Geranium Pelargonium 'Rimfire' (R)

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Pelargonium 'Rimfire' is a striking plant known for its vibrant display of ornamental leaves and flowers. Its foliage is lush with rounded leaves that are quite showy, often marked with a pattern of darker zones. The leaves may have a soft, velvety texture and their edges can be gently scalloped or lobed, providing a visually pleasing, intricate outline. During the blooming period, the plant produces an abundance of flowers. These blossoms are composed of clusters atop long stems, which rise gracefully above the main body of the plant. Each flower within the cluster exhibits a round-to-slightly ruffled appearance, captivating onlookers with its dramatic coloration—the petals typically showcase bold, warm shades such as deep crimson shading into brighter reds or fiery oranges at the edges, often highlighted with striking dark markings or a contrasting center. The overall impact is one of lively, fiery beauty that easily draws the eye and can become a focal point in any garden or container display.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Synonyms
  Rimfire Geranium, Fancy-leaf Geranium, Zonal Geranium, Brocade Geranium.
- Common names
  Pelargonium 'Rimfire'
Toxicity
- To humans
  Geraniums, including the Pelargonium 'Rimfire', are not highly toxic to humans. If ingested in large quantities, they may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, but serious poisoning is rare. Consuming parts of this plant could lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
- To pets
  Geraniums like the Pelargonium 'Rimfire' are toxic to pets, especially cats and dogs. If ingested, they can cause symptoms such as vomiting, anorexia, depression, and dermatitis. In severe cases, consuming this plant can lead to more serious side effects, including renal failure or even death, especially in cats. Pet owners should prevent their animals from eating any part of the plant.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Evergreen
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Red
- Height
  1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
- Spread
  1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  9
- Native area
  South Africa

