Geranium Pelargonium 'Velvet Duet' (A)
ABOUT
The Pelargonium 'Velvet Duet', commonly known as geranium, features a striking appearance that makes it a popular choice for gardeners and plant enthusiasts. The geranium showcases lush foliage with leaves that are softly textured and often have a unique pattern or variegation. The foliage can vary in color from green to deep, almost purple hues, depending on the variety and growing conditions. The flowers of the Velvet Duet geranium are particularly eye-catching, with a velvety texture that gives the plant its name. The blooms typically come in rich, vibrant colors, often presenting a harmonic contrast of two shades, which is likely the reason for the "Duet" part of its name. These could be combinations like deep reds with lighter pinks, purples with white centers, or other bicolor patterns that are visually striking. The petals might be ruffled or have a softer, rounded appearance, contributing to the plant's ornamental value. The geranium's overall shape is usually rounded or slightly spreading, creating a bushy appearance that is dense with foliage and blooms. The stems can be sturdy and may have a trailing or upright habit, depending on the specific cultivar and the way it's grown or pruned. The geranium is a favorite for containers, hanging baskets, and as a bedding plant because of its lush, decorative look that adds color and texture to any planting arrangement.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Geraniaceae
Synonyms
Geranium, Zonal Geranium, Garden Geranium, Common Geranium
Common names
Pelargonium 'Velvet Duet'
ToxicityTo humans
Geraniums, including Pelargonium 'Velvet Duet', are not considered highly toxic to humans. However, they can cause minor skin irritations in some people with sensitive skin. If ingested in large quantities, they may cause mild gastrointestinal upset including nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
To pets
Geraniums like Pelargonium 'Velvet Duet' are toxic to pets, especially to cats and dogs. Symptoms of poisoning in pets after ingestion can include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and loss of appetite. In severe cases, it may lead to dermatitis, depression, or anorexia. If you suspect your pet has ingested part of a geranium, contact your veterinarian immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Variegated
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: The Pelargonium 'Velvet Duet' is known for being a low-maintenance plant, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Attractive Foliage: The plant has attractive foliage with a velvet-like texture that provides visual interest in a garden or as a houseplant.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it has a good tolerance to brief periods of drought, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Long Blooming Season: Pelargonium 'Velvet Duet' flowers for an extended period, offering colorful blooms from spring to fall.
- Container Friendly: It is well-suited to container gardening, allowing those with limited space to enjoy its beauty on patios or balconies.
- Pest Resistant: Generally resistant to common garden pests, reducing the need for chemical interventions.
- Attracts Pollinators: The blossoms can attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies to the garden.
- Versatile Use: Suitable for use in flower beds, borders, and as a standalone specimen for ornamental purposes.
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 clothing dye: Pelargonium leaves can be used in the dyeing process to impart a subtle green hue to fabrics.
- Pressed flower art: The vibrant petals of Pelargonium 'Velvet Duet' can be pressed and used in crafting unique botanical artwork or in scrapbooking.
- Floral ice cubes: Freeze petals from the Pelargonium in ice cube trays for a decorative touch in drinks at garden parties or events.
- Aromatherapy sachets: Dry the fragrant leaves and flowers to create sachets that can freshen drawers and closets.
- Culinary decoration: Use fresh flowers to add an ornamental garnish to desserts or salads that are safe for consumption.
- Natural insect repellent: Plant Pelargoniums around outdoor sitting areas, as their scent is said to repel certain insects.
- Photography prop: The plant’s striking appearance can serve as a beautiful subject or backdrop for close-up and macro photography.
- Handmade paper: Include small pieces of Pelargonium 'Velvet Duet' leaves or petals to create textured, decorative handmade paper.
- Plant potpourri: Combine dried leaves and petals with other dried botanicals to create a visually appealing and fragrant potpourri mix.
- Gift wrapping adornments: Use small sprigs or single flowers of Pelargonium 'Velvet Duet' to decorate gift packages for a natural and personal touch.
