Rose Geranium Pelargonium Rosais (I/d)
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ABOUT
The Pelargonium Rosais, commonly known as Rose Geranium, showcases an enchanting appearance that captivates the senses with its distinct features. At a glance, you'll notice its lush foliage, which typically bears a rich green hue and carries the plant's signature aroma, often reminiscent of roses. The leaves are quite notable, with an almost heart-shaped base that tapers to a point, often displaying a quilted texture with deeper veins that give them a ruffled look. The edges of the leaves often exhibit gentle scalloping, adding to their ornamental charm. Gracing the top of the foliage, the Rose Geranium presents clusters of flowers that form rounded umbels. These blossoms can display a range of colors, from pale pinks to deep purples, often marked with streaks or veins of a darker tone that enhance their visual appeal. The petals are soft and rounded with a velvety touch, sometimes having a slight notch at the tip. The flowers exude a subtle rose-like aroma that blends with the herby scent of the leaves, contributing to the plant's alluring fragrance profile. The overall form of the Rose Geranium is generally robust and bushy, creating a pleasing and dense mound of greenery and blooms. As a popular choice among gardeners, this plant often graces gardens, pots, and planters, not only for its beauty but also for its aromatic delight. Despite the restrictions on size descriptions, the Rose Geranium is a versatile plant that fits well in various settings without overwhelming the space it occupies.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Rose Geranium, Sweet Scented Geranium, Pelargonium 'Rosais'.
Common names
Pelargonium Rosais
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as geranium has a low toxicity rating for humans. In general, ingesting any part of the geranium could potentially cause mild discomfort, including symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. However, it is not considered highly toxic to humans and serious consequences are rare.
To pets
In pets, notably dogs and cats, geraniums can be more toxic. If a pet ingests any part of a geranium, they could exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, anorexia, depression, and dermatitis. It is important to prevent pets from consuming geraniums and to seek veterinary care if they do ingest any part of the plant, as the consequences can be more severe for them.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
10
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant color and visual interest to gardens and indoor spaces.
- Ease of Care: Hardy and low maintenance, suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerance: Can survive with minimal water, making it ideal for arid climates and water-wise gardening.
- Versatility: Suitable for use in pots, containers, hanging baskets, and as bedding plants.
- Rapid Growth: Quick to establish and grow, providing swift gratification for gardeners.
- Long Flowering Season: Offers a long duration of blooms, usually from spring to fall.
- Propagation Ease: Simple to propagate from cuttings, making it easy to expand your collection or share with friends.
- Scented Foliage: Leaves often have a pleasant fragrance when touched, which can add a sensory dimension to the garden or home.
- Attracts Wildlife: Flowers can attract pollinators 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- As a natural dye: The petals of the geranium can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, offering a range of colors from soft pink to purple depending on the mordant used.
- In fragrance making: The leaves and flowers of the geranium are sometimes distilled to produce an essential oil used in perfumery and aromatherapy for its rose-like scent.
- In culinary applications: The leaves of certain geranium species are edible and can be used to flavor sugars, desserts, jellies, and teas with their aromatic qualities.
- As insect repellent: Geranium plants are often planted or placed in areas to naturally deter mosquitoes and other insects due to their strong fragrance.
- In potpourri: Dried geranium leaves and flowers are often included in homemade potpourri mixes for their pleasant scent and aesthetic appeal.
- As a natural astringent: The tannins present in geranium leaves can be used in homemade skin toners and astringents for their tightening effects on the skin.
- In art and crafts: The colorful geranium leaves and flowers can be pressed and used in botanical prints or craft projects.
- As a companion plant: Geraniums are used in gardens for companion planting to help protect neighboring plants from pests and diseases.
- In hair care products: Geranium oil can be added to shampoos or conditioners for its fragrance and to potentially help balance oil production on the scalp.
- In candle making: Scented candles often utilize geranium oil for its sweet and floral fragrance, creating a calming atmosphere when burnt.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Pelargonium, commonly known as Geranium, is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Geranium is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Comfort: Pelargoniums, commonly known as geraniums, often symbolize comfort due to their pleasant scent and homey appearance, evoking feelings of familiarity and ease.
