cakes, pastries, and salads, adding a splash of color.
- Floral Arrangements: Geranium flowers can be used in fresh or dried floral arrangements, providing color and texture variation.
- Learning Tool: Geraniums can be used to teach children about plant growth, pollination, and the lifecycle of flowers in an educational setting.
- Photography: With their striking appearance, geraniums are often used as subjects in macro photography, to capture the intricate details of their leaves and blooms.
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: Lavender is often associated with soothing and calming effects. Pelargonium 'Lavender Grand Slam' could symbolize a source of comfort or a means to heal emotional wounds, due to the calming presence lavender has had in herbal medicine and aromatherapy.
- Devotion and Loyalty: In the language of flowers, lavender represents devotion, faithfulness, and loyalty. This variety of Pelargonium could suggest steadfastness in affection and unwavering commitment in relationships or friendships.
- Elegance and Refinement: With its delicate appearance and subtle scent, lavender plants, including this Pelargonium, often signify elegance and refinement, thus it could be used to represent grace and sophisticated beauty.
- Serenity and Tranquility: The calming scent of lavender is widely regarded for inducing a sense of serenity and tranquility. Pelargonium 'Lavender Grand Slam' can symbolize a desire for peace or be seen as an emblem of a peaceful presence.
- Mysticism and Spirituality: Lavender has a history of use in spiritual practices and cleansing rituals. Therefore, this plant may embody spiritual awareness, mysticism, or a connection to the metaphysical realm.
WaterGeraniums like the Pelargonium 'Lavender Grand Slam' should be watered deeply whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Generally, this may mean watering every 7-10 days, but this frequency will vary based on temperature, humidity, and light conditions. It's key to avoid letting the potting soil get completely dry. Typically, watering with about 1 gallon per plant during each watering session should suffice, making sure not to leave standing water in saucers as this can lead to root rot. During hot summer months, you may need to water more frequently, while in winter, water less often.
LightGeraniums, including the Pelargonium 'Lavender Grand Slam', thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. They perform best with at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. A south or west-facing window where they can receive ample but filtered light is ideal. Avoid direct midday sun in summer, which can burn the leaves.
TemperatureGeraniums such as the Pelargonium 'Lavender Grand Slam' prefer moderate temperatures and will grow best when daytime temperatures are between 65°F and 75°F. They can tolerate temperatures as low as 55°F and as high as around 80°F. Protect the geraniums from frost and avoid exposure to temperatures below 32°F, which can be damaging to the plant.
PruningGeraniums, including Pelargonium 'Lavender Grand Slam', benefit from regular pruning to encourage bushy growth and more blooms. Prune in early spring by removing any dead or yellowing leaves and cutting back leggy stems. Throughout the growing season, deadhead spent blooms to promote continuous flowering. Prune again lightly in late summer to prepare for winter.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Pelargonium, commonly known as geranium, is well-draining, light, and fertile, with a mixture of peat, perlite, and compost. Adjust the soil pH to be between 6.0 and 7.0.
RepottingGeraniums should be repotted annually or when they outgrow their current container to encourage healthy growth and prevent them from becoming root-bound.
Humidity & MistingGeraniums prefer moderate humidity levels between 40% and 60%; they do not thrive in overly humid environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place geraniums in bright, indirect light and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil with at least 6 hours of sunlight.
Hardiness zone
9-12 USDA.
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Pelargonium 'Lavender Grand Slam' (R), commonly known as a type of Geranium, typically begins with seed germination, which occurs in warm, moist soil conditions after the last frost of spring. Following germination, the seedlings emerge and develop into young plants with distinct foliage characteristic of the Geranium family. As the plants grow, they enter a vegetative stage, producing lush leaves and stems; this is when regular watering and fertilization are important for vigorous growth. Geraniums then reach the flowering stage, where they produce clusters of lavender-colored blooms that attract pollinators and are admired for their beauty throughout the growing season. As temperatures cool and the growing season ends, Geraniums may become dormant, especially when grown in areas with cold winters; in milder climates, they may persist as evergreens. Finally, if conditions permit or with proper care, they can initiate another growth cycle the following season or be propagated through cuttings to create new plants.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The ideal time for propagating the Pelargonium 'Lavender Grand Slam', commonly known as geranium, is typically in late summer to early fall. The most popular method of propagation for geraniums is through cuttings. To propagate using cuttings, a healthy, non-flowering shoot should be selected. Cut a piece about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) long, ensuring at least three sets of leaves are present. Remove the lower leaves to leave a clean stem that can be inserted into a pot filled with well-draining potting mix. The cutting should be placed in indirect light and kept consistently moist until roots develop, which usually takes a few weeks. Once rooted, the new geranium plant can be gradually acclimated to more direct sunlight and eventually planted out or potted on as desired.
