There are a huge number of varieties of pelargoniums and the classification of some species is still unclear. Let's move on to the most famous plants that can be found in every person's home.
Orange pelargonium grows up to 35 cm in height. An unusual appearance with a peach cap on each bud and a greenish tint on the edge. With good care, 240 inflorescences change over 4 seasons. Provides a pleasant view from the balcony. Does not require special attention. Prefers semi-shaded areas. It should be watered abundantly, a little less in winter. In summer it is best to take it out into the fresh air. You can plant seeds in any weather.
White ivy-leaved pelargonium. The foliage is medium sized, dark green. Compact plant. It does not grow quickly, but the buds of this variety are worth it. The flowers grow large, up to 6 cm, and are shaped like a rose. If you keep the plant in the sun a little, you can achieve a slight lilac tint. Pelargonium Anita also has the same beautiful rose-shaped inflorescences. It is easy to grow and grows well. Read about it.
It is different from all the others, because even the origin of this plant is still unclear. The species is not assigned to any classification, which is why it is called unique. Its foliage refers to dissected leaves. The aroma is piquant, without too much harshness. The small flowers look like a bird's feather. Plants can have either one-color or two-color foliage. The variety is classified as tall. The peak of popularity of uniques took place at the end of the 19th century.
Refers to zonal pelargonium. Their flowers are whitish with a pinkish tint in the middle. Foliage is small in size. In a pot it looks impressive and without unnecessary flaws. In the sun it takes on a brighter tone. And in winter it requires special care and feeding. Pelargonium Silk is also a zonal species. She is a true decoration of the home. You will learn about the varieties of this variety.
Miniature golden leaf pelargonium. Belongs to the zonal group. Despite their small size, the flowers are large, white-pink in color, with a pleasant golden tint. The leaves are semi-double with a light green tint. Each leaf has a bright brown zone. Blooms at an accelerated pace. Unpretentious. In a small pot the flower looks compact and fluffy.
Zonal pelargonium. The petals are wavy with jagged edges in the shape of a carnation. Light shading. A spectacular bush, unpretentious in flowering. Has a pastel orange tone. In order for a flower to sprout, it needs pruning. It bushes well, looks large and has grown. The leaves are compact. Inflorescences grow up to 5 cm. Quite a well-known variety. Mostly good flowering happens in summer period. This plant needs feeding.
Small semi-double species pelargonium. The first flowers are 4 cm in size. It grows in large caps. The bush is elegant, compact, but rather capricious. Not very tall. After pruning, it does not sprout immediately; most often it only replaces it. Responsive to temperature changes. The variety is tender. It has a peach color with a pale white edging of the petals. The trunk is almost always not leafy. Formation does not happen immediately. IN hot weather may throw leaves. The plant is worthy of attention for its dissimilarity.
Small zonal pelargonium with salmon color. The lining of the petals is light, and the leaves themselves have a dark zone. Neat fluffy bush. The heat makes the cap white and thick, which creates a nice contrast. Shoots form quickly. Bright and pleasant to look at. There are almost always many buds present. The plant itself small size, which is why it will look perfect on the windowsill. Spraying is useful. Take it out onto the balcony only in hot weather. Dwarf variety.
A dense double flower in the form of an unopened rosebud. The petals of this plant are deep red. Each rose is 1 cm. In hot weather, the red color becomes a little paler, and in winter, on the contrary, it acquires a bright shade. The inflorescence is dense. Peduncles of medium height. Green sheets with a cream-colored mosaic pattern. Belong to the zonal type. It blooms in the shape of a cap. Over time it grows to medium size.
Pelargonium Albina grows quite quickly. After the cuttings have appeared, the peduncle rises on the 3rd day. However, the first flowering is not particularly abundant. 4 flowers grow on 1 peduncle. Large plant. It belongs to the zonal species and is considered a dwarf in height. The leaves are intense green. The flowers themselves are double, white with a small red stamen, and collected tightly. Due to the density of this species, the plant looks collected and neat. He loves feeding, so thanks to courtship, the flowers become larger. Suitable for beginners who are afraid to take responsibility.
Zonal variety of dwarf speckled pelargonium. Flower growers are attracted by the bright, golden-green leaves with creamy double flowers and red veins. The flower is decorated with light, bright crimson specks. Durable. With a neat shape, blooms profusely. The bush is well-fed and strong. Does not throw leaves, bushes on its own.
