Geranium Pelargonium Video Series (Dw)
ABOUT
The Pelargonium Video Series (Dw), commonly known as geranium, is a vibrant and attractive flowering plant. Its appearance is often characterized by thick, succulent leaves that are generally green in color with a soft, velvety texture. The foliage might exhibit some zoning, with darker patches or a reddish tint dependent on the variety. The leaves are typically rounded with scalloped or lobed edges, and can release a pleasant fragrance when brushed or crushed. The flowers of the geranium are its most striking feature, coming in a wide array of colors such as red, pink, purple, white, or salmon, often with contrasting hues at the base or center of the petals. They usually appear in clusters, called inflorescences, atop sturdy stems that rise above the leafy base, providing a showy display that can last for an extended period. This series of geranium is named for its tendency to produce numerous sequential blooms, much like a series of videos. The blooms themselves are composed of five petals, often rounded with distinct lines or striations that lead to the center of the flower. Some varieties may also showcase double blooms, with extra layers of petals creating a fuller, more opulent look. Overall, the Pelargonium Video Series (Dw) presents a lush mound of foliage punctuated by these vivid and cheerful floral bursts, making it a popular choice among gardeners and plant enthusiasts for adding a splash of color to their surroundings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Geraniaceae.
Synonyms
Dwarf Geranium.
Common names
Pelargonium 'Video Series' (Dw)
ToxicityTo humans
Geraniums are not considered toxic to humans. They are commonly used in gardens and homes for decorative purposes. However, ingesting large amounts of geraniums can cause mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea. It is always best to avoid eating non-food plants due to potential individual allergic reactions or gastrointestinal discomfort.
To pets
Geraniums may be toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. If ingested, they can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and depression in pets. In some cases, dermal exposure may also cause skin irritation. If you suspect your pet has ingested geraniums, it is best to consult with a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to grow: The Pelargonium, commonly known as geranium, is a hardy plant that is simple to cultivate in a variety of climates and soil types.
- Long blooming season: Geraniums are known for their long flowering period, providing vibrant color and visual interest for much of the year.
- Drought tolerance: Geraniums are relatively drought-tolerant once established, making them suitable for dry climates or water-wise gardens.
- Low maintenance: These plants require minimal care, which can include occasional pruning and watering, making them ideal for busy gardeners.
- Versatile: Geraniums can be used in different garden settings, including container gardens, hanging baskets, and as bedding plants.
- Attracts pollinators: The flowers can attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, promoting pollination in the garden.
- Color variety: Pelargoniums come in a broad range of colors and styles, allowing gardeners to create diverse and attractive planting schemes.
- Decorative foliage: Many geraniums have decorative leaves that may be patterned or variegated, adding to their ornamental value.
- Erosion control: When planted in groups, the dense foliage of geraniums can help prevent soil erosion in sloped areas of 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- Art and Crafts: Pelargonium leaves can be used to create botanical prints on paper or fabric, transferring their unique shapes and sometimes even their scent.
- Culinary Garnish: Edible varieties of pelargonium can add a colorful and fancy touch to salads or desserts as a garnish.
- Plant Dye: The vibrant colors of some pelargonium flowers can be used to dye fabrics or yarns in a natural and eco-friendly way.
- Insect Repellent: Placing pelargonium around outdoor seating areas can help repel mosquitoes and other insects due to its fragrant leaves.
- Homemade Potpourri: Dried pelargonium flowers and leaves can be mixed with other fragrant botanicals to create a natural potpourri.
- Tea Flavoring: Some pelargonium species are safe for consumption and can be used to add flavor to herbal teas.
- Decoration: Intact pelargonium plants or cuttings can be used as decoration for events or to beautify balconies and windowsills.
- Bath Infusions: Pelargonium leaves and flowers can be added to bathwater for a fragrant, relaxing bath experience.
- Floral Arrangements: Pelargonium can be used in fresh floral arrangements to provide unique textures and colors.
