Prince of Orange Geranium Pelargonium 'Prince of Orange' (Sc)
ABOUT
The 'Prince of Orange' geranium is a captivating plant known for its unique and vibrant appearance. It features lush, green foliage that serves as a backdrop to its standout feature—the striking flowers. These blossoms boast a rich orange hue, with petals that typically display a gradient of color intensity; often a lighter orange at the edges transitioning to a deeper shade at the base. The flowers are rounded, with individual petals that may have ruffled or slightly serrated edges, adding to the overall ornate look of the plant. Additionally, the leaves of the 'Prince of Orange' geranium are noteworthy in their own right. They are typically broad with a soft, velvety texture, often exhibiting a zonal pattern where a darker color can appear in a circular zone on the leaf. These patterns enhance the visual interest of the foliage. Holding everything together, the stems are sturdy, supporting both the weight of the leaves and the clusters of bright orange flowers. This geranium variety tends to have a bushy growth habit, creating a dense clump of both leaves and flowers. The overall presentation of the 'Prince of Orange' geranium is one of lushness and vivid color that can add a tropical flair to gardens and attract attention with its distinctive shade of orange blossoms.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Prince of Orange Geranium, Prince of Orange Pelargonium
Common names
Pelargonium 'Prince of Orange'.
ToxicityTo humans
Geraniums, including the 'Prince of Orange', are not considered highly toxic to humans. However, they can cause minor skin irritation in sensitive individuals upon contact. If ingested, they may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea. It is generally recommended to keep the plant out of reach of children who might ingest it out of curiosity.
To pets
Geraniums, such as the 'Prince of Orange', can be toxic to pets, especially cats and dogs. If a pet ingests the plant, it may experience symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, depression, anorexia, and in severe cases, dermatitis. It is advisable to prevent pets from access to geraniums to avoid these potential health issues.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Orange
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant orange blooms to gardens and indoor spaces.
- Fragrance: Emits a pleasant citrus scent that can enhance the sensory experience of a room or garden.
- Easy to Grow: Adaptable to various growing conditions and can be easily maintained by gardeners of all skill levels.
- Pest Deterrent: The scent of geraniums can naturally repel certain pests, helping to protect nearby plants.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, they are relatively drought-resistant, requiring minimal watering.
- Long Blooming Season: Offers a long season of colorful blooms from spring to fall.
- Attracts Pollinators: Can attract bees and butterflies, which are beneficial for pollination and the ecosystem.
- Versatility: Suitable for planting in beds, borders, containers, and hanging baskets.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Creating a natural dye: The leaves and flowers of geraniums can be used to make a green dye for textiles.
- Flavoring for desserts: Geranium leaves can be infused in sugar or used to flavor jellies and puddings with a subtle floral taste.
- Aromatherapy: The scent of geranium can be used in aromatherapy practices to create a calming and uplifting environment.
- Garden companion planting: Geranium can be planted alongside vegetables like tomatoes and peppers as they are believed to repel pests due to their strong scent.
- Culinary decoration: The petals of the geranium can be used as an edible decoration for salads and cakes.
- Artistic inspiration: Artists and photographers can use the striking colors of the geranium for inspiration, or as subjects in their works.
- Natural potpourri: Dried petals and leaves of geraniums can be incorporated into potpourri mixes for their fragrance and beauty.
- Teaching tool: Geraniums can be used in educational settings to teach children about plant growth, botany, and the lifecycle of flowers.
- Biological pest control: Geraniums can attract beneficial insects that help to control pests naturally in the garden ecosystem.
- Ice cube embellishments: Frozen petals of geraniums inside ice cubes can add an elegant touch to beverages for special occasions.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Prince of Orange Geranium is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Prince of Orange Geranium is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Revitalization and Rejuvenation: The 'Prince of Orange' geranium, with its refreshing citrus scent, is often seen as a symbol of revitalization. It may be associated with rejuvenating one's spirit or space, similar to the energizing quality of the orange fruit it is named after.
- Friendship and Hospitality: Geraniums in general have long been used to denote friendship and hospitality, likely due to their welcoming appearance and ease of care, making the 'Prince of Orange' a suitable plant to give as a gift to a friend or host.
- Good Health: The strong, pleasant aroma of the 'Prince of Orange' geranium can be seen as symbolic of good health and is sometimes thought to purify the air, contributing to the well-being of those around it.
- Brightness and Positivity: With its bright orange blooms, the 'Prince of Orange' geranium embodies cheerfulness and a positive outlook, echoing the warmth and energy of the sunlight.
WaterGeraniums, including the 'Prince of Orange' geranium, prefer a well-draining potting mix and should not be overwatered. Water when the top inch of the soil feels dry, typically once every 1-2 weeks, depending on the temperature and humidity levels. Use approximately 16 ounces of water for smaller pots or up to 2 gallons for larger pots, ensuring any excess water can drain away. During the winter months, reduce watering frequency as the plant enters a dormant stage.
LightThe 'Prince of Orange' geranium thrives best in bright, indirect sunlight. It's ideal to place it near a south or west-facing window where it can receive around 4-6 hours of sunlight daily. Direct harsh sunlight can lead to leaf burn, so it's essential to provide some shade during the peak afternoon hours.
TemperatureThe ideal temperature range for 'Prince of Orange' geraniums is between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, but they can tolerate temperatures as low as 55 degrees and as high as 80 degrees briefly. Protect the plant from sudden temperature changes and drafts which can cause stress.
PruningPrune 'Prince of Orange' geraniums to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Trim back leggy stems and deadhead spent flowers regularly. The best time for a more substantial pruning is in the spring or after the plant has finished blooming. Pruning every 2-3 months keeps the plant healthy and aesthetically pleasing.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Prince of Orange geranium prefers a well-draining soil mix composed of loam, peat, and sand or perlite in equal parts. An ideal pH range for this plant is between 6.0 and 7.0.
RepottingPrince of Orange geraniums should generally be repotted every 1 to 2 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth.
Humidity & MistingPrince of Orange geraniums thrive in average room humidity levels, typically around 40-60%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, avoid overwatering, and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Full to partial sun, protect from frost, well-draining location.
Hardiness zone
9-12 USDA
Life cycleThe Prince of Orange geranium (Pelargonium 'Prince of Orange') begins its life cycle when a seed germinates in warm and moist soil conditions, usually in early spring. The seedling emerges and develops its first true leaves, entering the vegetative growth stage where it establishes a strong root system and foliage. Throughout spring and summer, the plant enters the flowering stage, producing clusters of orange-scented, orange-colored blooms that attract pollinators and can be deadheaded to promote further blooming. After flowering, if pollination occurs, the plant may produce seeds, which can be collected for propagation or left to self-sow if environmental conditions permit. As a perennial, it naturally begins a period of dormancy in the autumn where growth slows down and the plant conserves energy for the winter months. In the subsequent spring, the cycle recommences with new growth from the rootstock or from self-sown seeds, provided the plant is in a suitable climate or protected during frosty weather.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating the Scented Geranium 'Prince of Orange' is through stem cuttings, often done in spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To successfully propagate, a healthy, non-flowering stem of about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) is cut just below a leaf node using a sharp, clean pair of scissors or pruning shears. The lower leaves are then removed, leaving only a few at the top. This cutting is then inserted into a pot containing a mix of moist potting soil and perlite or sand to improve drainage. The pot is placed in indirect sunlight and kept at a consistent temperature, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the new Scented Geranium can be gradually acclimatized to more direct sunlight and eventually transplanted outdoors, if desired, once it's well-established and the risk of frost has passed.
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