Geranium Pelargonium 'Vogue Red' (Z)

Water

Geraniums, including the 'Vogue Red' variety, prefer even moisture. It's best to water thoroughly whenever the topsoil feels dry to the touch, which typically means once a week. However, this may vary depending on climate, humidity, and indoor conditions—less frequent in winter and more during the hot season. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage when using around 16 onzes of water for a standard 6-8 inch pot. Monitor the moisture level in the soil and adjust the watering schedule to maintain consistent soil moisture without waterlogging the roots.

Light

Geraniums like 'Vogue Red' thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. They do best in a spot that receives at least 4-6 hours of sunlight daily, with some protection from intense, direct afternoon sun. An east- or west-facing windowsill is an ideal location, providing the plant with the light it needs without the risk of scorching its leaves.

Temperature

The 'Vogue Red' Geranium performs well in temperatures ranging from 55 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Protect the plant from temperatures dropping below 50 degrees Fahrenheit and from extreme heat as prolonged exposure to temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit can stress the plant. The ideal temperature for vigorous growth is approximately 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pruning

Pruning 'Vogue Red' Geraniums is necessary to promote bushy growth and prevent legginess. Trim back overgrown stems in early spring and pinch off spent flower heads regularly to encourage new blooms. Cuttings can be taken from pruning to start new plants. The best time for major pruning is spring or after the plant has finished its main flowering cycle.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Geraniums, including 'Vogue Red', thrive in a well-draining potting mix with good aeration. A popular soil recipe is to blend equal parts peat moss, perlite, and potting soil; this creates an ideal environment for root growth. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0 for optimal growth.

Repotting

Geranium 'Vogue Red' should be repotted every one to two years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. It is best to repot in spring before the onset of the growing season.

Humidity & Misting

Geraniums like 'Vogue Red' prefer moderate humidity levels. The best range for these plants is between 40-60%. Avoid overly high humidity to prevent fungal diseases and promote healthy growth.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light with some direct sun.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun to partial shade, protect from frost.

• Hardiness zone

  10-11 USDA

Life cycle

Pelargonium 'Vogue Red', commonly known as Geranium 'Vogue Red', begins its life cycle when the seed germinates in warm, moist soil conditions, growing into a seedling with emerging true leaves. As it progresses into the vegetative stage, the plant develops a robust root system and foliage, followed by the formation of distinctive red flowers during the flowering stage, typically in the warmer months. After pollination, which is often facilitated by insects, the plant produces seeds contained within a fruit-like capsule that, when mature, can be dispersed to give rise to new plants. Out of flowering season, or during colder months, the geranium may enter a dormancy stage where growth slows and the plant conserves energy. With proper care, including regular watering and deadheading to encourage further blooming, the geranium 'Vogue Red' can live and continue to produce flowers for several years before eventually reaching the end of its life span.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: The Pelargonium 'Vogue Red', commonly known as a geranium, is best propagated through stem cuttings. This method allows gardeners to clone their desired plants reliably. To propagate, a healthy stem of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long is cut from the parent plant using a sharp, clean pair of pruning shears or knife, making sure the cutting includes several leaf nodes. The cut end is then dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development and planted in a pot filled with moist potting mix. The cutting should be kept in a warm place with indirect light and the soil should be kept consistently moist until roots have developed, which typically takes a few weeks. Once the cutting has established a robust root system, it can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the garden.