Storksbill Pelargonium 'Vancouver Centennial' (Dw/st/c)
ABOUT
The Pelargonium 'Vancouver Centennial' features striking foliage and blossoms that create a vibrant display. The leaves are rounded but have a star-like shape due to the deep lobes that divide them. They boast a beautiful, variegated pattern of bronze and green, often with the bronze tinge concentrated towards the center and the green around the edges and veins. This pattern gives the leaves an ornate, almost stained-glass appearance that is both eye-catching and elegant. The blooms of this plant present a bright contrast to the leaves. They are typically clusters of small flowers that rise above the foliage on thin stems. The flowers are a radiant shade of red or reddish-orange, adding a splash of color that can attract the attention of onlookers and pollinators alike. The overall appearance of the Pelargonium 'Vancouver Centennial' is one of lively color and diverse textures, making it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a touch of brightness to their plant collections.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Geraniaceae
Synonyms
Stellar Geranium, Fancy-leaf Geranium, Vancouver Centennial Geranium
Common names
Pelargonium 'Vancouver Centennial'
ToxicityTo humans
The Geranium, specifically the Pelargonium 'Vancouver Centennial', is generally not considered toxic to humans. Ingestion of this plant is typically not dangerous, and there are no severe symptoms associated with its consumption. However, some people may experience mild irritation of the skin, eyes, or digestive system if they handle or ingest large quantities of this plant.
To pets
The Geranium may pose a risk to pets if ingested. While it is not typically deadly, consumption of this plant can lead to mild to moderate symptoms of poisoning in pets such as vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and anorexia. Contact with skin or eyes can also cause irritation. If you suspect your pet has ingested geranium, it is advised to contact a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Mixed
Flower color
Red
Height
1 foot (0.3 meters)
Spread
1 foot (0.3 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
10
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Foliage: Features striking, star-shaped leaves with bold red and green coloring that enhance garden aesthetics.
- Compact Growth: Ideal for small spaces such as balconies or patios due to its dwarf, compact nature.
- Container Friendly: Well-suited for container planting, allowing for versatility in garden design.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it an ideal choice for busy gardeners.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it has a good tolerance for short periods of drought, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Season-Long Color: Provides continuous color throughout the growing season with its vibrant foliage.
- Edging Plant: Suitable for garden borders or edging due to its neat growth habit.
- Attracts Pollinators: While it's not known for air-purifying or medicinal benefits, its flowers can attract beneficial pollinators 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- Artistic Inspiration: Artists and photographers often use Pelargonium 'Vancouver Centennial' as a subject for their works due to its striking foliage and bright flowers.
- Educational Tool: Biology teachers can use this plant to demonstrate various botanical concepts, including leaf variegation and plant hybridization.
- Botanical Dyes: The leaves and flowers of the Pelargonium 'Vancouver Centennial' can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics or paper.
- Signature Scent: The foliage of the plant can be infused into oils or waters to create unique, botanical scents for perfumes or room sprays.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not commonly consumed, the vibrant leaves can be used as an edible garnish for adding a splash of color to culinary presentations.
- Companion Planting: The Pelargonium 'Vancouver Centennial' can be planted alongside vegetables to attract beneficial insects and deter pests with its scent.
- Theme Gardens: This plant is ideal for creating a 'Canadian-themed' or 'Centennial' garden, commemorating Vancouver's centennial celebration.
- Crafting Projects: The colorful leaves can be pressed and used for creating bookmarks or in scrapbooking for added natural beauty.
- Seasonal Decorations: The bright foliage and flowers can be incorporated into fall or summer floral arrangements and table settings.
- Living Gifts: As a potted plant, Pelargonium 'Vancouver Centennial' makes an excellent living gift for friends and family on special occasions.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Geranium is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Geranium is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Enduring Fidelity: The 'Vancouver Centennial' geranium's lush growth and hardiness symbolize lasting commitment and faithfulness in relationships.
- Bridging Generations: As a cultivar named to commemorate a historical event, it represents the connection between past and present generations.
- Comfort and Healing: Geraniums in general are often associated with health and comfort, as the plant has been traditionally used in folk medicine.
- Friendship: The bright and cheery appearance of the 'Vancouver Centennial' geranium suggests warmth and friendship, much like the welcoming nature of Canadians.
- Peace: The serene beauty of the geranium’s foliage and flowering pattern is thought to bring a sense of calmness and peace to a home or garden.
WaterThe Storksbill should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch; typically, this means watering once every 7-10 days. However, frequency will vary depending on light and temperature conditions. Use room temperature water and aim to moisten the soil thoroughly, allowing water to drain out of the bottom of the pot. You may need about one gallon of water every two weeks for a medium-sized plant, but always check soil moisture before watering.
LightStorksbill thrives in bright, indirect light. It's best positioned in a spot where it can receive about 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily, like a south or west-facing window. However, during the hottest parts of the day, it is beneficial to provide some shade to prevent leaf scorch.
TemperatureStorksbill prefers temperatures between 65°F and 75°F but can survive in temperatures as low as 50°F and as high as around 80°F. Keep the plant away from drafts and sudden temperature changes to maintain its health and growth.
PruningStorksbill benefits from regular pruning to encourage bushier growth and to remove any leggy or dead growth. Prune lightly throughout the growing season as needed and conduct a more thorough pruning in early spring. The best time for significant pruning is before new growth starts, typically in late winter or early spring.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe ideal soil mix for Storksbill (Pelargonium 'Vancouver Centennial') is well-draining, with added perlite or sand to improve aeration. A potting mix designed for cacti can work well. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingStorksbill should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it has outgrown its current container. Springtime is the best period for repotting to minimize stress on the plant.
Humidity & MistingStorksbill prefers average household humidity levels. It doesn't require high humidity and can thrive well in conditions ranging from 30% to 50%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, avoid overwatering, and ensure good airflow.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade, protect from harsh weather.
Hardiness zone
10-11 USDA
Life cycleGermination of 'Vancouver Centennial' geraniums begins when the seed is sown in a warm, moist growing medium, where it sprouts and develops into a seedling with its first set of true leaves. Vegetative growth ensues, during which time the plant develops a robust stem and a leafy canopy with its distinctive zoned and colorful foliage. As it matures, this tender perennial may be pruned or pinched back to promote bushier growth and prevent legginess. Flowering occurs typically in the warmer months, when it produces clusters of small, star-shaped flowers above the attractively patterned foliage. After the flowering season, if seeds are produced, they can be collected for propagation; otherwise, the plant can be propagated by stem cuttings. 'Vancouver Centennial' geraniums may go dormant or die back in colder climates if not brought indoors or otherwise protected from frost; in milder climates or when overwintered properly, they can survive to regrow the following season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating Pelargonium 'Vancouver Centennial,' commonly known as Geranium, is through stem cuttings. This is generally done in late spring or early summer. To propagate, select a healthy stem about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) in length, and cut it just below a leaf node using a sharp, clean pair of scissors or a knife. Remove the bottom leaves to expose a section of the stem and allow for easier insertion into the growing medium. Dip the cut end in a rooting hormone to encourage root growth, although this is optional. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix, ensuring that the leaf nodes where you removed the leaves are buried. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a warm location with indirect light until the cutting has rooted, which can take several weeks. Once rooted, the new plants can be potted up individually and gradually acclimated to direct sunlight.