Benefits

General Benefits
- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant color and unique texture to gardens and landscapes with its striking foliage and flowers.
- Low Maintenance: Typically requires minimal care once established, making it a good choice for those with limited gardening time.
- Drought Resistance: Has the ability to withstand periods of low water, saving on irrigation needs and suiting it to xeriscaping designs.
- Pest Resistance: Often resists common garden pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments and promoting a healthier environment.
- Adaptability: Can thrive in a variety of soil types and climatic conditions, increasing its suitability for different garden settings.
- Container Gardening: Well-suited for pots and containers, allowing it to be grown on patios, balconies, and other small spaces.
- Seasonal Interest: Provides seasonal blooms that can enhance the visual interest of a garden throughout different times of the year.
- Privacy and Boundaries: When planted in groups, it can serve as a natural screen or border, enhancing privacy and defining areas within a garden.
Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Decoration in reptile terrariums: The visually appealing nature of the Geranium 'Rimfire' makes it suitable for adding natural beauty to reptile habitats, while being non-toxic if accidentally ingested.
- Floral arrangements and boutonnieres: The vibrant colors and distinct shape of the Geranium 'Rimfire' flowers can add an exotic touch to bouquets or men’s boutonnieres for special occasions.
- Photography props: The unique foliage and blooms of Geranium 'Rimfire' can be used as an attractive backdrop or focal point in photography sessions.
- Culinary decoration: Petals of the Geranium 'Rimfire' can be used as a colorful garnish on salads and desserts, though they are typically not consumed.
- Art and crafts: Dried Geranium 'Rimfire' flowers and leaves can be incorporated into scrapbooks, pressed flower art, or homemade paper for texture and color.
- Educational tool: Geranium 'Rimfire' can be used in schools or educational programs to teach plant biology, life cycles, and the care of living organisms.
- Plant dye: The petals of Geranium 'Rimfire' can be boiled to extract natural dyes for fabrics or craft projects.
- Scented sachets: Dried Geranium 'Rimfire' leaves can be used to fill sachets, offering a pleasing fragrance for drawers or closets.
- Fragrance oil infusion: The flowers and leaves of Geranium 'Rimfire' can be steeped in oil to create a fragrant oil for use in aromatherapy or natural perfumery.
- Mood enhancer: The bright colors and pleasant appearance of Geranium 'Rimfire' may contribute to emotional well-being by uplifting mood and creating a soothing environment.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The Geranium is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Geranium is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Comfort: Geraniums often symbolize comfort due to their lush, rounded leaves and clusters of cozy-looking flowers, imparting a sense of solace and familiar ease.
- Friendship: Giving someone a geranium is traditionally seen as a gesture of esteem and friendship, reflecting trust and the bond between friends.
- Health: Historically, geraniums have been associated with health and healing, possibly because some species have been used in folk medicine.
- Positive Emotions: With their bright colors and pleasing scent, geraniums uplift moods and evoke a sense of joy and happiness.
- Good Luck: In some cultures, geraniums carry the symbolism of good luck and are planted or gifted as charms to bring fortune and prosperity.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 2-3 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring-Early Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
Geraniums require watering when the soil feels dry to the touch; it's crucial not to overwater to prevent root rot. For a Pelargonium 'Rimfire', water thoroughly until excess moisture drains out of the pot's bottom. This might translate to watering with approximately 16 ounces of water for a small pot every 7 to 10 days, depending on environmental conditions. During hot, dry periods, watering frequency might increase to every 5 days. In winter or cooler weather, reduce watering to every 10 to 14 days, ensuring soil is not waterlogged.
Light
Geraniums thrive in bright, indirect sunlight but can also tolerate full sun conditions. For Pelargonium 'Rimfire', the ideal spot would be near a south-facing window where it can enjoy at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. However, in extremely hot climates, provide some afternoon shade to prevent leaf burn.
Temperature
Geraniums prefer temperate conditions, and Pelargonium 'Rimfire' is no exception. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid exposing the plant to temperatures below 55 degrees Fahrenheit and above 85 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent stress and damage.
Pruning
Geraniums require pruning to promote bushy growth and prevent legginess. For Pelargonium 'Rimfire', prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove dead or yellowing leaves and stems to encourage healthy new foliage. Pruning is needed periodically throughout the growing season to maintain shape and encourage fresh blooms.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Geranium 'Rimfire' thrives in a well-draining potting mix, ideally consisting of one part peat moss, one part perlite, and one part loam. The best pH range for this soil mixture should be slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.0 to 7.0.
Repotting
Geraniums, including the 'Rimfire' variety, generally need to be repotted every 1-2 years to refresh the soil and provide space for the growing roots. The best time to repot is in early spring before new growth begins.
Humidity & Misting
Geranium 'Rimfire' prefers moderate to slightly dry ambient humidity. It is tolerant of typical indoor humidity levels, but ensuring good air circulation can help prevent disease.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Place in bright, indirect light and water when soil is dry.
- Outdoor
  Needs full sun to partial shade and protection from harsh frost.
- Hardiness zone
  10-11 USDA
Life cycle
The life of Pelargonium 'Rimfire', commonly known as Geranium 'Rimfire', begins with seed germination, where the seeds need warm temperatures and proper moisture to sprout. Upon sprouting, the seedling stage is marked by the growth of two embryonic leaves (cotyledons), followed by the development of true leaves that enable photosynthesis. As the plant enters the vegetative stage, it develops a sturdy stem and a robust root system, along with a lush foliage of unique zoned leaves. The geranium 'Rimfire' reaches maturity in the flowering stage, where it produces vibrant blooms that can range in colors, depending on the variety, with 'Rimfire' being known for its striking red flowers. After pollination, the plant will produce seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. The plant can then enter a period of dormancy or reduced activity in colder months, only to resume growth and flowering in the next suitable season.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring-Early Summer
- Pelargonium 'Rimfire', commonly known as Geranium 'Rimfire', is typically propagated by stem cuttings. The ideal time to take cuttings for propagation is late spring to early summer, when the plant is actively growing. To propagate, select a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a section approximately 4 to 6 inches (about 10 to 15 centimeters) in length. Remove the lower leaves, leaving a few at the top, and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone to encourage growth. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix and water it lightly. It's important to provide a warm environment and maintain high humidity around the cutting, sometimes achieved by covering the pot with a plastic bag or placing it in a propagator. After a few weeks, the cutting should develop roots and can be transplanted to a permanent location.