- Friendship: Geraniums are also seen as a symbol of true friendship because of their long-lasting nature and the wide variety of colors, which can represent the diverse personalities within friendships.
- Health: Historically, geraniums have been used in folk medicine, leading them to symbolize good health and the restoration of the body and mind.
- Positive Energy: The bright and vibrant flowers of the geranium are believed to radiate positivity, making them symbolic of an uplifting atmosphere and good vibes.
- Fertility: Some cultures consider geraniums to be a symbol of fertility and reproduction due to their abundant and prolific blooming habits.
WaterGeraniums, the common name for Pelargonium Rosais, should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry. Typically, this means watering them every 7 to 10 days, but this can vary depending on the climate and the environment the plant is in. Use room temperature water and gently pour it around the base of the plant until the soil is thoroughly moistened. It is important not to overwater as geraniums do not like to sit in waterlogged soil. In terms of quantity, around 8 to 12 ounces of water per square foot of soil every week should be sufficient, but be sure to adjust based on the plant's response and weather conditions.
LightGeraniums thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. The ideal spot for these plants is a location where they can receive about six to eight hours of sunlight per day, but not harsh midday sun which can scorch their leaves. A western or eastern facing window with some light shading is often a good location for an indoor geranium. If the plant is outdoors, ensure it has some protection during the hottest part of the day, such as light cloth or plant positioning.
TemperatureGeraniums prefer a temperature range between 55°F and 80°F. They can tolerate temperatures as low as 30°F but not for prolonged periods as they are not frost-hardy. They perform best in moderate conditions without extreme fluctuations. Ideally, aim to maintain an environment where temperatures stay within the 60°F to 70°F range for optimal growth.
PruningPruning geraniums helps to promote bushy growth and prevent legginess. It's best to prune them in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead or yellowing leaves and spent flowers, and cut back leggy stems to about one-third of their length to encourage new growth. Regular pruning, about once a month during the growing season, will keep your geraniums looking full and healthy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilGeraniums, commonly referred to when speaking of Pelargoniums, thrive best in a soil mix that drains well. A common recipe is to combine equal parts peat moss, perlite, and potting soil. They prefer a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
RepottingGeraniums should be repotted every one to two years or when they become root-bound. During the growing season, if the plant seems to be stunted or the soil dries out too quickly, it might be time to repot.
Humidity & MistingGeraniums prefer moderate humidity levels but are quite adaptable and can tolerate dry air. They do not require high humidity environments and can thrive in the typical humidity found within most home settings.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and water when top soil feels dry.
Outdoor
Ensure full sun, shelter from strong winds, and well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
9-12 USDA.
Life cycleThe common name for Pelargonium Rosais is rose geranium. The life cycle begins with the germination of seeds in warm, well-drained soil, where they sprout and develop into seedlings. As the seedlings grow, they form a robust root system and foliage, eventually producing distinctive fragrant leaves. Upon reaching maturity, rose geraniums bloom, showcasing small clusters of flowers that can range in color from pink to nearly white, depending on the variety. After pollination, which is often aided by insects, the flowers will develop into seed capsules that, when ripe, will burst open to disperse their seeds, thus enabling the next generation to take root. This perennial plant may also be propagated through cuttings, which will root and establish new plants, often with faster results than seed propagation.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
The Pelargonium, commonly known as geranium, is typically propagated by stem cuttings. This method is popular because it's straightforward and effective. Cuttings can be taken in late summer to early fall for the best results, but spring cuttings are also common. A healthy stem about 4 to 6 inches (about 10 to 15 cm) long should be cut just below a node, and any lower leaves should be removed. The cutting's base can be dipped in a rooting hormone to increase the chances of successful rooting before it is placed in a pot with well-draining soil. The soil should be kept moist, but not wet, and the pot should be placed in a warm area with bright, indirect light. Roots usually develop within a few weeks, after which the young plant can be gradually acclimatized to more direct light before eventually being transplanted outdoors.
