Geranium Pelargonium 'Mrs G.h. Smith' (A)
ABOUT
Pelargonium 'Mrs. G.H. Smith', more commonly known as a type of geranium, is a showy plant known for its decorative and ornamental value. The plant produces lush, slightly scalloped leaves that are green in color, often with a darker zonal pattern that provides a striking contrast. What truly stands out are the flowers that it bears. These blossoms are grouped in rounded clusters, known as inflorescences, radiating an appealing charm. The individual flowers are composed of five petals, typically showcasing a pale hue infused with varieties of pink that can range from almost white to a deeper, more saturated pink. The petals can be adorned with darker pink or purplish streaks or veins, creating a delightful pattern that invites closer inspection. The flowers emanate a gentle, pleasing aroma that is characteristic of many geraniums, adding to the sensory delight of the plant. The overall appearance of the Pelargonium 'Mrs. G.H. Smith' is one that exudes a classic elegance, making it a popular choice among gardeners and plant enthusiasts for adding a touch of sophistication to garden beds, borders, and containers.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Zonal Geranium, Common Geranium, Fish Geranium, Horseshoe Geranium, Garden Geranium.
Common names
Pelargonium 'Mrs. G.H. Smith'.
ToxicityTo humans
The most common common name for Pelargonium 'Mrs G.h. Smith' is geranium. Geraniums are generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, ingestion of plant parts can sometimes cause minor symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These plants contain geraniol and linalool, which can be irritating if consumed in large quantities. It is advisable to avoid eating any part of the geranium plant for these reasons, even though they are not considered highly poisonous.
To pets
The most common common name for Pelargonium 'Mrs G.h. Smith' is geranium. Geraniums can be toxic to pets, such as dogs and cats. Ingesting any part of the plant could result in a variety of symptoms, including vomiting, anorexia, depression, and dermatitis. The essential oils and other compounds within the geranium, particularly geraniol and linalool, can cause these adverse reactions. If a pet ingests geranium, it is recommended to contact a veterinarian.
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- Ornamental Appeal: Adds aesthetic variety to gardens and spaces with its vibrant and colorful flowers.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it a practical choice for busy gardeners.
- Drought Tolerance: Can survive with limited water, making it suitable for xeriscaping and dry climate gardens.
- Long Blooming Period: Provides a long season of blooms, often from spring to fall, offering sustained beauty.
- Attracts Pollinators: Draws in bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects that support pollination and biodiversity.
- Container Gardening: Well-suited for pots and containers, allowing for versatility in placement and garden design.
- Variety of Uses: Can be used in mixed borders, as a standalone plant, or in mass plantings for impactful visual displays.
- Heritage and Hybrid Vigor: As a cultivated hybrid, it often embodies enhanced qualities from its parent species.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Pelargoniums can be used in making flavored sugars by layering the leaves with granulated sugar, which imparts a subtle floral flavor for use in baking and sweetening beverages.
- The leaves of Pelargonium can be infused in water to create a fragrant rinse for linens, leaving a fresh scent when used in laundering.
- They can serve as organic mulch in garden beds, contributing essential nutrients back into the soil as they decompose.
- Dried Pelargonium leaves can be used to line drawers or closets as natural sachets to repel moths and impart a mild aroma to clothing and linens.
- Pelargonium leaves can be included in homemade potpourris, mixed with other dried flowers and spices to create a pleasant, long-lasting fragrance for the home.
- When used in companion planting, Pelargonium can help to deter pests from neighboring plants with their strong scent, providing a natural form of pest control.
- Some Pelargonium varieties can be used as natural dies to tint fabrics, papers, or homemade cosmetics, offering an array of pinkish hues.
- The flowers can be frozen in ice cubes to add a decorative and edible flair to summery drinks and punches.
- Cooking with Pelargonium flowers can introduce unique flavors to jellies, syrups, and desserts, especially those that require a subtle rose-like essence.
- Pressed Pelargonium flowers and leaves can be used in crafting, such as in making homemade paper, greeting cards, or botanical prints.