A neat decorative border and a barely noticeable pink color, which echoes white, distinguish this plant variety from other terry types. The inflorescences are dense and delicate, voluminous compared to the dwarf type. In the sun, the bloom of dovepoint turns from white to pink. Peduncles are short.
Mary belongs to the double zonal pelargoniums. The inflorescences are tight, reminiscent of a rose. They grow up to 10 cm. The flowers themselves are white with a small green one in the center. When blooming, it may acquire a slight pinkish tint. The bush is fluffy. Blooms profusely in spring and summer. Should be replanted annually. Loves the sun and warmth. Tries to bloom even in low light. Prefers complex feeding. The name of this variety goes well with the name.
The wavy petals of Pelargonium Laque are colored orange, and towards the edge of the flower they become completely white. The clearly colored color can only be seen in the sun. In the shadows the color fades. The plant belongs to the usual zonal variety, but in addition it requires careful formation. The leaves are elegant, thanks to the contrasting border of a brownish-green hue.
In the center of the leaf there is light shade butterfly shaped, which, after basking in the sun, can give a bronze tint. The flower itself is large with peach color and needle-shaped. The variety is not tall, the peduncles are short. Requires shaping. Bushes and blooms for quite a long time. Not afraid of rain and heat. Looks great on the balcony in summer. The size can be easily adjusted using a small flowerpot. Unpretentious, fast growing. Exactly unusual leaves and make this look special.
Terry zonal pelargonium plant. Flowers in the form of a red rose. The flower itself is bright and velvety. Blooms profusely and looks compact. The hat is round. The leaves are green, iridescent with a slight brown tint. In person it has a very bright colorful color.
In summer, you can see this type of plant in vegetable gardens, flower beds and balconies. It is distinguished by lush flowering and grace. Quite demanding to care for. It blooms for a short time, about 5 months. But if you see this plant even once, you will immediately want to bring it to your windowsill. Royal pelargonium grows up to 60 cm in height.
It differs from its colleagues by folded multi-colored leaves, dense leaf plate and jagged edges.
On a note. Not everyone can make such a beauty bloom. This individual prefers warmth and sunlight for continuous abundant flowering.
It can tolerate a little shade, but will bloom a little less luxuriantly. Prefers nutritious soil. You can add a little to the soil clay mixture. In cold weather, the temperature should not be lower than 12ºС.
Tamara is many-sided and unique. The flowers are like dense pink and white marshmallows. The color is variable with pink veins and a border of the same color. The plant is tender and airy. Compact bush with small leaves. It blooms from infancy and never ceases to delight with the process. The petals are neat, with pointed tips.
Sunny side required. The soil should be kept moist constantly, but in moderation. It is recommended to spray. Red pelargonium grows up to 30 cm in length. It should be placed on the balcony immediately after frost has passed.
It has a bright shade and universal resistance to all weather conditions. The variety branches well. There are huge inflorescences. The color of this type of pelargonium is similar to wine red. The leaves are classified as ivy-leaved. Grows quickly. Landing 30×30.
The plant is 30 cm tall with good branching. White-pink color. The inflorescences are large. The leaves are green with a slight dark tint. Drought resistant. Preference is given to sunny places with fertile soil. You can start planting from the end of January. The depth for seeds is 0.5 cm. If you maintain a temperature of 20°C, then seedlings can be seen within a week.
Pelargonium is a non-double, ivy-leaved plant. Large caps and beautifully colored in a variety of shades. Blooms profusely, completely covered with inflorescences. There are two types of Tuscany that are currently popular. Read about pelargonium Tuscany and Edwards Elegance.
Bernd
Bright flowers, opening wide, deep red. Each leaf is dark green with a bright brown ring. Refers to semi-double. The bush is harmonious, never stretched out. The lower part of the flower must be compacted tightly.
