Geranium Pelargonium 'White Glory' (R)
ABOUT
The Pelargonium 'White Glory' is a strikingly beautiful plant distinguished by its lush, green foliage and vibrant white flowers. The leaves are typically rounded, with a lobed edge that can sometimes be bordered with a darker green or reddish hue. These leaves are robust, giving the plant a full, dense appearance. The flowers of the 'White Glory' are its most remarkable feature – they are a pure, bright white that can sometimes appear to gleam in the sunlight. The flowers usually have several petals that overlap, creating a rounded and full floral display. Each of the blossoms may have subtle veins or a delicate pattern that adds depth to their white color. Flowers are clustered together at the ends of stems in a bouquet-like fashion, making them particularly eye-catching. This type of plant is well-loved for its colorful blooms and the contrast between the dark green foliage and the stark whiteness of the flowers.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Geraniaceae.
Synonyms
White Glory Geranium, Zonal Geranium, Garden Geranium, Common Geranium.
Common names
Pelargonium 'White Glory'
ToxicityTo humans
Geraniums, including the variety 'White Glory', are generally considered non-toxic to humans. There is typically no risk of poisoning from handling or ingesting small amounts of this plant. However, as with many plants, if ingested in large quantities, they may cause mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea.
To pets
Geraniums can be toxic to pets, particularly to cats and dogs. If a pet ingests geranium, symptoms of poisoning could include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, or dermatitis. In severe cases, ingestion could potentially lead to more serious conditions such as hypotension or even an anaphylactic reaction. It is advisable to keep geraniums out of reach of pets to avoid these potential risks.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
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- Attractive Aesthetics - Pelargonium 'White Glory' has beautiful white flowers that enhance the visual appeal of any garden.
- Versatility - Can be grown in pots, hanging baskets, or directly in the ground to suit various landscaping needs.
- Low Maintenance - Requires minimal care, making it ideal for busy gardeners or those new to gardening.
- Drought Tolerance - Once established, it has a good tolerance to dry conditions, requiring less frequent watering.
- Pest Resistance - Generally resistant to common garden pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Long Blooming Period - Offers an extended blooming season, providing flowers throughout the spring and summer months.
- Attracts Pollinators - Draws beneficial insects like bees and butterflies to the garden, helping to pollinate plants.
- Easy Propagation - Can be easily propagated from cuttings, allowing gardeners to create more plants for free.
- Compact Growth - Its growth habit is well-suited for smaller gardens or spaces where larger plants are not suitable.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Prop - Geranium 'White Glory' provides a pristine white backdrop or focal point for close-up photography, enhancing the aesthetic of plant and flower photoshoots.
- Art Inspiration - Artists may use Geranium 'White Glory' as a model for botanical illustration or as inspiration for floral patterns in various art projects.
- Education - Horticulture students and enthusiasts can study the growth and care required for Geranium 'White Glory' as part of their plant cultivation education.
- Natural Insect Repellant - The geranium's scent can ward off certain insects, making it a candidate for placement in outdoor living areas as a natural pest deterrent.
- Handmade Crafts - Petals and leaves from Geranium 'White Glory' can be pressed and used in handmade paper making, adding texture and visual interest to the crafted paper goods.
- Garden Design - The Geranium 'White Glory' can be used in moon gardens, where its white blooms can reflect moonlight and create a luminous nighttime garden experience.
- Event Decor - Its bright white flowers can be used to decorate venues for weddings or other events, contributing to a white color theme or a classic floral ambiance.
- Fragrance Extraction - Though not a common use, the scent of the geranium can be extracted and used in the formulation of perfumes or scented home products.
- Culinary Garnish - Edible flowers like the Geranium 'White Glory' can serve as delicate garnishes for dessert presentations or in fancy cocktails for a touch of elegance.
- Scented Sachets - Dried Geranium 'White Glory' leaves and flowers can be used to create sachets that give a light scent to drawers and wardrobes.
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, white flowers of the geranium often symbolize comfort and soothing emotions.
- True Friendship: Geraniums are sometimes given as gifts to denote true friendship or to celebrate a long-lasting bond.
- Peace: The color white is frequently associated with peace and tranquility, which can be represented by the 'White Glory' geranium.
- Innocence: White flowering plants, including geraniums, are commonly associated with purity and innocence.
WaterGeraniums, like Pelargonium 'White Glory', prefer to dry out slightly between waterings, so it's crucial to water them thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Generally, this means watering every 7 to 10 days, but the frequency may need to be increased during hot, dry periods or decreased during cooler, cloudy weather. When watering, soak the soil until water runs out of the bottom of the pot, which for an average-sized container might mean using around 16 ounces. Avoid getting water on the leaves as this can promote disease.
LightGeraniums require bright, indirect sunlight to thrive, so it's best to place Pelargonium 'White Glory' in a location where it will receive this type of light for most of the day. An east- or west-facing window is often ideal, offering the plant enough light without the risk of scorching its leaves with the intense midday sun. If growing outdoors, partial shade or morning sunlight with afternoon protection is optimal.
TemperatureGeraniums are comfortable in a range of temperatures but perform best when daytime temperatures are between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, and nighttime temperatures don't drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive temperatures as low as 30 degrees Fahrenheit but should be protected from frost. Pelargonium 'White Glory' thrives in the warmth and should be kept away from cold drafts and extreme heat.
PruningPruning is important for geraniums both to encourage bushiness and to remove spent blooms or dead foliage, which helps prevent disease. Pelargonium 'White Glory' should be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Pinching back the growing tips and deadheading after flowers fade can be done throughout the growing season to maintain shape and promote continuous blooming.
CleaningAs needed
SoilGeraniums, including the 'White Glory', thrive in a well-drained soil mix composed of equal parts peat moss, perlite, and potting soil. The ideal soil pH for geraniums is between 6.0 and 7.0.
RepottingGeraniums like 'White Glory' should be repotted annually to refresh the soil and accommodate growth, preferably in spring or early summer.
Humidity & MistingGeraniums, like 'White Glory', prefer moderate humidity levels around 40-60%, avoiding overly humid conditions which can lead to fungal issues.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place 'White Glory' geraniums near a sunny window indoors for optimal growth.
Outdoor
Plant 'White Glory' geraniums in a sunny spot with well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
10-11 USDA
Life cycle'White Glory' geranium (Pelargonium 'White Glory' (R)), like other pelargoniums, starts its life cycle as a seed that germinates when temperatures are warm and moisture is available, typically in spring. The seedling stage follows, characterized by the development of true leaves, as the plant begins photosynthesis. As it enters the vegetative growth stage, 'White Glory' geranium develops a bushy form with thick, succulent stems and deeply lobed leaves. This is followed by the flowering stage, where clusters of white flowers bloom, particularly in the warmer months. After pollination, if successful, the plant produces seeds, allowing for the next generation to begin the cycle. Finally, in the absence of perennial growth conditions, 'White Glory' geranium may enter dormancy during colder months or complete its life cycle by dying, if it's grown as an annual.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Pelargonium 'White Glory', commonly known as geranium, is typically propagated through stem cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is during late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate, a healthy, non-flowering shoot should be selected and a cutting of about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) in length is taken just below a leaf node. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is dipped in a rooting hormone before being placed into a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix. The cutting should be watered gently and placed in a warm spot with indirect sunlight. Roots usually develop within a few weeks, after which the new plant can be gradually acclimatized to normal conditions.
