Occold Shield Geranium Pelargonium 'Occold Shield' (Dw/c/d)
ABOUT
Pelargonium 'Occold Shield' is a striking plant known for its ornamental features which create a beautiful visual interest in gardens and indoor settings. This particular variety of geranium showcases lush foliage with leaves that are typically rounded, exhibiting a plush look with a deep green hue. The leaves may also bear unique patterns or markings, often with a lighter color such as cream or yellow, which contrast against the green, giving it a shield-like appearance, hence the name 'Occold Shield'. The geranium blooms with clusters of vibrant flowers that are showy and can be found in various colors, including shades of red, pink, purple, or white. These flowers typically have five petals arranged in a symmetrical pattern around a central core and are known for their long-lasting qualities. The bloom period for 'Occold Shield' extends over several months, providing a long season of visual interest. Additionally, the plant may display a bushy habit with branches that sprout from the base and spread outward, creating a full and lush appearance. The overall character of the 'Occold Shield' geranium is one of robust vigor and ornamental charm, making it a popular choice among garden enthusiasts and those looking to brighten up their indoor or outdoor space with natural beauty.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Geraniaceae
Synonyms
Occold Shield Geranium
Common names
Pelargonium 'Occold Shield'
ToxicityTo humans
Geraniums like Pelargonium 'Occold Shield' are not considered highly toxic to humans. However, ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea or diarrhea. It is advisable to keep plants out of reach of children who might accidentally consume plant parts.
To pets
Geraniums, including Pelargonium 'Occold Shield', can be toxic to pets if ingested. In dogs and cats, symptoms may include vomiting, depression, anorexia, and dermatitis. It is important to prevent pets from consuming the plant and seek veterinary care if ingestion occurs.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Variegated
Flower color
Mixed
Height
12 inches (30 cm)
Spread
12 inches (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
10
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Foliage: Pelargonium 'Occold Shield' has vibrant, patterned leaves that add visual interest to gardens and indoor spaces.
- Long Blooming Season: This geranium variety often blooms for an extended period, offering colorful flowers for much of the growing season.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is quite drought-resistant, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Low Maintenance: Geraniums are known for being easy to care for, requiring minimal upkeep beyond basic watering and occasional feeding.
- Pest Resistance: Pelargonium 'Occold Shield' is generally resistant to many common garden pests, reducing the need for chemical interventions.
- Versatility: It can be grown in containers, hanging baskets, or flower beds, making it versatile for different garden designs and spaces.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers can attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies to the garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Pelargonium 'Occold Shield', commonly known as geranium, leaves can be infused to create a natural dye for fabrics, imparting subtle shades of green and brown depending on the mordant used.
- The soft, velvety texture of the geranium leaves makes them useful in potpourris, providing not only visual variety but also textural contrast.
- When pressed and dried, the attractive foliage of geraniums can be used in crafting, such as in handmade paper, bookmarks, or place cards for an elegant touch.
- Geranium leaves can be placed among clothes in drawers to impart a fresh, pleasant fragrance, acting as a natural alternative to store-bought sachets.
- The flowers can be crystallized with a fine coating of sugar and used to decorate cakes or desserts, offering an edible ornamental element that is both pretty and subtly flavored.
- Geranium plants can be used to create living sculptures or topiaries in the garden, providing a creative and aesthetic form of plant art.
- Insect-repelling qualities of the geranium can be harnessed by crushing the leaves and rubbing them on the skin as a natural insect deterrent while outdoors.
- Geranium leaves, when steeped in water, can yield a mild astringent solution that can be used to clean household surfaces.
- The strong scent of the geranium plant can be used to mask less desirable odors in the home, making it a natural freshener when leaves are strategically placed in certain areas.
- During the Victorian era, placing a geranium in a book was used to express a message in floriography—the language of flowers—often conveying a secret sentiment when words were not appropriate.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Geranium is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Geranium is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Sturdiness: The tough nature of 'Occold Shield' geraniums reflects a symbol of resilience and the ability to weather challenges.
- Protection: With "Shield" in its name, this geranium variety symbolizes protection, suggesting a safeguard against negative energies.
- Comfort: Geraniums are often associated with comfort, providing a reassuring presence in the garden or home.
- Healing: Historically, geraniums possess medicinal properties, and thus they symbolize health and healing.
- Friendship: The long-lasting blooms of geraniums represent enduring relationships, making them a symbol of friendship and positive connections.
WaterGeraniums, including Pelargonium 'Occold Shield', prefer a consistent watering schedule where the soil is allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. Typically, this would mean watering thoroughly every 7 to 10 days, depending on environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity. It's important to avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot. When you do water, add enough water so that it runs through the drainage holes—this could be approximately half a gallon for a standard pot every 10 days. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering again.
LightGeraniums like Pelargonium 'Occold Shield' thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. An ideal spot would be a south or west-facing window where the plant can get at least 6 hours of daylight. Avoid placing it in direct midday sun, which can scorch the leaves; a little morning or late afternoon sun is perfect.
TemperatureFor Geraniums such as Pelargonium 'Occold Shield', maintaining a temperature between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal. They can tolerate temperatures as low as 55 degrees but should not be exposed to temperatures below 30 degrees as they are not frost-tolerant. These plants enjoy being outside in summer as long as nighttime temperatures do not drop below the 55-degree mark.
PruningGeraniums, such as Pelargonium 'Occold Shield', should be pruned to encourage bushy growth, remove dead or yellowing leaves, and promote more blooms. Prune back leggy stems in spring or early summer, which is the best time for pruning. Regularly deadheading, or removing spent flowers, will also encourage the plant to produce more blooms.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor the Pelargonium 'Occold Shield' (also known as Scented Geranium), a well-draining potting mix is essential; one with peat, perlite, and compost works well. Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH, around 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingScented Geraniums should be repotted every 1 to 2 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. Check yearly in spring.
Humidity & MistingScented Geraniums prefer moderate humidity levels between 40% to 60%. They do not require high humidity and adapt well to typical indoor conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light and keep soil moderately dry.
Outdoor
Grow in full sun to part shade, protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
10-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle begins with seed germination, where the seeds of Occold Shield geraniums (also known as Pelargonium 'Occold Shield') develop in fertile, moist potting soil under warm temperatures. After germination, the seedlings grow into juvenile plants, forming a rosette of leaves as they mature. During the vegetative stage, the plants grow and develop their characteristic foliage and branching structure. Once mature, they enter the flowering stage, producing vibrant blooms that can be various colors depending on the cultivar, typically during spring and summer. After pollination, flowers develop into fruit containing seeds, completing the reproductive phase. The life cycle can start again if the seeds are dispersed, or the plant can be propagated by cuttings to bypass the seed stage.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Pelargonium 'Occold Shield', commonly known as a geranium, can be easily propagated through stem cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is during late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate, select healthy, non-flowering stems about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long and make a clean cut just below a leaf node. Remove all but the top leaves to reduce water loss. Dip the cut end in a rooting hormone to encourage root development and then insert the cutting into a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix. Water the cutting and place it in a warm, bright spot out of direct sunlight. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Roots usually develop within a few weeks, after which the new plant can be gradually acclimatized to normal growing conditions and eventually transplanted outdoors or into a larger pot.