Hero
Large flowers of a crimson-red hue with white dots on the leaves. The bush is fluffy. It grows slowly, but branches very well. The leaves are medium-sized, dark green. The bush is low, average height up to 25 cm. The color is very rich. Does not require growth regulators.
herbaceous plant with a fragrant aroma. The height of the bush is 25 cm. The leaves are round, green with a small red edge. The flowers are pink with a slight pallor in the form of a spherical inflorescence. The plant prefers light. For feeding, a turf mixture is chosen, and moderate moisture is preferred. If you treat the flower with love, the flowering will continue all summer. In the fall, a transplant and a bright place in the room are necessary. For seeds to germinate, the temperature must reach 20°C.
The difference between black velvet is in the unusual chocolate sheets, which create a wonderful combination with bright red inflorescences. If the bush is formed recently, then you will notice that at the initial stage there is a bronze coating on the sheets. The height of black velvet reaches about 40 cm. The shoots are strong. Loves light, but the sun's rays should not touch the petals.
Pelargonium is unpretentious, but this does not mean that it does not need care. Periodically you need to check the soil and water on time. Prefers mineral fertilizers. Sowing 1 cm. It is not recommended to allow the soil to dry out.
The hybrid variety grows well at home. It looks like a large shrub up to 75 cm in height. Rounded green leaves. The flowers are umbellate up to 3 cm, come in multi-colored shades, namely: white, red, purple and. Flowering lasts six months.
The most popular pelargonium hybrids include two types.
Ardens
Rare hybrid plant. Wine red flower with a black stripe down the middle. This hybrid plant is easy to care for, but requires light. Required moderate watering. Mature plant reaches a height of 20 cm.
Miss Stapleton
The plant never sleeps. This heart-shaped hybrid looks like a bouquet of pink roses. The stems are hard with stipules in the form of thorns.
Rosaceous pelargonium. The flowers are dense, double. The petals have two colors. The inside is like red wine, and the back is silver. The inflorescences are dense. The leaves are greenish, folded.
Madame Pelargonium has several varieties. Let's look at the main ones.
Bovary
Type of double zonal pelargonium. Fluffy bush. Blooms profusely. The flowers look like dark red wine, there are bright and large inflorescences. It is necessary to keep the soil moist and spray as often as possible.
Celeron
Graceful pelargonium with variegated leaves. The leaves are long-stemmed, gray-green with a wide cream edge. Has thin cuttings. Belongs to the dwarf group (read about caring for dwarf pelargonium at home). Blooms in bright pinkish color. The variety hardly blooms, but captivates with its beauty. The bush is compact and pleasant to look at.
Large flowers resembling a rose. The plant is white, with a rich white-pink border. Tight caps. The bush needs shaping. The leaves are green and have a dark zone. Requires special care.
Terry ivy-leaved pelargonium. The flowers have a similar blue-lilac hue. Compact bush. Needs a sunny area. Requires daily care. The plant needs additional minerals.
Miniature pelargoniums first appeared in England. The height of small pelargonium starts from 8 cm and ends at 15 cm. Ideal for the home, they can also be placed on balcony boxes. The leaves come in a variety of green shades. Pelargoniums are light and airy, but this is not their only advantage. They are compact. They can bloom in any decade of the year.
Among the most worthy breeders is Stanley Stringer. He was born in a small village called Okkold. He took up selection at the age of 50. The most popular variety grown is Alde, which can still be seen on shelves today.
Deacons are also a dwarf variety of Stringer. Among them, the best are: tangerine and moonlight. The tangerine's flowers are orange-red in color, while the moonlight's are white-purple. The most impressive thing is that such a miniature plant has very large flowers.
One of its latest cultivations is a golden goblet that was creamy in color and had red dots on its petals. Stringer left behind about 160 varieties of pelargonium.
Ry Beatwell started his life as a postman. Therefore, it has a number of geographical names for varieties. Bitwell became famous for being able to develop a new type of pea variety. And they were covered with red, pink and purple specks.
Among the varieties with small spots, the most popular are: Milden, Semer and Elmsett. Milden has green-yellow leaves with bright white flowers flecked with pale pinkish. Semer is a dwarf species pink flowers with red dots. Elmsett is a zonal species of pale pink flowers with red flecks. The latter species was named after Bidwell. The variety is decorated in wine color with green-red foliage.
And last but not least is the famous breeder Brian West. West is famous for developing a variety whose leaves resemble stars, which is why the variety is called. The varieties have spread throughout the world. Even despite their unusual shape and the fact that they do not quite resemble pelargoniums, they can be cared for in the same way as ordinary varieties.
