Geranium Pelargonium 'Tip Top Duet' (A)
ABOUT
Pelargonium 'Tip Top Duet' is a striking and decorative plant known more commonly as a geranium. It is characterized by its lush foliage and showy flowers, which make it a popular choice for gardeners and flower enthusiasts. The leaves of this plant are typically green, adding a rich background to the vibrant blossoms. The geranium's blooms are particularly noteworthy; they display an eye-catching combination of colors, often showing off two tones that contrast beautifully against each other. These flowers are clustered together, forming rounded heads that sit proudly above the foliage on sturdy stems. The petals have a soft, velvety texture and can come in a range of shades, including reds, pinks, purples, and whites, often with distinct markings or patterns that add to their visual appeal. The overall appearance of the Pelargonium 'Tip Top Duet' is that of a lush, ornamental plant that brings a burst of color and a touch of elegance to any setting in which it's placed. The combination of its delightful flowers and attractive foliage makes it a centerpiece in many gardens and balconies.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Geraniaceae
Synonyms
Geranium, Zonal Geranium, Fish Geranium
Common names
Pelargonium 'Tip Top Duet'
ToxicityTo humans
Geraniums, like the Pelargonium 'Tip Top Duet', are not considered highly toxic to humans. However, they can cause minor skin irritations or allergic reactions in some individuals when handled. If ingested, they may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort, including nausea or vomiting. It is generally recommended to avoid ingesting parts of this plant.
To pets
Geraniums, like the Pelargonium 'Tip Top Duet', are considered to be toxic to pets, particularly to dogs and cats. If a pet ingests part of this plant, they may exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, depression, anorexia, and occasionally, dermatitis. In some cases, ingestion can also lead to more severe reactions such as lethargy or ataxia. Pet owners should prevent their pets from chewing on geraniums and seek veterinary attention if ingestion occurs.
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- Easy to Grow: Pelargonium 'Tip Top Duet' doesn't require extensive gardening skills and is relatively easy to care for.
- Colorful Blooms: It produces vibrant flowers that can add striking color to gardens and indoor pots.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it's quite resilient to dry conditions, making it suitable for water-wise gardens.
- Pest Resistant: It's known to be resistant to many common garden pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Long Flowering Season: The plant has a lengthy blooming period, providing color for much of the growing season.
- Attracts Pollinators: Its flowers can attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, aiding in pollination.
- Versatility: Can be used in a variety of garden settings, including borders, containers, and hanging baskets.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal pruning and maintenance once it's well-established.
- Compact Growth: Its growth habit tends to be neat and compact, making it suitable for smaller spaces and minimizing the need for space management.
- Aromatic Foliage: The leaves of the plant can have a pleasant scent which adds an additional sensory experience 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- Pelargonium 'Tip Top Duet' can be used in potpourris for its fragrant leaves, adding a pleasant aroma to a mix of dried plants and flowers.
- The leaves of the Geranium can be placed in sugar bowls to impart subtle flavors to the sugar, which can then be used in cakes and pastries.
- Pressed flower crafts can include the vibrant flowers of the Geranium, preserving its beauty in bookmarks, cards, or framed art.
- The plant can serve as a natural dye source, with the flowers and leaves offering varying shades for textiles or art projects.
- Geranium leaves can be used as a natural insect repellent when rubbed on the skin, helping to deter mosquitoes and other pests.
- When planted in vegetable gardens, Geraniums can help to repel pests that would otherwise damage the vegetables due to their strong scent.
- Used as an educational tool, the Geranium can help teach children or gardening novices about pollination and plant care.
- The colorful blooms can be used as garnishes for salads, desserts, or drinks, providing an edible decoration that is also non-toxic.
- As a photography subject, the diverse and vibrant colors of the Geranium are perfect for practicing macro photography skills.
- The Geranium can be used as part of a natural dye kit for children, teaching them about how plants can be used to dye fabrics and yarns.
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, have a calming fragrance, leading to their association with comfort and soothing emotions.
- Friendship: With their bright and welcoming blooms, geraniums have become symbolic of friendship and positive relationships.
- Health: Traditionally, geraniums have been used in folk medicine, symbolizing wishes for good health and recovery.
- Protection: Geraniums are sometimes planted in gardens to ward off evil spirits and negative energies, representing protection and safety.
WaterGeraniums should be watered thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, usually every 7 to 10 days, depending on climate conditions. Over-watering can lead to root rot, so ensure proper drainage. During hot, dry periods, more frequent watering may be necessary, potentially increasing to twice a week, providing about 16-24 onzes of water per plant. It is best to water these plants in the morning so foliage has time to dry, minimizing the risk of fungal diseases. Always avoid getting water on the leaves, focusing on the base of the plant.
LightGeraniums need bright, indirect sunlight and will thrive in a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. They can tolerate some direct sun, but in very hot climates, afternoon shade will prevent leaf scorch. The ideal spot for this plant would be in an east or west-facing window if kept indoors, or a similar area outside where it gets sun and some partial afternoon shade.
TemperatureGeraniums prefer an environment with daytime temperatures of about 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit and nighttime temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive minimum temperatures of 30 degrees Fahrenheit but will not survive a frost without protection. The ideal temperature range promotes healthy growth and flowering.
PruningGeraniums should be pruned to encourage bushy growth, remove dead or yellowing leaves, and promote more blooms. It is best to prune them in early spring before active growth begins. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to keep the plant tidy and encourage continuous blooming throughout the season. Major pruning should be done once a year, but light pruning may be done as needed.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor the Geranium 'Tip Top Duet', a well-draining potting mix is ideal, incorporating equal parts peat, perlite, and compost. The best soil pH for this Geranium is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingGeraniums such as 'Tip Top Duet' should be repotted annually to refresh the soil and encourage healthy growth. However, if they are not outgrowing their pots, repotting every two years is sufficient.
Humidity & MistingGeranium 'Tip Top Duet' prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable. Aim for humidity levels between 40% to 60% for optimal growth, avoiding overly humid conditions which can encourage diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, well-draining soil, moderate watering.
Outdoor
Needs full sun, well-draining soil, and regular watering.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleGeranium 'Tip Top Duet' begins its life as a seed, which when sown in warm, fertile soil and given proper light, will germinate usually within a week or two. The seedling stage follows, where two true leaves develop and the plant starts photosynthesis. As it grows, it enters the vegetative stage, where the stem elongates and more leaves develop, preparing the plant for flowering. The flowering stage is next, and Geranium 'Tip Top Duet' will produce clusters of flowers in dual tones, often red and white, attracting pollinators. After pollination, the flowers will develop into seed capsules, which eventually dry and release the seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. In perennial gardening zones, the plant enters a dormancy stage during cold weather, reducing its metabolic activities, only to re-emerge in the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The Pelargonium 'Tip Top Duet', commonly known as Geranium, is typically propagated by cuttings. Propagating Geraniums through cuttings is most successful during the warmer months, commonly from spring to summer, when the plant is actively growing. The process involves taking a 4 to 6-inch (about 10 to 15 cm) stem cutting just below a node, removing the bottom leaves, and then dipping the cut end in rooting hormone. The prepared cutting is then inserted into a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix. Keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged and providing bright, indirect light will encourage rooting. Within a few weeks, the cutting should develop roots and can eventually be transplanted into a larger pot or into the garden.
