Geranium Pelargonium 'Sensation Picotee' (Sensation Series)
ABOUT
The Pelargonium 'Sensation Picotee', commonly known as a type of geranium, is known for its distinctive and highly decorative flowers. The blooms are typically characterized by their two-toned color scheme, featuring a base color which is usually a bright hue such as pink, red, or orange. Adding to their charm is the contrasting edge, or picotee, often manifesting in a deeper or complementary color that outlines the petals, giving them a unique and striking appearance. The leaves of the geranium are generally rounded with a soft, velvety texture and exhibit a green color, sometimes with a zonal pattern or darker markings. The foliage forms a lush backdrop for the vibrant flowers, which are held aloft on sturdy stems above the leaves, creating a colorful display that is both eye-catching and elegant. The overall aspect of the geranium is one of a lush and ornamental plant that is favored for its showy flowers and pleasant form, making it a popular choice for gardeners seeking to add a splash of color to their outdoor or indoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Geraniaceae.
Synonyms
Pelargonium, Geranium, Picotee.
Common names
Pelargonium 'Sensation Picotee'
ToxicityTo humans
Geraniums, which include the Pelargonium 'Sensation Picotee', are not considered highly toxic to humans. However, if ingested, they can sometimes cause minor symptoms such as mild gastrointestinal upset, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. It is generally not considered life-threatening, but consuming any part of the plant should still be avoided, especially by young children who might be more sensitive.
To pets
Geraniums are known to be toxic to pets, particularly to dogs and cats. If a pet ingests any part of a geranium, symptoms of poisoning may include vomiting, anorexia, depression, and dermatitis. In some cases, ingestion can also lead to more serious reactions such as hypothermia or photo-sensitization, particularly if a large amount of the plant is consumed. Pet owners should prevent their animals from having access to geraniums and seek veterinary care immediately if they suspect their pet has ingested part of the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
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- Ornamental Appeal: Pelargonium 'Sensation Picotee' features striking variegated flowers that add visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Easy to Grow: This plant is known for being easy to care for, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant, requiring less water compared to many other garden plants.
- Long Blooming: The Sensation Series pelargoniums have a long blooming season, which means they provide color for an extended period.
- Pest Resistance: These plants are generally resistant to pests, minimizing the need for chemical treatments.
- Versatility: They can be grown in containers, hanging baskets, or garden beds, offering flexibility in garden design.
- Attracts Beneficial Insects: The flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity in your garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Pelargonium 'Sensation Picotee' can be used as a natural insect repellent when planted in gardens or pots around outdoor seating areas, due to its fragrant leaves that many pests find unappealing.
- This plant's vibrant flowers can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, giving them a soft pink to purple hue without the use of chemicals.
- The dried flowers of Pelargonium 'Sensation Picotee' can be incorporated into potpourri blends to add a pleasant scent and a splash of color to a room.
- The petals of this Pelargonium can be frozen in ice cubes to create visually stunning additions to cold beverages at a garden party.
- Pressed flowers from the 'Sensation Picotee' can be used in crafting, such as making bookmarks or decorating homemade cards, to add a botanical touch.
- This plant can be used as a teaching tool in botany or horticulture classes, illustrating principles of plant care, propagation, and hybridization.
- The sturdy stems and beautiful blooms make Pelargonium 'Sensation Picotee' a suitable choice for creating living wreaths or other live floral arrangements.
- Flowers from the plant can be used to garnish desserts or salads, offering an edible decorative element with a mild flavor.
- Pelargonium 'Sensation Picotee' can serve as a photographic subject for artists and photographers due to its striking appearance, helping to create vibrant and engaging images.
- Used for its aesthetic appeal, the plant can be grown as part of a fairy garden setup, creating a whimsical and colorful landscape that ignites the imagination.
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, often symbolize comfort due to their pleasant scent and the coziness they bring to homes and gardens.
- Friendship: The geranium is sometimes associated with friendship, suggesting an offering of this plant is a way to express warmth, esteem, and affection towards others.
- Health & Healing: Historically, geraniums have been used in folk medicine, which has led to their representation of good health and recovery.
- Protection: Some cultures plant geraniums around their homes and in gardens as they are believed to ward off negative energies and spirits, symbolizing protection.
- Peace: With its serene appearance and soothing effect in a domestic environment, a geranium can also stand for peace and tranquil energy.
- Happiness & Positive Vibes: The bright colors and sweet aroma of geraniums bring a cheerful presence, symbolizing happiness and the transmission of positive vibes.
WaterGeraniums, like the Pelargonium 'Sensation Picotee', prefer even moisture and should not be left to dry out completely between waterings. It's best to water these plants deeply once every 1 to 2 weeks, providing about one gallon of water per plant per watering session, depending on the climate and the plant's environment. Ensure that the top inch of soil is dry before watering again. Avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf and flower diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant. During the hot summer months, you may need to water more frequently, but always check the soil moisture level first.
LightGeraniums thrive in a spot with plenty of bright, indirect sunlight. They do best with 4 to 6 hours of morning sun and some afternoon shade. A south or west-facing window is typically ideal indoors, but make sure the plant is protected from the intense midday sun to prevent leaf scorch. These plants can also adapt to partial shade conditions but may produce fewer blooms.
TemperatureGeraniums enjoy a temperature range between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive short periods of cooler weather and are generally ok if temperatures briefly dip down to 30 degrees Fahrenheit at night. However, they are not frost-hardy and should be protected or brought indoors if the temperature is expected to go below this range. Their ideal growing conditions are in the warmer end of their temperature tolerance during the day.
PruningPruning geraniums encourages bushier growth and more blooms. Remove old flower stalks and any leggy or yellowing leaves to keep the plant looking tidy. Deadheading, or cutting off spent flowers, should be done regularly throughout the blooming season. The best time to prune for shaping is in early spring, before new growth begins in earnest.
CleaningAs needed
SoilGeraniums like well-draining soil with a mix of peat, perlite, and compost. Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingGeraniums should be repotted annually or when the root system outgrows the current pot, typically seen by roots growing through the drainage holes.
Humidity & MistingGeraniums prefer moderate to slightly dry humidity levels and can tolerate the average humidity found in most homes.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil moderately dry.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil, full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
9-12 USDA
Life cycleThe life of a Pelargonium 'Sensation Picotee', commonly known as Geranium, begins with seed germination, where the seed absorbs water and bursts open, developing a root system and cotyledon leaves. It progresses to a vegetative stage, during which the plant produces a rosette of leaves and stems, photosynthesizing to support growth. The plant then enters the flowering stage, showcasing its distinctive bicolored flowers that attract pollinators, and if successful pollination occurs, it forms seed pods. In favorable conditions, these seeds will disseminate, either naturally or through human intervention, to start a new generation. The Geranium may enter a dormant phase in response to adverse environmental conditions, conserving energy by dropping leaves and halting active growth. Over several years, the plant will repeat the flowering and seeding cycle until it reaches the end of its lifespan, completing the life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating Pelargonium 'Sensation Picotee', commonly known as scented geranium, is through stem cuttings. This practice is typically best done in late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate, a healthy stem cutting of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) is cut just below a node, where the leaf joins the stem. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is allowed to dry slightly before being planted into a pot filled with well-draining soil. The cuttings should be kept in a warm, lightly shaded place and maintained consistently moist until roots have developed, which usually takes a few weeks. After the roots have established, the new scented geranium plants can be transplanted to their final location, whether it be a container or garden bed.
