Lemon-scented Geranium Pelargonium 'Margaret Soley' (R)
ABOUT
Pelargonium 'Margaret Soley' is a graceful plant widely admired for its showy and vibrant floral display. Often referred to by its common name, geranium, this particular cultivar stands out with its lush, green foliage that provides a perfect backdrop for its blossoms. The leaves are typically rounded with a soft, velvety texture and may exhibit subtle zoning, or patterns, which can add to their decorative appeal. The geranium 'Margaret Soley' is especially known for its flowers, which come in clusters known as umbels. Each flower within the cluster is notable for its bright and saturated color, often in shades of rich pink or magenta. These petals can have a satiny appearance and may boast a shape that ranges from rounded to almost frilly or ruffled on the edges, lending a full and luxurious look to the blooms. The flowers usually have contrasting markings or blotches in a darker hue, which enhance the visual interest of the plant. The blossoms often exude a delightful fragrance, which adds to the sensory appeal of the geranium. Overall, this geranium is favored for its aesthetic qualities and the generous, continuous display of its attractive flowers that can bring a pop of color to any garden setting or as a potted plant.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Margaret Soley Geranium, Scented Geranium.
Common names
Pelargonium 'Margaret Soley'
ToxicityTo humans
Geraniums, including the Pelargonium 'Margaret Soley', are not considered highly toxic to humans. However, ingestion of large amounts of the plant may potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Contact with the skin may sometimes lead to irritation or dermatitis in sensitive individuals. It is generally advised to keep plants out of reach of children, who might be tempted to eat plant parts.
To pets
Geraniums, including the Pelargonium 'Margaret Soley', are known to be toxic to pets, particularly to dogs and cats. If ingested, the plant can cause symptoms such as vomiting, anorexia, depression, and dermatitis. The essential oils and some other substances within geraniums can be harmful, and in some cases, contact with the skin can lead to irritation or allergic reactions. It is advised to prevent pets from ingesting any part of the plant to avoid these possible consequences.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
10
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Aesthetic: Pelargoniums are known for their bright and colorful flowers which can enhance the visual appeal of gardens and indoor environments.
- Easy Maintenance: They are relatively easy to care for and can thrive with minimal attention, making them suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerance: These plants are drought-tolerant once established, requiring less water than many other ornamentals, hence beneficial in water-scarce regions.
- Versatility: Pelargoniums can be planted in beds, containers, and hanging baskets, offering versatility in garden design and placement.
- Long Blooming Period: With proper care, they have a lengthy blooming season that can provide color and interest for much of the year.
- Aromatic Foliage: Some pelargoniums, including 'Margaret Soley', have scented leaves that can add a pleasant fragrance to the area where they are planted.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Aesthetic Crafting: The vibrant petals of Pelargonium can be used in crafting, such as making bookmarks or cards, by pressing them between books or using a flower press.
- Homemade Potpourri: Dried Pelargonium leaves and petals can be mixed with other fragrant materials to create natural potpourri.
- Scented Oils: Petals can be infused in oils to capture the scent, which can then be used for making candles, soaps, or homemade perfumes.
- Culinary Decoration: Edible flowers like Pelargonium can be used to decorate cakes and desserts, adding a touch of elegance and color.
- Natural Dye: The flowers and leaves of Pelargonium can be used to produce natural dyes for fabrics or art projects.
- Flower Arranging: Pelargoniums are often used in floral arrangements for their long-lasting blooms and variety of colors.
- Crafting Herbal Sachets: Dried Pelargonium leaves can be sewn into sachets, providing a pleasant fragrance for drawers and closets.
- Garden Companion Planting: Pelargonium may be planted among vegetables as a companion plant to help deter certain insects or pests with its scent.
- Botanical Illustration: Artists may use Pelargonium as a subject for botanical drawing and watercolor for their vivid colors and intricate petal shapes.
- Educational Tool: Pelargonium can be used in educational settings to teach about plant structure, pollination and the life cycle of plants.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Geranium is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Geranium is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Pelargoniums, commonly known as geraniums, are known for their hardiness and ability to thrive in a variety of conditions, symbolizing the strength and resilience in overcoming challenges.
