Geranium Pelargonium 'Moulin Rouge' (Z)

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Pelargonium 'Moulin Rouge' is a visually striking plant known for its showy blooms and distinctive foliage. The flowers are particularly eye-catching with their rich, velvety red hue resembling the luxurious fabric of a Moulin Rouge dancer's attire. These vibrant blooms often have darker red markings that can look almost black, providing a dramatic contrast and depth. The petals are rounded with a slight ruffle at the edges, adding to their full, lush appearance. The leaves of Pelargonium 'Moulin Rouge' are equally ornamental, typically a bright green color with a unique zonal pattern. This plant often has darker green to almost brown zones or bands on the leaves which can vary from quite pronounced to more subtle, depending on individual plants and growing conditions. They are usually heart-shaped or rounded with a scalloped edge, and they grow in an attractive symmetrical pattern along the stems. The overall impression of Pelargonium 'Moulin Rouge' is one of opulence and flair, making it a popular choice for gardeners and plant enthusiasts who wish to inject a dash of drama and color into their home or garden. Its bold red flowers and patterned leaves ensure it stands out wherever it is placed, attracting attention and often becoming a focal point.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Geraniaceae.
- Synonyms
  Moulin Rouge Geranium, Fancy Leaf Geranium, Zonal Geranium, Brocade Geranium.
- Common names
  Pelargonium 'Moulin Rouge'.
Toxicity
- To humans
  Geraniums, including the Pelargonium 'Moulin Rouge', are generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, some people might experience mild irritation or an allergic reaction if they have sensitive skin. Ingesting parts of the plant is not advised, but it typically does not lead to serious poisoning. If large quantities are consumed, it could potentially cause minor gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea or vomiting.
- To pets
  Geraniums are typically known to be toxic to pets, particularly to dogs and cats. If a pet ingests part of a Geranium, they may exhibit symptoms of poisoning which can include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, anorexia, and dermatitis. In severe cases, ingestion could potentially lead to further complications, such as renal failure, though this is rare. It is important to keep Geraniums out of reach of pets to prevent any potential toxicity issues.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Evergreen
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Red
- Height
  1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
- Spread
  1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  Varies
- Native area
  South Africa