- Bookmark Creation: Dried pelargonium leaves can be laminated or pressed within pages to create natural and aromatic bookmarks.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Geranium is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Geranium is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Stability and Grounding: Pelargoniums, commonly known as geraniums, often symbolize steadiness and a sense of being grounded, reflecting their sturdy nature and ability to grow in varied conditions.
- Comfort and Healing: Geraniums have been used in traditional medicine for their healing properties, hence they can represent comfort and recovery from adversity.
- Friendship and Positive Encounters: With their bright, cheerful flowers, geraniums stand for the happiness of meeting new friends and having positive social interactions.
- Fertility and Creation: The geranium's abundant blooms can symbolize fertility and the creative process, suggesting growth and the generation of new ideas or life.
- Protection: In folklore, geraniums were often planted in gardens and around homes to ward off evil spirits, indicating a symbolic meaning of protection and safety.
WaterGeraniums (Pelargonium spp.) should be watered deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. In general, watering once a week during the growing season should be sufficient, using about 1 gallon of water per plant, depending on the weather and the size of the plant. During hot, dry periods, they may need watering twice a week, while in cooler, cloudy weather, they may need less. It's important to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. In winter, when geraniums are dormant, reduce watering to once every two weeks or less.
LightGeraniums thrive in bright, indirect sunlight and should be placed in a spot where they will receive at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight per day. They can tolerate direct morning sun but should be shielded from the intense, direct afternoon sun, which can scorch their foliage. A south or west-facing window with some shade or an east-facing window is ideal for these plants.
TemperatureGeraniums prefer moderate temperatures and perform best when daytime temperatures are between 65°F and 75°F, and nighttime temperatures are slightly cooler, between 50°F and 60°F. They can tolerate temperatures as low as 30°F for brief periods, but frost will damage or kill the plant. The maximum temperature for geraniums is around 90°F; above this, plants may become heat-stressed.
PruningGeraniums require pruning to encourage bushy growth and to remove dead or yellowing leaves and spent blooms. Prune in early spring before new growth starts or anytime during the growing season to maintain shape and size. Remove leggy stems back to a healthy node or bud to promote fuller plants. The best time for heavy pruning is late winter or early spring.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for geraniums, commonly known as Pelargonium Video Series (Dw), is a well-draining potting mix with peat, perlite, and compost. A balanced pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is ideal for these plants.
RepottingGeraniums should be repotted annually to replenish the soil and accommodate root growth. Replace old soil with fresh mix when repotting.
Humidity & MistingGeraniums prefer moderate humidity levels around 40-60%, but they are adaptable and can tolerate dry indoor air.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, well-draining soil, and regular watering.
Outdoor
Plant in sunny spot with well-draining soil; avoid overwatering.
Hardiness zone
10-11 USDA
Life cycleThe Pelargonium, commonly known as "geranium," begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates, typically in warm and moist soil conditions. Upon sprouting, it develops into a seedling with a small rosette of leaves. As the plant matures, it grows more leaves and begins to develop a strong stem structure, entering the vegetative stage where foliage proliferates. The geranium then enters the flowering stage, producing vibrant colored blooms that attract pollinators, critical for the reproductive phase. Following pollination, the plant sets seeds which are eventually dispersed, completing the life cycle. In appropriate climates, the geranium may persist as a perennial, continuing this cycle for several years, while in colder regions, it is cultivated as an annual.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Pelargonium, commonly known as geranium, can be propagated most effectively through stem cuttings. This method is popular because it is straightforward and typically results in strong, healthy plants. For the Pelargonium Video Series (Dw), the best time to take cuttings is in late summer to early fall, ensuring that the plant is not in its dormant winter phase. To propagate, a healthy stem of about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 cm) long is cut just below a leaf node. Leaves on the lower portion of the cutting are removed, and the cut end is often dipped in a rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. The prepared cutting is then inserted into a well-draining soil mix, kept moist, and placed in a warm, brightly lit area out of direct sunlight to root, which may take several weeks.