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: The gentle, soothing scent of pelargonium, commonly known as geranium, is associated with providing a comforting presence.
- Balancing Emotions: Geraniums are often related to emotional stability and are believed to help balance the mind and emotions.
- Fertility and Health: In some traditions, geranium flowers symbolize fertility and overall health, possibly because of their lush and robust growth.
- Friendship: Geraniums can represent friendship, signifying deep and positive relationships between people.
- Harmony: With its pleasant fragrance and attractive foliage, the geranium embodies harmony and peaceful coexistence.
WaterThe zonal geranium, commonly known as Pelargonium 'Mrs G.h. Smith', should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. In general, this may mean watering about once every 7 to 10 days, but the frequency can vary depending on the environmental conditions and the size of the plant and pot. It's best to water until excess moisture drains out of the bottom of the pot, which might be approximately 16 to 32 ounces for a medium-sized pot in a typical home environment. Avoid letting the plant sit in standing water to prevent root rot, and reduce watering in the winter when the plant is not actively growing.
LightZonal geraniums like Pelargonium 'Mrs G.h. Smith' thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. They prefer being placed in a spot where they can receive about 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily, but direct harsh afternoon sun should be avoided as it can lead to leaf scorch. An east or west-facing window is often ideal for providing the bright but filtered light conditions these geraniums love.
TemperatureZonal geraniums, including Pelargonium 'Mrs G.h. Smith', perform best in temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive in temperatures as low as 55 degrees at night and should be protected from temperatures above 80 degrees, which can cause stress. The ideal temperature range allows for healthy growth and flowering.
PruningPruning zonal geraniums like Pelargonium 'Mrs G.h. Smith' is essential for encouraging bushy growth and preventing legginess. Regularly deadhead spent flowers and remove any yellowing leaves to maintain the plant's appearance and promote more blooms. Perform more substantial pruning in the early spring to shape the plant and encourage new growth; once or twice a year is generally enough.
CleaningAs needed
SoilGeranium 'Mrs G.h. Smith' thrives best in a well-draining potting mix with added perlite or coarse sand to enhance drainage. The mix should be fertile and loamy, and it can be slightly acidic to neutral, with an optimal pH range of 6.0 to 7.0 for this plant's growth.
RepottingGeraniums like 'Mrs G.h. Smith' should generally be repotted every one to two years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. Best done in spring or early summer, repot when the plant outgrows its container or the soil becomes compacted.
Humidity & MistingGeranium 'Mrs G.h. Smith' is adaptable but prefers moderate humidity levels. Average room humidity is typically sufficient, avoiding excessively dry or highly humid environments to maintain healthy growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Needs sunny spot with afternoon shade and shelter from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
9-12 USDA
Life cycleGermination begins when the seed of the Pelargonium 'Mrs. G. H. Smith', commonly known as Geranium, is sown in well-draining soil with appropriate warmth and moisture, leading to the emergence of the first roots and shoots. During the vegetative growth stage, the young geranium plants develop leaves and stems, requiring adequate light, water, and nutrients to establish a robust structure. The transition to the flowering stage occurs when environmental conditions are right, typically in spring or summer, with the plant producing clusters of flowers that are often pink, red, or white, attracting pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into seed capsules, and when mature, these capsules can burst open to disperse seeds for reproduction. If conditions are not conducive to seeding, many gardeners propagate geraniums through cuttings, where parts of the stem with leaves are planted to root and grow into new plants. Geraniums can also enter a period of dormancy during colder months, reducing growth and conserving energy until favorable conditions return.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The Pelargonium 'Mrs. G.H. Smith', commonly known as a type of geranium, is often propagated through stem cuttings. The ideal time for propagating geraniums is during the late summer to early fall, although it can be done in spring as well. For the cutting method, choose a healthy, non-flowering stem of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long. Cut just below a leaf node and remove all but the top leaves. Allow the cut end to dry and callous over for a few hours to prevent rot. Then dip the cutting's end into a rooting hormone and plant it in a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and the cutting in indirect light until roots develop, which typically takes a few weeks.
