Zonal Geranium Pelargonium 'United' (Z)

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Non-toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Pelargonium 'United' is known for its striking appearance, often characterized by a showy display of flowers that come in a mix of vibrant colors. The blooms typically showcase rich tones, often comprising contrasted hues that can range from deep pinks to reds, sometimes accented with lighter shades or intricate vein patterns. These blossoms are grouped together in clusters, known as umbels, and are held aloft on sturdy stems that rise above the foliage. The leaves of Pelargonium 'United' are equally ornamental, with a lush, green color and a unique shape that adds texture to the plant's overall look. The foliage may have a zonal pattern, which looks like a darker colored 'zone' or mark on the leaves. This characteristic is often seen as a circle or horseshoe shape and adds to the visual interest of the plant. The arrangement of the plant is generally bushy, and it spreads out to create a full and robust presence, giving it a dense and luxuriant appearance. It's a popular choice among gardeners not just for its beauty but also for its aromatic leaves, which, when brushed or touched, can release a pleasant fragrance that varies depending on the specific variety of the plant. As a part of the decorative appeal, Pelargonium 'United' might also have textured leaves that can be slightly ruffled or even have a velvety feel, contributing to the tactile experience of the plant. The combination of the colorful blooms, the patterned foliage, and the rich texture makes Pelargonium 'United' a favorite for adding a pop of color and interest to gardens, balconies, and indoor spaces. Its ability to flower prolifically is a testament to its ornamental value in a variety of settings.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Geraniaceae.
- Synonyms
  Geranium, Zonal Geranium, Zonal Pelargonium.
- Common names
  Pelargonium 'United' (Z)
Toxicity
- To humans
  Pelargonium 'United' (Z), commonly known as a type of geranium, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There is no significant toxicity associated with ingesting parts of the plant. Therefore, no symptoms of poisoning are expected for humans who consume geraniums in small, incidental quantities. However, it's always best to avoid eating ornamental plants as they may cause digestive discomfort or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
- To pets
  Geranium, which refers to Pelargonium 'United' (Z) in this case, is known to be toxic to pets, particularly cats and dogs. If a pet ingests a part of a geranium, symptoms of poisoning may include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, anorexia, and dermatitis. In more severe cases, it can also lead to kidney failure, especially in cats. Pet owners should prevent their animals from ingesting any part of the plant and seek immediate veterinary attention if accidental ingestion occurs.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Evergreen
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Varies
- Height
  1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
- Spread
  1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  9
- Native area
  South Africa

Benefits

General Benefits
- Easy to grow: Pelargoniums are known for being low-maintenance and easy to care for which makes them great for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Long blooming period: They often bloom from spring to fall, providing an extended period of color.
- Drought-tolerant: Once established, they can tolerate periods of dryness, which makes them suitable for water-wise gardens.
- Versatile in landscaping: Pelargoniums can be used in various garden settings like flower beds, borders, and containers.
- Attracts pollinators: They can attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies to the garden.
- Vivid coloration: Pelargonium 'United' has vibrant flowers that can add splashes of color to garden spaces.
- Can be grown indoors: With proper care, it can thrive indoors as a houseplant, offering year-round interest.
- Can be propagated easily: They can be easily propagated from cuttings, allowing gardeners to create new plants.
- Deer and rabbit resistant: These plants are typically not favored by deer and rabbits, helping to prevent garden damage.
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
- Pelargoniums can be used as a natural fabric dye, imparting a range of colors from soft pinks to deep purples depending on the mordant used.
- The plant's leaves can be infused in hot water to create a scented rinse for pets, giving their coat a pleasant fragrance.
- When placed among linens and clothes, pelargonium leaves can act as a natural repellent to moths and other insects.
- The essential oils extracted from pelargonium can be used in candle making, offering a floral scent to homemade candles.
- Pressed pelargonium flowers can be incorporated into homemade paper, providing a decorative botanical element.
- Pelargonium flowers are edible and can be crystallized with sugar for decorative cake toppings or to garnish desserts.
- Leaves of the pelargonium can be placed in drawers or closets as a freshener to impart their scent onto clothing and linens.
- The vibrant flowers of pelargoniums can be used in potpourri mixes, adding color and a pleasant aroma to the mixture.
- Plant enthusiasts may use pelargoniums in terrariums or fairy gardens for ornamental purposes, thanks to their diverse foliage and blooms.
- When dried, pelargonium leaves can be burned as incense, giving off a subtle fragrance that can freshen up the living space.