- Health and Healing: Geraniums are sometimes associated with health and healing due to their medicinal properties and their use in aromatherapy to promote emotional wellness.
- Friendship: Geraniums can represent camaraderie and friendship, reflecting the plant's common use in gardens and shared spaces that bring people together.
- Protection: In folk traditions, geraniums are believed to offer protection when planted around the home, warding off negative energies and pests.
- Happiness and Positive Energy: With their bright, cheerful blooms, geraniums are often associated with lifting spirits, promoting happiness, and creating a positive environment.
WaterGeraniums like 'Margaret Soley' should be watered deeply when the soil feels dry to the touch, which usually equates to once every 1 to 2 weeks, depending on climate conditions. Ensure that the plant receives about one gallon of water at each watering session, allowing excess water to drain away to prevent root rot. During the active growing season in spring and summer, watering frequency may increase, while in the cooler fall and winter months, it should decrease. Always water the soil directly, avoiding wetting the foliage, as this can promote disease.
LightGeraniums, including 'Margaret Soley', thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. They prefer being placed in a location where they will receive at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight daily. An eastern or western exposure that provides morning or late afternoon sun is ideal as intense afternoon light can sometimes be too harsh, potentially causing leaf burn.
TemperatureGeraniums, such as 'Margaret Soley', grow best when daytime temperatures are around 70 to 75°F and night-time temperatures do not drop below 50°F. They can survive temporarily in temperatures as low as 30°F but this is not recommended for prolonged periods as it can cause damage. Ideal growing conditions will keep temperatures below 85°F to prevent heat stress.
PruningPruning geraniums including 'Margaret Soley', helps to promote bushier growth and prevent legginess. Prune in early spring, before the onset of new growth, by cutting back the plant by one-third to one-half its size. Remove any dead or yellowing leaves and spent blooms to encourage healthier plants and more flowers. Deadheading throughout the growing season also helps to maintain vigor and appearance.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for a Geranium (Pelargonium 'Margaret Soley') is well-draining potting soil with added perlite or sand for improved drainage. The ideal soil pH for Geraniums is between 6.0 and 7.0.
RepottingGeraniums should be repotted every one to two years or when they become root-bound. Spring is the best time to repot to give the Geranium a fresh start for the growing season.
Humidity & MistingGeraniums prefer moderate humidity levels but are quite adaptable and can tolerate low humidity environments commonly found in homes.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, well-draining soil, and moderate watering for indoor Geranium growth.
Outdoor
Place in sunny spot, protect from frost, and ensure soil drains well for outdoor Geranium growth.
Hardiness zone
10-11 USDA
Life cyclePelargonium 'Margaret Soley', commonly known as a type of geranium, begins its life cycle as a seed that, when sown in warm, well-drained soil mixed with compost, will germinate. Once the seedlings emerge and develop their first set of true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots. As the geranium grows, it requires plenty of sunlight and regular watering to develop a lush, leafy plant with sturdy stems. Flower buds will form typically in late spring to summer, revealing vibrant blooms that can be deadheaded to encourage further flowering throughout the season. After blooming, if not deadheaded, the flowers will develop into fruit capsules containing seeds, which can be collected for propagation. In fall, as temperatures drop, the plant can be cut back and overwintered indoors in cooler regions, or it may continue to grow outdoors in mild climates; during this time, it will enter a period of dormancy with minimal growth until the warmer weather returns.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Pelargonium 'Margaret Soley', commonly known as a type of geranium, is typically propagated through stem cuttings. The optimal time to take cuttings for propagation is late spring to early summer, when the plant is actively growing. To propagate by stem cutting, a healthy, non-flowering stem is cut from the parent plant using a sharp, sterilized blade. The cutting should be about 4 to 6 inches long, with several leaf nodes. Lower leaves are removed, and the cut end may be dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root growth. It is then planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until roots develop, typically within a few weeks. This straightforward process helps maintain the characteristics of the parent plant in the new offspring.
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