Geranium Pelargonium 'Spanish Angel' (A)
ABOUT
Pelargonium 'Spanish Angel' is a visually striking plant commonly known as geranium. This particular variety showcases lush, green foliage that forms a dense and bushy appearance, providing a perfect backdrop for its flowers. The leaves are rounded, with a soft texture and often exhibit a zonal pattern, which can be a darker green or occasionally have maroon or bronze hues. The real show-stoppers of this plant are its flowers. The blooms of 'Spanish Angel' geranium are large and abundant, presenting an exquisite palette of colors. These flowers typically consist of multiple petals that are richly colored, often found in shades of pink, red, purple, or white. Some petals may feature intricate veining or streaks, creating a marbled or speckled effect, adding to the plant's ornamental charm. These flowers cluster together at the tips of the stems, creating rounded heads of blossoms that rise just above the foliage, giving the plant a delightful and balanced overall look. The blossoms have a delicate, yet noticeable fragrance, which can attract pollinators to the garden. Overall, Pelargonium 'Spanish Angel' has a vibrant and lush appearance with remarkable flowers that make it a stunning addition to potted displays, garden beds, and as a border plant in landscaped areas. Its aesthetic qualities have earned it a favored status among gardeners looking for a touch of Mediterranean flair.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Geraniaceae.
Synonyms
Spanish Angel Geranium, Spanish Angel Pelargonium.
Common names
Pelargonium 'Spanish Angel'
ToxicityTo humans
Geraniums, such as the 'Spanish Angel', are generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, ingestion of large quantities of geranium plant parts could potentially cause minor symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea due to the irritation of the digestive tract. The essential oils present in some geraniums can also cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
To pets
Geraniums pose a risk of toxicity to pets, particularly to cats and dogs. If ingested, geraniums can cause symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy, anorexia, and dermatitis. In cats, the symptoms can be more severe and may include drooling, depression, or even contact dermatitis. All parts of the plant contain the toxic components and can potentially cause these symptoms if ingested by pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
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- Decorative Appeal: 'Spanish Angel' geraniums offer vibrant flowers and attractive foliage, enhancing the aesthetic of gardens and indoor spaces.
- Drought Resistance: These plants are quite tolerant of dry conditions, making them suitable for water-wise gardening.
- Easy Maintenance: Geraniums generally require low maintenance, making them ideal for beginner gardeners or those with limited time.
- Pest Resistance: They are known to be resistant to many common garden pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Container Gardening: Due to their compact size, 'Spanish Angel' geraniums are well-suited for pots and containers, adding versatility to their placement.
- Long Blooming Period: These plants have a prolonged flowering season, providing color and interest for much of the year.
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 fabric dye: The vivid colors of the geranium petals can be used to dye fabrics with hues ranging from pink to orange, depending on the mordant used.
- In homemade potpourris: Dried geranium leaves and petals can add a pleasant fragrance to homemade potpourris.
- As a flavoring agent in desserts: Geranium petals can be candied or used fresh to impart a subtle rose-like flavor to desserts such as puddings and cakes.
- Geranium-scented candles: The essential oil from geraniums can be used in candle-making to create a calming and pleasant atmosphere in the home.
- As a natural insect repellent: Geraniums are known to repel certain types of insects, so they can be planted around the patio or used in natural insect repellent sprays.
- In eco-friendly burial: Biodegradable burial pods can incorporate geraniums for their aesthetic appeal and symbolism of comfort and positivity.
- As bookmarks: Dried and pressed geranium leaves can be used as delicate and fragrant bookmarks.
- For artistic inspiration: The unique form and color of geraniums can serve as a subject for photography, painting, and other art forms.
- In plant-based inks: The pigments extracted from geranium petals can be used in the formulation of natural inks for art or writing.
- As natural confetti: Instead of using paper confetti, geranium petals can be tossed at celebrations for an environmentally friendly alternative.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Geranium is not traditionally used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Geranium is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Comfort: The Pelargonium, commonly known as geranium, has a soothing scent and presence that is often linked with feelings of comfort and stress relief.
- Healing: Traditionally, geraniums have been used for their medicinal properties, connoting physical and emotional healing.
- Friendship: Giving a geranium plant to someone can symbolize a wish for deeper friendship or maintaining a current friendship.
- Positive Emotions: The bright and colorful flowers of the geranium are associated with happiness, good spirits, and positive energy.
- Peace: The geranium is sometimes believed to promote harmony and peacefulness in the home.
WaterGeraniums, or Pelargoniums, including the 'Spanish Angel', prefer to have their soil dry out slightly between waterings. A good rule of thumb is to water these plants every 7 to 10 days, adjusting for climate and the plant's environment. It is important to water them thoroughly, ensuring that the water penetrates deep into the soil, amounting to about a half gallon for a medium-sized pot every two weeks. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot, and always allow excess water to drain away. Water less frequently during the winter months when the plant is not actively growing.
LightGeraniums like 'Spanish Angel' thrive in bright, indirect light. They are best placed in an area that receives at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight daily, ideally near an east or west-facing window. Direct midday sun might be too intense and can scorch the leaves, so if you only have south-facing windows, consider using a sheer curtain to filter the light.
TemperatureGeraniums, including 'Spanish Angel', perform well in temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and above 50 degrees Fahrenheit at night. They can survive temperatures as low as 30 degrees Fahrenheit but this is not recommended for long periods. It's best to protect the plant from sudden temperature drops and drafts, as they can cause stress.
PruningTo encourage bushier growth and more blooms, geraniums like 'Spanish Angel' need to be pruned. Remove any dead or yellowing leaves and spent blooms to promote new growth. Pruning can be done every few weeks during the growing season. The best time to do a more thorough pruning is in early spring before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilGeranium 'Spanish Angel' prefers well-draining soil that can retain some moisture; a mix of peat, perlite, and compost works well. The ideal soil pH level should range from 6.0 to 7.0 for healthy growth.
RepottingGeranium 'Spanish Angel' should typically be repotted every one to two years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth.
Humidity & MistingGeranium 'Spanish Angel' tolerates average indoor humidity but thrives best when the relative humidity is around 40-60%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, away from cold drafts.
Outdoor
Needs full sun, protect from harsh frost.
Hardiness zone
9-12 USDA
Life cycleGeranium 'Spanish Angel' (A) begins its life cycle as a seed, which when sown in soil and provided with the right conditions of warmth and moisture, will germinate. Upon germination, a small sprout emerges and develops into a seedling, which then grows into a young plant with characteristic round or kidney-shaped leaves. As the plant matures, it produces dense, bushy foliage and begins to form flower buds; the buds eventually bloom into the ornamental flowers for which geraniums are renowned. The flowering stage can last several weeks to months, during which the plant can be deadheaded to encourage further blooming. After flowering, the plant sets seeds, completing its reproductive cycle. Throughout its life, geranium 'Spanish Angel' requires periodic pruning and may be propagated through cuttings to produce new plants, extending its life span beyond a single season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method for propagating Pelargonium 'Spanish Angel', commonly known as geranium, is through stem cuttings. The ideal time to take cuttings is in late summer. Select a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut it just above a leaf node, making the cutting about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15cm) long. Remove the lower leaves to expose the nodes and dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth. Plant the cutting in a pot with well-draining soil, moisten the soil, and cover the pot with a plastic bag or place it in a propagator to retain humidity. Keep the cutting in indirect light and within a few weeks, it should begin to form roots. Once the cutting is well-rooted, it can be transplanted to a larger pot or into the garden.