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: The gentle and soothing scent of geraniums is often associated with comfort and the calming of the mind, making them symbolic of a refuge or safe haven in times of stress.
- Health: Traditionally, geraniums have been used for their medicinal properties, thereby symbolizing wellbeing and the importance of maintaining good health.
- Friendship: With their vibrant and friendly appearance, geraniums are often given as gifts to symbolize friendship and the wish for a companionable relationship.
- Positive Emotions: The bright colors and pleasant fragrance of geraniums are known to uplift spirits, representing joy, happiness, and a positive outlook on life.
- Fertility and Reproduction: In some cultures, the geranium represents fertility and the creative force of reproduction due to its ability to propagate easily from cuttings.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

500 - 2500 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 1-2 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring-Early Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
Geraniums (Pelargonium 'United') should be watered when the soil feels dry to the touch, typically once every 1-2 weeks depending on the climate and indoor conditions. Provide them with about 6-8 ounces of water per plant, ensuring that the water penetrates the soil evenly without leaving the soil soggy, which can lead to root rot. During the active growing season in spring and summer, they may require more frequent watering, while in winter their watering needs diminish. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering to avoid overwatering.
Light
Geraniums thrive best in bright, indirect sunlight. An ideal spot would be near an east or west-facing window where they can receive plenty of light without the harsh direct sun of midday. Ensuring they get at least 4-6 hours of daylight will promote robust growth and blooming.
Temperature
Geraniums prefer moderate temperatures and do well in a range from 55 to 70°F. They can tolerate a minimum of around 50°F and a maximum of about 80°F. To ensure optimal growth and flowering, maintain indoor temperatures within this range.
Pruning
Geraniums benefit from regular pruning to promote bushier growth and more abundant blooms. Remove dead leaves and spent blooms regularly, and prune back leggy stems in early spring. The best time for a more thorough pruning is after the last frost when the plant starts to produce new growth, typically pruning back up to one-third of the plant's size.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Geraniums prefer a soil mix that consists of equal parts peat moss, perlite, and potting soil. This ensures good drainage and aeration. The ideal soil pH for geraniums is between 6.0 and 7.0.
Repotting
Geraniums should be repotted annually in spring to encourage healthy growth and to refresh the soil. Ensure the new pot is only slightly larger than the old one.
Humidity & Misting
Geraniums thrive in moderate humidity levels but are quite adaptable to lower humidity. They do not require particularly humid conditions and can tolerate dry air.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Place in bright, indirect light and water when soil feels dry.
- Outdoor
  Plant in well-draining soil with full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness zone
  10-11 USDA
Life cycle
Pelargonium 'United' (Z), commonly known as Geranium, begins its lifecycle with seed germination, which requires warmth, light, and moisture to initiate growth. After germination, the seedling stage follows, characterized by the development of a root system and the first pair of true leaves. As the plant enters the vegetative stage, it undergoes rapid growth, producing multiple leaves and stems, and if provided with adequate care, it will reach maturity and be ready to flower. The flowering stage is marked by the emergence of colorful blooms, which attract pollinators for sexual reproduction, although Geraniums can also be propagated vegetatively. Following pollination, the plant produces seeds within capsules, completing the sexual reproductive cycle. Eventually, after seeding, the plant will enter a dormancy period or may die back, depending on the climate and growing conditions, before potentially regenerating from its root system or from fresh seeds in the next growing season.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring-Early Summer
- Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Pelargonium 'United', commonly known as geranium, is through stem cuttings. Cuttings can be taken in late summer to early fall when the plant is still actively growing. Select a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a 4 to 6-inch piece (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) just below a node. Remove the bottom leaves and allow the cutting to dry and callous over for a few hours. Dip the cut end into rooting hormone to encourage root development and plant it in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and place the pot in a warm, bright area without direct sunlight. Roots typically develop within 4 to 6 weeks, after which the new plant can be gradually acclimatized to more sunlight and eventually repotted if necessary.