Geranium Pelargonium 'Pavilion' (Min)
ABOUT
The Pelargonium 'Pavilion' is commonly known as a type of geranium. It showcases a lush, vibrant display of rounded, lobed leaves that are soft to the touch and are often green with a hint of zonal patterning. The flowers of the Pavilion geranium are notable for their bright and cheerful appearance, usually blooming in clusters of semi-double to double flowers which can come in a range of colors from pinks, to reds, whites, and sometimes multi-colored blooms with a mix of these colors in various patterns. Each individual flower typically comprises five petals, exuding a classic geranium form, and they may have a slight ruffling at the edges. The blooms present themselves above the foliage on sturdy stems, creating a dense and colorful canopy of flowers. As for the plant's form, it generally grows in a bushy, rounded habit, with stems that are succulent-like and can be either upright or somewhat trailing, adding to its versatility as an ornamental plant in various settings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Geraniaceae
Synonyms
Pavilion Geranium, Zonal Geranium, Horseshoe Geranium, Fish Geranium
Common names
Pelargonium 'Pavilion' (Min)
ToxicityTo humans
Geraniums, including the Pelargonium 'Pavilion' variety, are not considered highly toxic to humans. However, some people might experience minor irritation or an allergic reaction if they have sensitive skin or allergies when handling the plant. Ingesting parts of the plant can potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, in some individuals.
To pets
Geraniums can be toxic to pets, including the Pelargonium 'Pavilion' variety. If ingested by animals, especially cats and dogs, they can cause symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, depression, anorexia, and dermatitis. In some cases, geranium ingestion can lead to more severe reactions or symptoms such as lethargy and hypovolemic shock. It is advisable to keep this plant out of reach of pets to prevent possible poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
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- Ornamental Value: Pelargonium 'Pavilion' (geranium) adds vibrant color and aesthetic appeal to gardens, balconies, and indoor spaces.
- Easy to Grow: Geraniums are known for being low maintenance and easy to care for, which is ideal for novice gardeners and those with limited time.
- Drought Tolerance: They are relatively drought-tolerant once established, making them suitable for arid climates and water-conserving gardens.
- Pest Resistance: Geraniums have natural resistance to many common garden pests, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.
- Versatile Landscaping: These plants can be used in a variety of landscaping designs, including borders, containers, hanging baskets, and as ground cover.
- Long Blooming Period: Geraniums often have a long flowering season, providing continuous color from spring to fall in some areas.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers can attract beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies to the garden.
- Herbaceous Scent: The leaves and flowers of some geranium varieties have a pleasant scent which can add a sensory aspect to the garden or home.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Potpourri Ingredient: The scented leaves of geraniums can be dried and added to potpourri mixes to impart a pleasant fragrance to your home.
- Flavoring in Baking: Some varieties of scented geraniums can lend their flavor to cookies and cakes when their leaves are baked into the dough.
- Decorative Ice Cubes: Geranium leaves can be frozen into ice cubes to create decorative elements for summer drinks and punch bowls.
- Natural Dye: The flowers and leaves of geraniums can be used to produce a natural dye for fabrics or crafts.
- Garden Border Plant: Because of their compact growth, geraniums can be used to create neat and colorful borders around garden beds or walkways.
- Scented Bookmarks: Dried geranium leaves can be placed within the pages of a book to act as a natural bookmark and release a gentle scent every time the book is opened.
- Culinary Garnish: Edible varieties of geranium flowers can be used as a colorful and attractive garnish on salads and desserts.
- Homemade Sachets: Dried geranium leaves and flowers can be sewn into small fabric pouches to create sachets that freshen closets and drawers.
- Plant Teaching Aid: Geraniums can be used in educational settings to teach children about plant growth, propagation, and care due to their easy-to-maintain nature.
- Artistic Inspiration: The vibrant colors and forms of geranium flowers frequently inspire artists and photographers looking for subjects with bold colors and interesting textures.
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: Pelargoniums, commonly known as geraniums, often symbolize comfort due to their pleasant scent and the coziness they bring to home environments.
- Health or Healing: In some traditions, geraniums are thought to promote health and healing, representing the plant's historical use in folk medicine.
- Friendship: Geraniums can represent positive relationships and are sometimes given as gifts to denote friendship or wishes for good health to the receiver.
- Sturdiness: Due to their hardy nature, geraniums may signify strength and sturdiness, reflecting a person's ability to persevere through challenges.
WaterGeraniums, including the Pelargonium 'Pavilion', prefer to be watered thoroughly but infrequently. Typically, watering once a week is sufficient, but this may vary depending on the local climate and indoor conditions. It is best to check the top inch of soil for dryness and water if it feels dry to the touch. When watering, apply water directly to the soil and avoid wetting the foliage to prevent disease. They generally need about 8-16 ounces of water per plant each watering session, depending on the size of the container and the plant.
LightGeraniums thrive in bright, indirect sunlight and should be placed in a location where they will receive at least six hours of light a day, though dappled sunlight is ideal to prevent scorching their leaves. A spot near an east or south-facing window is perfect for these colorful bloomers, as it provides ample light without the full intensity of the afternoon sun.
TemperatureGeraniums grow best in temperature conditions ranging between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive minimum temperatures down to about 30 degrees Fahrenheit but should be protected from frost. Ideal growing temperatures are within the 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit range, promoting healthy growth and flowering.
PruningPruning geraniums is crucial for promoting bushy growth and abundant blooms. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, should be done regularly throughout the blooming season to encourage new blooms. Cut back leggy stems in spring or early summer to rejuvenate the plant. The best time for major pruning is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilGeraniums favor a well-draining potting mix with peat, perlite, and compost. Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingGeraniums should be repotted every one to two years to replenish the soil and give room for growth.
Humidity & MistingGeraniums prefer moderate humidity levels and do not require high humidity, making them suitable for typical indoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and water when soil feels dry.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade; protect from frost and excessive rain.
Hardiness zone
10-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Pelargonium 'Pavilion' (commonly known as geranium) begins with germination, where the seedling emerges from the seed and starts developing roots, stems, and leaves under appropriate temperature and moisture conditions. It progresses to the vegetative stage, where the plant focuses on growth and produces a bushy structure with lobed leaves. Following this, the plant enters the flowering stage, characterized by the development of clusters of flowers that can be red, pink, white, or other colors, depending on the cultivar. After pollination, which may be facilitated by insects, the flowers will develop into fruit capsules containing seeds. During the maturity stage, the plant reaches its full size and may require pruning to maintain health and shape. As a perennial in warm climates or a seasonal annual in cooler regions, the geranium will either persist and grow continuously or complete its cycle by dying after seed dispersal, depending on the climate conditions.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
The most popular method of propagating the Geranium 'Pavilion' (Miniature) is through cuttings. This technique usually takes place during the late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate by cuttings, a gardener should select a healthy, non-flowering shoot and cut a 3-to-4-inch (approximately 7.5 to 10 centimeters) long piece just below a node using a clean, sharp knife or scissors. The lower leaves are then removed, and the cut end may be dipped into a rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. The cutting should be planted in a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix, and then watered lightly. The planted cutting needs to be placed in a warm, indirect light location until it has rooted, which can take several weeks. High humidity is beneficial during this time, which can be maintained by covering the pot with a plastic bag or placing it in a propagator if available.
