Geranium Pelargonium Multibloom Series (Z)
ABOUT
The Pelargonium Multibloom Series, commonly known as geranium, is a vibrant and floriferous plant, best known for its lush and colorful flower clusters. The geranium blooms exhibit a range of hues, including vivid reds, pinks, salmon, white, and various bicolor patterns. Each flower head is comprised of several smaller florets, together creating a rounded, umbrella-like shape that adds a burst of color to any setting. The leaves of the geranium are equally as attractive, with a rich green color that offsets the brightness of the flowers. The foliage often has a zonal pattern, with darker green circular bands or zones that stand out against the lighter green leaf background, giving a unique and eye-catching appearance. These leaves are typically broad and lobed, with a slightly velvety texture that is pleasant to touch. Overall, the Pelargonium Multibloom Series geranium presents a compact, bushy, and mounded habit, contributing to its popularity as a decorative plant for container gardening, hanging baskets, and bedding displays. Its colorful and cheerful look, combined with its lush foliage, makes it a favorite among gardeners and plant enthusiasts who seek to add a touch of vibrancy to their outdoor or indoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Geraniaceae.
Synonyms
Geranium, Zonal Geranium.
Common names
Pelargonium × hortorum
ToxicityTo humans
The Pelargonium Multibloom Series is commonly known as geranium, and it is generally not considered highly toxic to humans. Ingesting parts of the plant may cause minor symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. It is recommended to avoid eating this plant and to keep it out of reach of small children who might ingest it out of curiosity.
To pets
Geraniums are known to be toxic to pets, particularly to cats and dogs. If a pet ingests parts of a geranium, they may exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, depression, anorexia, dermatitis, and ataxia. It is important to seek veterinary care if you suspect your pet has ingested geranium to prevent any serious health consequences.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
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- Vibrant Flowers: The Pelargonium Multibloom series, commonly known as geraniums, produce colorful blooms that can brighten up any garden space.
- Long Blooming: Geraniums have a long flowering period, providing color from spring through fall.
- Drought Tolerant: These plants are quite resilient to dry conditions once established, making them suitable for xeriscaping or areas with water restrictions.
- Easy to Grow: Geraniums are generally low-maintenance, making them ideal for beginner gardeners and those who prefer easy-care landscapes.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, supporting biodiversity.
- Versatile Planting: Geraniums can be grown in beds, borders, containers, and hanging baskets, offering versatility in garden design.
- Deer Resistant: These plants are typically not a preferred food source for deer, making them suitable for gardens in areas with deer populations.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The Multibloom Geranium can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, yielding a range of color tone depending on the mordant used.
- Pressed geranium leaves can be embedded into handmade papers to create decorative and fragrant stationery.
- Geranium petals serve as a colorful edible garnish in salads and desserts, adding a touch of vibrancy to dishes.
- Dried geranium flowers can be incorporated into potpourri mixes, contributing a mild scent and a variety of textures.
- The plant can be used in sensory gardens due to its textured leaves that stimulate touch and its aromatic scent that activates the sense of smell.
- Living geranium plants can act as a natural insect repellent when placed around outdoor seating areas because certain pests dislike their aroma.
- Geranium leaves can be used in bookmarks or as natural confetti for weddings and celebrations when dried and crumbled.
- Geranium flowers can be used in baths as a natural fragrance and skin-softening agent.
- The petals of the geranium can be frozen in ice cubes to create visually striking additions to beverages during summer events.
- Geranium plants can be trained into topiary forms for decorative purposes in formal gardens or interior spaces.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant_name is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant_name is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Comfort - Pelargoniums, commonly known as geraniums, often symbolize comfort due to their pleasant aroma and the coziness they add to home gardens and spaces.
- Health - Historically, the geranium plant has been associated with health and the plant's essential oils are still used in aromatherapy to promote emotional wellness.