There is also another interesting and unusual variety of pelargonium -. This is a plant with very unusual and beautiful flowers. Instead of the usual flowers, inflorescences appear in the form of tulip buds. We talked about such a plant of the Patricia Andrea variety in, and you will learn about the tulip-shaped pelargonium Red Pandora.
In recent years, Vesta has produced miniature plants up to 8 cm. The varieties were named anni popham.
Rules of care
All plants require special care, and pelargonium is no exception. Usually the flower is located in the room, and begins to bloom profusely in the summer. In winter, it is necessary to ensure a temperature of at least 15 °C and avoid waterlogging of the soil. It is best to leave the plant on the sunny side, but only where there are no drafts.
Pruning is carried out after flowering - in autumn. But if the roots have grown well, an exception is made. For pruning, you need to leave shoots of about 10 cm. Do not forget about fertilizing for each flower. It is recommended to transplant in February.
Plants can lose their compactness if they are not given proper care.
On a note. It is best to obtain new specimens from cuttings that have not yet flowered. Each stem should have about 5 leaves.
After cutting, the cuttings should be left for 2 hours in a dry room with fresh air. After pruning, cover them with plastic bags to help them take root. For pelargonium to grow, a temperature of at least 20 °C is required.
Besides beauty, Pelargoniums also have medicinal properties for people. After all, they contain an extract that cures respiratory tract infections. In addition, the oil of this plant has a calming effect. But the main thing is that the flower goes well with any design in the house and allows every housewife to feel like a woman.
A natural fragrance that grows on the windowsill and is always near you (and not somewhere in the store) is a dream that, thanks to fragrant pelargoniums, is coming true! The leaves of such pelargoniums are incredibly fragrant: just touch it and the aroma fills the room! When touched or rubbed, the leaves release an aroma similar to rose, apple, cinnamon, mint, lemon, orange, pineapple, peach, lavender, verbena, wormwood, pine, lily of the valley, ginger, juniper, cedar, almond, coconut, nutmeg, caramel, and sometimes have complex aromas (the aroma of balm, cologne, mossy forest, and even Coca-Cola drink!). Fragrant pelargonium (Pelargonium fragrans) has the smell of nutmeg, and most fragrant pelargonium (Pelargonium odoratissimum) has the smell of apple. If you collect dried flowers in glass vessels, you can create a whole collection of scents.
The flowers of fragrant pelargoniums are inferior in beauty to species and hybrid pelargoniums; they are usually small and dim, but some bloom elegantly due to the abundance of small flowers. Some pelargoniums hardly bloom on windowsills and are grown exclusively for their fragrant foliage. Moreover, their foliage can be unusual in shape, “curly”, and interesting.
The homeland of most fragrant pelargoniums is South Africa.
The essential oil of these plants varies greatly in composition and smell, even within the same species.
Smelling rose, mint and citrus pelargoniums are suitable for flavoring teas, drinks, and dishes. Dried leaves are used and mixed with tea. Citrus-scented leaves can be used to season fish dishes and flavor vinegars and oils for salad dressings.
Geranium essential oil is widely used in perfumery and in the food industry, as well as in medicine (antiseptic and bactericidal properties). It is used to produce rose-scented perfumes, added to cosmetics, and used as a spice.
Fragrant pelargonium
The original fragrant species are included in the group Species, or wild pelargoniums (Pelargonium Species), and the group of pelargoniums with fragrant leaves (Scented Leaved Pelargoniums) combines the garden forms, varieties and hybrids obtained from them.
Most often these are bushy plants with small simple flowers, although there are varieties with large bright flowers and lush inflorescences. The leaves vary in size and shape among different varieties and can be variegated (variegated).
The main ancestors of this group are fragrant pelargonium (Pelargonium graveolens), fragrant pelargonium (Pelargnium odoratissimum), curly pelargonium (Pelargonium crispum), pink pelargonium (Pelargonium radens), oak-leaved pelargonium (Pelargonium quercifolium), capitate pelargonium (Pelargonium capitatum), argonium felt ( Pelargonium tomentosum), fragrant pelargonium (Pelargonium fragrans, in Lately it is believed to be a hybrid of P. exstipulatum and P. odoratissimum).
