Geranium Pelargonium 'Royal Surprise' (R)
ABOUT
Royal Surprise is a type of Geranium that captivates with its striking appearance. This ornamental plant boasts a cluster of semi-double to double flowers whose petals exhibit a playful contrast of colors, often featuring a mix of deep, velvety purples and mauves with splashes or edging in lighter shades or white. This vivid coloring creates a sense of surprise, as if each flower is unique and full of character. The leaves of Royal Surprise are equally attractive and complement the flowers well. They are typically rounded, with a soft, lobed and serrated edge, offering a lush backdrop of dense foliage. The leaves are often a bright green, which serve as a canvas to highlight the vibrant blossoms. When in full bloom, this Geranium becomes a focal point in any setting, drawing the eye with its lively and colorful display. In addition to its beauty, the foliage may sometimes have a zonal pattern—a common trait in these types of Geraniums—where a darker color forms an almost circular mark on the leaves. This adds to the ornamental value of the plant, giving it not just stunning blooms but also an interesting leaf design. As a cultivar bred for its aesthetic qualities, Royal Surprise makes a popular choice for gardeners who wish to add a touch of royal elegance to their flowerbeds, containers, hanging baskets, or indoor settings where its appearance adds a regal charm. Overall, this Geranium variety is a true visual delight, making its name 'Royal Surprise' quite appropriate for the surprising beauty it brings to any garden or home.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Geraniaceae.
Synonyms
Scented Geranium, Storksbill, Pelargonium.
Common names
Pelargonium 'Royal Surprise'.
ToxicityTo humans
Geraniums, like Pelargonium 'Royal Surprise', are not considered highly toxic to humans. However, ingestion of parts of the plant can potentially cause minor symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea in some people. Contact with the skin can sometimes lead to irritation or dermatitis in sensitive individuals. It's always wise to avoid eating this or any other ornamental plant due to the potential risks.
To pets
Geraniums are considered mildly toxic to pets. If a dog or cat ingests part of a geranium plant, they might exhibit symptoms including vomiting, anorexia, depression, and dermatitis. It's important to keep an eye on your pets and prevent them from eating these plants, as reactions can vary from mild to more severe depending on the amount ingested and the pet's sensitivity.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Varies
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- Aesthetic appeal: Pelargonium 'Royal Surprise' adds vibrant color and visual interest to gardens and indoor spaces with its striking flowers and foliage.
- Easy to grow: This plant is known for being low-maintenance and adaptable, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, it has a good level of drought resistance, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Attracts pollinators: The blossoms can attract beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies to your garden.
- Long blooming period: It offers a long flowering season, providing color and beauty for an extended period.
- Container gardening: It is well-suited for pots and containers, making it ideal for balconies, patios, and indoor settings.
- Fragrance: The leaves and sometimes the flowers may emit a pleasant scent that can enhance the sensory experience of a 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: Pelargonium 'Royal Surprise' leaves can be dried and added to potpourri mixes for their fragrance and colorful appearance.
- Aromatherapy Aid: The scent of the Pelargonium 'Royal Surprise' can be used in aromatherapy for its uplifting and soothing properties.
- Natural Fabric Dye: The flowers and leaves can be used to create a natural dye for textiles, imparting colors ranging from soft greens to pinks.
- Artistic Muse: The vibrant colors and unique patterns of Pelargonium 'Royal Surprise' can inspire artists and be used as a subject in painting and photography.
- Plant-based Inks: The pigments from the Pelargonium 'Royal Surprise' can be used to make natural inks for calligraphy or art projects.
- Garden Design: With its striking appearance, Pelargonium 'Royal Surprise' can be used as a focal plant in garden design and landscaping.
- Floral Arrangements: Its flowers can be used in fresh or dried floral arrangements to add a pop of color and texture.
- Educational Tool: This plant can be used in educational settings to illustrate principles of botany, such as hybridization and plant care.
- Cooking Garnish: The flowers can serve as an edible garnish for culinary dishes, adding color and a mild flavor.