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: The soft, velvety texture of Pelargonium 'Velvet Duet' is often associated with comfort and soothing emotions, similar to the way velvet fabric can evoke a sense of coziness and ease.
- Longevity: With proper care, this geranium variety can live for several years, symbolizing endurance and the ability to thrive over time.
- Femininity: The delicate appearance and gentle hues of geraniums can represent qualities traditionally associated with femininity, such as grace and gentleness.
- Friendship: Geraniums are commonly given as gifts between friends, symbolizing a wish for happiness and positive emotions within the friendship.
- Healing: Historically, geraniums have been used in herbal remedies. They symbolize health and recovery, bringing a wish of wellness to those who nurture them.
WaterGeraniums, such as the Pelargonium 'Velvet Duet', require moderate watering to maintain consistently moist soil without becoming waterlogged. It's best to water these plants deeply once per week, with about 6-8 ounces of water per square foot of soil, allowing for adjustments based on temperature and humidity. During the growing season in spring and summer, you might need to water more frequently, especially if the weather is particularly hot or dry. Ensure that water is applied directly to the soil to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. Always check the top inch of the soil before watering; if it's dry, it's time to water again.
LightGeraniums thrive in bright, indirect light and can benefit from some hours of direct morning sunlight. Place your Pelargonium 'Velvet Duet' in a location where it can receive at least 4-6 hours of light per day. Avoid strong, direct afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves. An east or west-facing window with some light shading would be an ideal spot for optimal growth and flowering.
TemperatureGeraniums prefer temperatures ranging between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and should not be exposed to temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit at night. The ideal temperature range for Pelargonium 'Velvet Duet' to thrive is within this warm and mild spectrum. These plants can tolerate brief periods of higher temperatures but should be protected from cold drafts and frost which can cause damage.
PruningPrune Geraniums to maintain their shape, encourage bushier growth, and promote more blooms. Cut back leggy stems and deadhead spent flowers regularly to redirect the plant's energy. The best time for a major pruning is in the early spring, before the new growth begins, or in the late summer months to rejuvenate the plant. Pruning every couple of months to remove yellow or brown leaves and to shape the plant is generally sufficient.
CleaningAs needed
SoilGeranium 'Velvet Duet' thrives in a well-draining soil mix, with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. A good mix might consist of equal parts peat, perlite, and potting compost.
RepottingGeranium 'Velvet Duet' should be repotted every one to two years to provide fresh soil and encourage healthy growth.
Humidity & MistingGeranium 'Velvet Duet' prefers moderate humidity levels but is adaptable and can tolerate the dry air typically found in homes.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light with some direct sun.
Outdoor
Full to part sun, shelter from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
10-11 USDA
Life cycleGeranium 'Velvet Duet' begins its life cycle when seeds are sown or cuttings are taken from a parent plant, initiating the propagation stage. Germination or rooting occurs with suitable temperature and moisture, leading to the seedling or young plant stage where true leaves develop and the plant establishes itself. As it enters the vegetative growth phase, 'Velvet Duet' expands in foliage, producing the characteristic velvety, patterned leaves of the cultivar. Graduating to the flowering stage, it produces its distinctive flowers, which can be encouraged repeatedly through proper care and deadheading. After blooming, if conditions allow, the plant may produce seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. Eventually, as a tender perennial, it may die back due to frost or cold weather but can be overwintered indoors or through cuttings to begin the cycle anew in favorable conditions.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Pelargonium 'Velvet Duet', commonly known as a variety of Geranium, is through stem cuttings. To propagate Geraniums, choose a healthy stem about 4-6 inches long (10-15 cm) and cut just below a node using a clean, sharp knife or scissors. Remove the bottom leaves to leave a clear stem, which can then be inserted into a pot filled with a moist, well-draining potting mix. Some people dip the cut end into a rooting hormone powder to boost root development, though this is not always necessary. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and place the pot in a warm, bright area out of direct sunlight. Roots usually develop within a few weeks, after which the new Geranium plant can be transplanted to a larger pot or into the garden.