- Friendship - The geranium as a gift is sometimes considered a symbol of friendship, possibly because of its long-lasting nature and ability to bloom continuously when cared for.
- Positive Emotions - The bright and varied colors of geranium flowers are often connected with happiness, joy, and positive emotions.
WaterGeraniums, such as the Pelargonium Multibloom Series, prefer to be watered thoroughly but infrequently. It's best to water them when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Usually, this means watering approximately every 7 to 10 days, depending on environmental conditions, but be attentive as indoor heating and air can affect the drying rate of the soil. When watering, avoid splashing the foliage and flowers; aim to moisten the soil directly around the base of the plant, using up to 16 ounces of water for smaller pots or up to half a gallon for larger containers. Ensure that excess water is able to drain away to avoid root rot.
LightGeraniums like the Pelargonium Multibloom Series thrive best in bright light with some direct sun. An ideal spot is a south or west-facing window where the plant will receive at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight daily. If grown outside, they can handle full sun to partial shade, but bright light will ensure the best blooms and most vibrant foliage.
TemperatureGeraniums, such as the Pelargonium Multibloom Series, prefer operating temperatures between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and not below 50 degrees Fahrenheit at night. They can tolerate temperatures up to about 80 degrees Fahrenheit, but they begin to suffer if the thermometer climbs higher or dips below the 50-degree mark at night.
PruningPruning geraniums, like the Pelargonium Multibloom Series, is essential to promote bushy growth and prevent legginess. Deadhead spent flowers and remove any yellow or brown leaves as they appear to encourage more blooms and maintain plant health. The best time for major pruning is in the spring and summer; cut back up to one-third of the plant to stimulate new growth. Regularly pinching the stem tips also helps the plant stay compact and full.
CleaningAs needed
SoilGeraniums like the Pelargonium Multibloom Series thrive in a soil mix comprising equal parts of peat, perlite, and potting soil to ensure good drainage and aeration. The ideal soil pH for geraniums is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. Regular fertilization during the growing season will help maintain vigorous plants.
RepottingGeraniums should generally be repotted every one to two years to refresh the soil and provide room for growth. For the Pelargonium Multibloom Series, repot in spring before the onset of the growing season for best results.
Humidity & MistingGeraniums prefer moderate to low humidity levels. The Pelargonium Multibloom Series is tolerant of dry air, making it well-suited for typical indoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, well-draining soil, and regular watering.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil, full sun to part shade.
Hardiness zone
10-11 USDA
Life cycleThe Geranium Multibloom Series (Pelargonium Multibloom Series) begins its life cycle with seed germination, where the seeds require warmth and moisture to sprout, usually occurring in spring. Following germination, the seedlings develop true leaves and establish a root system, at which point they can be transplanted to their final growing location. The vegetative growth stage encompasses the development of a bushy structure with numerous leaves, and during this period, adequate light and water are crucial for healthy growth. Flowering occurs after the vegetative phase, with the geraniums producing clusters of vividly colored flowers that attract pollinators and may last throughout the summer and into fall. As temperatures drop, Geranium Multibloom Series enters a dormancy phase where growth slows down, and the plant may die back if not properly overwintered in colder climates. In the right conditions, geraniums can be overwintered indoors or through cuttings to regrow the following spring, thus continuing the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: Pelargonium, commonly known as geraniums, are popular flowering plants that can be propagated through several methods, but the most popular way to propagate the Pelargonium Multibloom Series is through stem cuttings. This method is typically performed in late summer to early fall. To propagate Pelargoniums, a healthy, non-flowering stem about 4 to 6 inches (about 10 to 15 centimeters) long is cut from the parent plant just below a leaf node. The lower leaves are then stripped off, and the cut end can be dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. The cutting is then placed in a well-draining soil mix, watered lightly, and covered with a plastic bag or placed in a propagator to maintain high humidity. Rooting usually occurs within a few weeks, after which the plastic can be removed, and the new plant can be gradually acclimatized to less humid conditions before being planted out.