- Crafting: Dried Pelargonium 'Royal Surprise' flowers can be incorporated into paper making or other crafting activities for decoration.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe geranium is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe geranium is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Surprise and Spontaneity: The name 'Royal Surprise' suggests an element of unexpected wonder or delight, often representing pleasant surprises or spontaneous moments in life.
- Regality and Distinction: The term 'Royal' conveys a sense of elegance, majesty, and distinction. This plant might symbolize excellence and a high standing, reflective of its regal prefix.
- Beauty and Grace: Geraniums, in general, are often associated with beauty and gracefulness, symbolizing the aesthetic and gentle aspects of nature and personality.
- Comfort and Friendship: Geraniums are traditionally linked to feelings of comfort and the positive emotions associated with cherished friendships.
WaterGeraniums, including the Pelargonium 'Royal Surprise', prefer to be watered deeply but infrequently. It's best to water these plants when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically means once every 1-2 weeks, depending on the climate and indoor conditions. When you do water, add enough water so that it runs out of the drainage holes of the pot; for a typical indoor plant, this might be around 16-24 onzes each time for a medium-sized pot. During the winter, water less frequently, and always avoid letting the plant sit in water as this can lead to root rot.
LightGeraniums thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. The ideal spot for a Pelargonium 'Royal Surprise' would be a location where it receives at least 4-6 hours of sunlight daily, such as a south- or west-facing window. However, during the hottest part of the day in summer, protect it from the harsh, direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn.
TemperatureGeraniums prefer a warm environment with temperatures ranging between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and no lower than 50 degrees Fahrenheit at night. Pelargonium 'Royal Surprise' is not frost-hardy, so it's important to keep it away from drafts and cold windows in the winter months. The plant can handle temperatures up to about 80 degrees Fahrenheit without stress.
PruningPruning is essential for geraniums to promote bushy growth and prevent legginess. For Pelargonium 'Royal Surprise', prune back leggy stems in the spring, just before the new growth starts, and deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage more blooms. You can also prune lightly throughout the summer to shape the plant and remove any damaged or yellowing leaves. The best time to do extensive pruning is early spring or after the plant has finished blooming.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for geraniums (Pelargonium 'Royal Surprise') is a well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand for aeration. Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingGeraniums should be repotted every 1-2 years or when they become root-bound. Transplant them into containers that are slightly larger than their current ones.
Humidity & MistingGeraniums prefer moderate atmospheric humidity levels, ideally between 40-60%. Avoid high humidity conditions to prevent fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and water when soil is dry.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade, shelter from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
10-11 USDA
Life cycleGermination is the first stage of the Pelargonium 'Royal Surprise,' often known as Fancy Leaf Geranium, which begins when seeds are sown in warm, well-draining soil and provided with ample moisture and light until they sprout. The seedling stage follows, characterized by the growth of the first true leaves after the initial embryonic leaves (cotyledons) appear, requiring consistent watering and good light exposure for healthy development. As the plant enters the vegetative stage, it develops a bushy structure with numerous ornamental leaves and requires regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer to promote good foliage growth. The blooming stage is marked by the emergence of colorful flowers, typically during the warmer months, which attract pollinators and are integral to the ornamental value of the plant; this stage may require deadheading to encourage further blooming. If conditions are favorable, the plant can be propagated either by seed or by cuttings taken during active growth, thus continuing the life cycle. The plant may enter a dormancy period during colder months, reducing watering and ceasing fertilization until temperatures rise and growth naturally resumes.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagation for the Pelargonium 'Royal Surprise', commonly called geranium, is through stem cuttings. Ideally, this should be done in late summer to early fall. To propagate, you should select a healthy stem that is about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long and has a few leaves. Cut the stem just below a node, where the leaf joins the stem, using a clean, sharp knife or pair of scissors. Remove the leaves from the lower part of the cutting to reduce moisture loss, and allow the cutting to callous for a few hours to a day. Then, insert the cutting into a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix, moistening the soil beforehand. Place the pot in a warm, well-lit area, avoiding direct sunlight, and keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged until the cutting has rooted, which typically takes a few weeks.
