Geranium Pelargonium 'Quantock Marjorie' (A)
ABOUT
Pelargonium 'Quantock Marjorie' is a visually striking ornamental plant commonly known as a type of Geranium. This particular variety boasts lush, green foliage that serves as a backdrop for its showy flowers. The leaves are often rounded and sometimes have a scalloped or lobed edge, exuding a classic Geranium appearance. They may have a velvety texture with a pattern of darker veins running through them, providing depth and visual interest to the lush greenery. The true standout characteristic of the Pelargonium 'Quantock Marjorie' are its blossoms. The flowers typically present themselves in clusters and are known for their intricate patterning and bright, vibrant colors. Each petal could exhibit a range of hues and may have a unique blend of shades, such as pinks, reds, and purples, often with contrasting markings in the form of veins or blotches that add to the overall allure of the plant. Furthermore, these geraniums can sometimes exude a subtle, pleasant fragrance, adding a sensory benefit to their visual beauty. The combination of attractive foliage and the clustered, colorful blossoms makes Pelargonium 'Quantock Marjorie' a desirable addition to any garden or as a potted houseplant, enriching the space with its decorative charm.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Marjorie's Quantock Geranium, Marjorie's Quantock Pelargonium.
Common names
Pelargonium 'Quantock Marjorie'
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Pelargonium 'Quantock Marjorie' is geranium. Geraniums are not generally considered toxic to humans. However, if ingested in large quantities, they may cause minor symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. It is always advisable to keep all plants out of the reach of small children who might chew on them out of curiosity.
To pets
Geraniums are known to be toxic to pets, particularly to dogs and cats. If a pet ingests a geranium, it may experience symptoms such as vomiting, anorexia, depression, and dermatitis. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to more serious consequences such as kidney failure, but this is rare. Pet owners should take care to prevent their animals from ingesting any part of the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds colorful blooms and unique foliage to gardens and indoor spaces.
- Easy to Grow: Tolerant of various soil types and can thrive with minimal care.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, it requires less water, making it suitable for drier climates.
- Pest Resistance: Naturally resistant to many pests, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.
- Long Blooming: Provides flowers for a longer period, often from spring to fall.
- Versatility: Suitable for planting in beds, borders, containers, and hanging baskets.
- Fragrance: Often has a pleasant scent that can enhance the sensory experience of a garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Insect Deterrent: Geranium oils are commonly thought to repel mosquitoes and can be used around seating areas or in other locations where people gather outdoors.
- Mood Enhancer: The scent of Geranium is often used in aromatherapy for its potential to improve emotional well-being and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
- Crafts: The vibrant flowers of the Geranium can be used in dried flower arrangements or potpourri to add color and scent.
- Culinary: Some Geranium petals are edible and can be used as a colorful garnish on salads or desserts.
- Teaching Tool: Geraniums can be utilised in educational settings to teach students about plant care, propagation, and the life cycle of flowering plants.
- Natural Fabric Dye: The petals and leaves of some Geraniums may be boiled to extract natural dyes for fabrics, though specific results can vary greatly.
- Photography: With their vivid colors, Geraniums are often used as subjects or backdrops in floral photography and botanical art.
- Fragrance Production: Some Geranium species are used in the perfume industry for their rose-like fragrance essential oils.
- Soil Health Indicator: Geraniums can be indicators of soil health, as they require a well-draining and fertile growing medium.
- Cosmetics: Geranium oil is sometimes included in lotions, creams, and other cosmetic products for its fragrance and astringent properties.
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, have a calming scent which is often associated with providing comfort and stress relief.
- Healing: Geraniums are used in traditional medicine, and their symbolism often includes healing properties, particularly in regards to emotional healing.
- Friendship: Geraniums can represent close bonds and positive relationships, making them a symbol of friendship.
- Good Health: With their use in herbal remedies, geraniums also symbolize good health and the wish for the same for others.
- Sturdiness: Geraniums are hardy plants that can tolerate various conditions, symbolizing resilience and the ability to endure challenges.
WaterGeraniums, including the Quantock Marjorie variety, prefer their soil to be kept evenly moist, though they are relatively drought tolerant. It's best to water these plants thoroughly when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. On average, watering once a week should be sufficient, but this may vary depending on climate conditions and indoor temperatures. When watering, apply water directly to the soil rather than overhead to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to disease. These plants generally need about 12-16 ounces of water for a pot with a diameter of 6 inches, adjusting the amount proportionally for larger pots.
LightGeraniums such as the 'Quantock Marjorie' thrive in bright, indirect light. They can be positioned near a window that gets plenty of light, but it's best to shield them from direct midday sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. An east- or west-facing window often provides the ideal light conditions for these plants.
TemperatureThe ideal temperature range for geraniums, including Quantock Marjorie, is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and no lower than 50 degrees Fahrenheit at night. They can survive temporarily in temperatures as low as 30 degrees Fahrenheit but for vigorous growth and flowering, keeping them in their ideal temperature range is best. Avoid placing your geraniums in locations with cold drafts or sudden temperature changes.
PruningPruning geraniums like 'Quantock Marjorie' encourages bushier growth and more blooms. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, should be done regularly throughout the blooming season. Additionally, prune back leggy stems in early spring or fall to promote new growth. Generally, cutting the plant back by one-third is effective for shaping and rejuvenating it. The best time to prune is just before the plant enters its peak growing phase.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for a Pelargonium, commonly known as a geranium, would be well-draining potting soil with added perlite or sand to enhance drainage. The ideal pH should range between 6.0 and 7.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingGeraniums generally need to be repotted once every one to two years to replenish nutrients in the soil and accommodate root growth. Repot during spring or early summer.
Humidity & MistingGeraniums prefer moderate to low humidity levels, ideally around 40-50%. They are tolerant of average indoor humidity but do not require high humidity to thrive.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, well-draining soil, and water when dry.
Outdoor
Full sun to part shade, protect from frost, and water moderately.
Hardiness zone
10-11 USDA
Life cycleGeranium 'Quantock Marjorie' begins its life cycle as a seed, which, once sown in warm, moist soil, will germinate generally within a few weeks. Emerging seedlings will develop a set of true leaves after the initial pair of cotyledons (seed leaves), at which point they can be gradually accustomed to outdoor conditions if they were germinated indoors. Upon transplanting, the young plants go through a vegetative stage, growing foliage and branching out to become bushy. As the plant matures, it enters the flowering stage, producing clusters of vibrant flowers which can be encouraged through regular deadheading of spent blooms. After the flowering period, if seeds are allowed to develop, the cycle can begin anew, or vegetative propagation can be achieved by taking cuttings to produce clones of the parent plant. With proper care, including pruning and protection from frost, the plant can survive for several years, although it may be treated as an annual in colder climates.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Pelargonium 'Quantock Marjorie', commonly known as a variety of Geranium, is propagated most effectively through stem cuttings. The best time to take cuttings for propagation is during late spring or early summer. To propagate by stem cuttings, a healthy stem about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) long is selected. This stem should have several leaves and be free of flowers. The bottom leaves are removed, and the cut end of the stem is dipped into rooting hormone to increase the chance of successful rooting. The stem is then planted in a pot filled with a mixture of potting soil and perlite or vermiculite, ensuring that at least a couple of leaf nodes are buried where roots can form. The pot is kept in indirect light and the soil is maintained at a consistent moisture level, without becoming waterlogged, until roots have developed and new growth appears, indicating successful propagation.
