Geranium Pelargonium zonale Spanish Wine Rosé = 'Pacswiros' (PBR) (Darkline Series) (Z)
ABOUT
Pelargonium zonale Spanish Wine Rosé, known popularly as a type of Geranium, falls under the Darkline Series marked with the cultivar name 'Pacswiros'. It showcases vibrant and eye-catching flowers that bloom in a unique shade of rosé, resembling the hue of Spanish wine. The flowers are attractively rounded, with each petal elegantly edged in a deeper rosy-pink or violet that creates a striking contrast against the lighter background color. The foliage of this plant consists of large, circular leaves with a soft, velvety texture. Each leaf exhibits a rich green color, often with darker zones or patterns radiating from the center towards the edges, giving this variety its zonal classification. The leaf margins are gently scalloped, adding to the plant's ornamental appeal. The Geranium is known for its bushy and robust growth habit, producing multiple stems that create a lush and full appearance. As a cultivar designed for visual impact, the 'Pacswiros' is often celebrated for the rich and prolonged display of flowers it presents over the growing season. The blooms cluster above the foliage on sturdy stems, creating a top layer of color that stands out in garden beds, containers, or hanging baskets.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Geraniaceae.
Synonyms
Zonal Geranium, Common Geranium, Garden Geranium.
Common names
Pelargonium × hortorum
- Toxicity
To humans
Geraniums, including Pelargonium zonale, are generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, consuming large quantities of any plant material can potentially cause gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. These symptoms would be a result of the physical irritation from the plant material rather than chemical toxicity. It is advisable to avoid ingesting parts of the geranium plant.
To pets
Geraniums, like Pelargonium zonale, are known to be toxic to pets, particularly dogs and cats. If ingested, they can cause symptoms such as vomiting, anorexia, depression, and dermatitis. In some cases, ingestion can lead to more severe reactions such as reduced appetite and gastrointestinal upset. To ensure pet safety, it is best to keep geraniums out of reach of curious animals.
- Characteristics
Life 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
9-11
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Decorative Appeal: Its vibrant pinkish-rosé flowers and decorative dark zonal patterns on the leaves enhance visual interest to gardens or patios.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care, making it suitable for busy gardeners or those with limited gardening experience.
- Drought Resistant: Once established, it has a good tolerance to short periods of dry conditions, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Continuous Blooming: It offers a long flowering season, providing color from spring through to the first frosts in autumn.
- Adaptable Growth: Can be grown in containers, hanging baskets, or garden beds, offering flexibility in garden design and space utilization.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers are attractive to butterflies and bees, promoting biodiversity and helping pollinate other plants in the 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
- Natural dye: The petals of the Geranium can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, offering hues from pink to purple depending on the mordant used.
- Aromatherapy: The scented leaves of this Geranium can be infused into oils for use in aromatherapy, providing stress relief and a calming atmosphere.
- Garden pest repellent: Planting Geraniums can help repel certain pests from the garden, as some insects find the scent and oils from the plant unattractive.
- Companion planting: Geraniums can be effective companion plants, potentially helping to protect vegetables like tomatoes and peppers from pests.
- Art supplies: The vibrant colors of the Geranium petals can be pressed or crushed for use as natural pigments in homemade paints.
- Floral arrangement: Geranium flowers and leaves can be used as a part of floral arrangements to add a splash of color and lush greenery.
- Refrigerator freshener: Keep dried Geranium leaves in the refrigerator to help neutralize odors and keep the space smelling fresh.
- Photography, crafts, and decor: The attractive blooms and foliage can be used in crafting, decor, or as subjects in photography.
- Culinary garnish: Although typically not recommended for consumption, some Geranium petals may be used as a decorative and edible garnish for culinary purposes if verified non-toxic.
- Homemade potpourri: The scented leaves and spent flowers of the Geranium can be dried to create an aromatic potpourri mix.
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 and ease, likely because they are commonly found in domestic gardens and are known for their pleasant scent.