Benefits

General Benefits
- Enhances Garden Aesthetics: Bright red blooms add vibrant color contrast in garden settings.
- Attracts Pollinators: Flowers provide nectar for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
- Easy to Grow: Adaptable to a variety of soils and tolerant of light frosts; suitable for novice gardeners.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it requires less watering, conserving water resources.
- Versatile Planting: Suitable for borders, containers, and as a bedding plant, offering flexibility in garden design.
- Long Blooming Season: Flowers continuously from spring to fall, providing prolonged visual interest.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care beyond watering and occasional feeding, saving time for gardeners.
- Fragrant Leaves: The scented foliage can add a pleasant aroma to gardens and patios.
- Deer Resistant: Less likely to be eaten by deer, protecting the visual integrity of the garden.
- Creates Garden Focal Points: Distinctive red flowers make it an excellent choice for creating visual highlights.
Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- As a natural dye: The vibrant flowers of Pelargonium 'Moulin Rouge' can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, offering a range of pink and red hues.
- In culinary applications: The edible leaves and flowers can be used to flavor desserts, jellies, or iced drinks with a subtle rose-like taste.
- As an addition to potpourri: The scented leaves can be dried and added to potpourris to give a lasting fragrance to your home.
- For crafting and decoration: The attractive foliage and flowers can be used in floral arrangements or crafts for their aesthetic appeal.
- In companion planting: Pelargonium 'Moulin Rouge' can be planted alongside vegetables in the garden to help deter pests through their strong scent.
- As a natural fabric softener: Leaves can be placed in linen drawers or among clothes to impart a pleasant fragrance.
- For educational purposes: The plant can be used to teach children about plant growth, maintenance, and the lifecycle of flowers.
- In homemade beauty products: The petals can be infused into oils or waters to create natural fragrances for creams and lotions.
- As a coloring agent in crafts: Crushed flowers can be used in paper making or to color homemade playdough for kids.
- As part of a sensory garden: The texture and scent of Pelargonium 'Moulin Rouge' contribute to gardens designed for sensory stimulation.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The Geranium is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Geranium is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Passion: The 'Moulin Rouge' name conjures images of the famous cabaret in Paris, associated with love, excitement, and deep passions, which is often translated into the plant symbolism.
- Strength: Geraniums, more broadly, symbolize strength and steadfastness, reflecting the plant's ability to thrive in various conditions.
- Good Health: Historically, geraniums have been associated with good health and used in folk medicine, extending this symbolism to the Pelargonium 'Moulin Rouge'.
- Friendship: Offering this geranium may symbolize a wish for strengthening friendship bonds, due to the plant's traditional association with companionship.
- Peace: The geranium can also signify peace and tranquility, suggesting the presence of this plant can create a calming and serene environment.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 1-2 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring-Early Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
Geraniums, including the Pelargonium 'Moulin Rouge', require moderate watering. Water the plant when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch, typically once every 7 to 10 days depending on environmental conditions. Apply water directly to the soil until it begins to drain from the bottom of the pot, avoiding wetting the foliage to prevent disease. Ensure adequate drainage to prevent waterlogging. As for the amount, use about 16 ounces of water for a standard 6 to 8-inch pot every watering session, adjusting based on size and environmental factors.
Light
Geraniums thrive best in bright, indirect sunlight. A spot near a south-facing or west-facing window that receives plenty of light without direct harsh sun is ideal. Protect the Pelargonium 'Moulin Rouge' from excessive direct sunlight during hot summer afternoons to prevent leaf scorch.
Temperature
Geraniums are comfortable in a range of temperatures, with ideal conditions being between 65°F and 75°F. They can survive minimum temperatures of around 50°F; however, they should be protected from frost. Maximum temperature tolerance is typically around 90°F, above which they may suffer from heat stress.
Pruning
Prune geraniums to promote bushy growth and to remove dead or yellowing leaves and spent blooms. Deadheading encourages new blooms and should be done regularly during the blooming season. The best time for a more thorough pruning is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins; this helps maintain a compact shape and rejuvenates the plant for the upcoming season.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
The Geranium 'Moulin Rouge' thrives in a soil mix with equal parts peat, perlite, and potting soil, ensuring good drainage and aeration. The ideal soil pH for this Geranium should be between 6.0 and 7.0.
Repotting
Geranium 'Moulin Rouge' should be repotted every one to two years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. It’s best to repot in spring or early summer.
Humidity & Misting
Geranium 'Moulin Rouge' prefers moderate to low humidity levels, consistent with typical indoor environments, without the need for additional humidity.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Place in bright, indirect light and water when soil feels dry.
- Outdoor
  Plant in a sunny spot, protect from frost, and water moderately.
- Hardiness zone
  10-11 USDA
Life cycle
Geranium 'Moulin Rouge' begins its life cycle when a seed germinates, typically in warm soil during spring or early summer. The seedling goes through a period of vegetative growth where it develops a rosette of leaves and establishes a root system. After this vegetative phase, it enters the flowering stage, where the characteristic red blooms of 'Moulin Rouge' appear, attracting pollinators for sexual reproduction, though geraniums are often propagated through cuttings as well. Following pollination, the plant produces seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. If conditions are favorable, Geranium 'Moulin Rouge' can continue to grow as a perennial, with dormancy during cold weather and regrowth in the following spring. Throughout its life, the 'Moulin Rouge' will experience cycles of growth, blooming, and dormancy, depending on the climate and care it receives.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring-Early Summer
- Propogation: Pelargonium 'Moulin Rouge', commonly known as Geranium 'Moulin Rouge', is typically propagated through stem cuttings. The ideal time for this is spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate, a healthy stem about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long is cut just below a leaf node. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end may be dipped in rooting hormone before planting in a pot filled with a mixture of peat and perlite or a similar well-draining medium. The pot is then kept in a warm, brightly-lit area, out of direct sunlight, and the medium is kept moist until roots develop, usually in a few weeks. Once the cuttings have rooted and begin to show new growth, they can be transplanted into individual pots or outdoor locations.