- Happiness: The bright and colorful flowers of geraniums are associated with happiness and positive emotions, making them a cheerful addition to any space.
- Friendship: Geraniums can represent close friendship, possibly due to their long-lasting nature and the way they are often shared and propagated among friends.
- Health and Longevity: These plants can also be seen as a symbol of good health and long life, stemming from their hardy characteristics and their use in traditional medicine.
- Peace: The geranium is sometimes seen as a symbol of peace and a stress-free existence, which could be attributed to the plant's calming fragrance and appearance.
- Water
Geraniums should be watered deeply but infrequently to prevent waterlogging; allow the soil to dry out before watering again. Typically, watering once a week is sufficient, but this may vary depending on climate conditions and the size of the plant. During hot and dry periods, more frequent watering may be necessary, possibly twice a week. Use about 8-16 ounces of water for small to medium pots, ensuring even distribution across the soil. Be cautious not to wet the foliage to avoid fungal diseases.
- Light
Geraniums prefer bright, indirect sunlight and should be placed in a location where they'll receive this light for most of the day. An east or west-facing windowsill is ideal, where the plant can enjoy morning or afternoon sun without the harsh midday rays. Avoid placing them in full shade, as this can lead to leggy growth and poor flowering.
- Temperature
Geraniums thrive in temperatures between 65°F and 75°F, which are ideal for robust growth. They can tolerate minimum temperatures of 55°F but should be protected from frost and freezing conditions. They also don't do well in extremely high temperatures over 85°F, particularly if accompanied by high humidity.
- Pruning
Prune geraniums to encourage bushy growth, remove dead or diseased foliage, and promote better air circulation. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to stimulate new flower production. The best time for heavy pruning is in early spring or after the plant has finished flowering. Prune up to once a month during the growing season to maintain shape and size.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
For Pelargonium, commonly known as Geranium, a well-draining potting soil mix is ideal. It should consist of peat, perlite, and compost in equal parts. The ideal soil pH for Geraniums is slightly acidic to neutral, around pH 6.0 to 7.0.
- Repotting
Geraniums should be repotted every one to two years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. Spring is the best time for repotting; avoid winter repotting.
- Humidity & Misting
Geraniums prefer moderate humidity levels. They thrive in typical household humidity but will benefit from increased circulation if humidity is high.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Place in bright light, away from drafts, and water when soil is dry.
Outdoor
Choose a sunny spot, protect from frost, ensure soil drains well.
Hardiness zone
10-11 USDA
- Life cycle
Pelargonium zonale Spanish Wine Rosé begins its life as a seed, typically germinating in warm, moist soil conditions. After germination, it enters the seedling stage, developing its first true leaves and beginning to establish a root system. As it matures into a young plant, it undergoes vegetative growth, producing more leaves and stems, eventually reaching a mature size where it begins to flower. The flowering stage is characterized by vibrant blossoms that can attract pollinators, though pelargoniums can also be propagated through cuttings. After pollination, the flowers can develop into fruit containing seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. Over time, the plant will experience senescence, where older leaves may yellow and drop as the plant ages, until it eventually dies.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Pelargonium zonale Spanish Wine Rosé, commonly known as Geranium, is typically propagated through stem cuttings, which is the most popular method for this plant. To ensure successful propagation, the best time to take cuttings is late summer to early fall, but cuttings can be taken anytime during the growing season if necessary. Choose a healthy stem that is about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long, making sure it has at least three sets of leaves. Cut just below a leaf node, remove the bottom leaves, and allow the cutting to callous for a few hours to reduce the risk of rot. The prepared cutting is then inserted into a pot filled with a moist, well-draining potting mix. Covering the pot with a plastic bag to maintain humidity can hasten rooting, which typically occurs in 6 to 8 weeks. Once new growth indicates successful rooting, the young plant can be gradually acclimated to less humid conditions and eventually moved to its final location.