Other types of fragrant pelargoniums:
Birch leaf pelargonium (Pelargonium betulinum) – with a pungent aroma;
grape-leaved pelargonium (Pelargonium vitifolium) – with the scent of lemon balm;
guitar-shaped pelargonium (Pelargonium panduriforme) - with the aroma of geranium;
pelargonium dichondraefolium (Pelargonium dichondraefolium) – with the smell of black pepper;
sticky pelargonium (Pelargonium glutinosum) – with the smell of lemon balm;
pelargonium (Pelargonium cucullatum) – with a lemon aroma;
gooseberry-leaved pelargonium (Pelargonium grossularioides) - with a lemon aroma;
lemon balm pelargonium (Pelargonium mellisimum) – with a sweet lemon aroma;
small-flowered pelargonium (Pelargonium parviflorum) – with the scent of coconut;
hairy pelargonium (Pelargonium hirtum) – with a pungent aroma;
sickle-leaved pelargonium (Pelargonium crithmifolium) – with the aroma of ginger and nutmeg;
rough pelargonium (Pelargonium scabrum) – with the smell of lemon;
rough pelargonium (Pelargonium x asperum)
Pelargonium abrotanifolium – with a pungent aroma;
Pelargonium hypoleucum.
Pelargonium is the most fragrant, or most fragrant.
Torrento (Cola).
The most fragrant or fragrant pelargonium (Pelargonium odoratissimum) has a spreading shape, the bushes are low and seem to spread out in different directions. The leaves are round and almost not dissected. Plants can be used in flowerpots as hanging flowers. Depending on its origin, an essential oil can vary greatly in chemical composition and, accordingly, on the therapeutic effect. There are samples with an apple scent.
Fragrant pelargonium (Pelargonium graveolens), sometimes referred to as rose geranium. An old, but very impressive variety, bred back in 1805 - Lady Plymouth with very elegant gray-green, heavily dissected leaves and bright pink flowers. The bushes branch beautifully and are well formed. The leaves have a pink aroma with a pronounced minty note.
The hybrid species Pelargonium x asperum Ehrhart ex Wildenow type Bourbon produces essential oil that is very valuable from the point of view of aromatherapists. It showed the greatest antiviral effect among geraniums.
Pelargoniun radens/
Pelargonium capitatum is sometimes also referred to as rose geranium; the species has heart-shaped, highly dissected leaves, heavily pubescent, cyclamen-pink flowers and a pink aroma. There is very old variety Attar of Roses, known since 1800. It usually does not exceed 60 cm in height and is well suited for pots and containers.
Another species that claims to be pink pelargonium is Pelargoniun radens. It is characterized by leaves that are very strongly dissected into narrow segments. A dense, strong, highly branched shrub with pink flowers, reaching a height of 1.5 m, it needs to be constantly pruned to give it a shape acceptable for the room. Its leaves can smell of either rose or lemon.
Curly pelargonium (Pelargonium crispum) has citrus aroma., small rounded leaves, more or less dissected. The Queen of Lemons variety, in addition to its lemon aroma, has elegant pink flowers. Lemon Fancy has small leaves with a rich lemon aroma; dark burgundy streaks are clearly visible on the light pink petals. The Prince of Orange variety has been known since 1820 and has a rich orange peel aroma. The flowers are large, light pink, like previous variety, with dark burgundy strokes at the base.
Varieties of fragrant pelargoniums
P. crispum Cy's Sunburst.
Felt pelargonium P. tomentosum Chocolate Mint (syn. Chocolate Peppermint) is low-growing, up to 30 cm tall, with slightly hanging shoots. The leaves are medium to large, deeply lobed, soft, velvety, with a chocolate brown spot in the center, and smell of mint. The flowers are pale pink, with purple feathers on the upper petals.
Pelargonium capitatum P. capitatum Attar of Roses – up to 45 cm tall, with large trilobed leaves that have a strong rose aroma. The flowers are lilac-pink, with a burgundy throat.
Pelargonium curly P. crispum Cy's Sunburst - has small lemon-scented corrugated variegated foliage - green with a thin golden border. The flowers are pink.
Pelargonium P. quercifolium Giant Oak - with very large, lobed leaves with a balsamic scent.
Pelargonium pink P. radens Red-Flowered Rose - openwork pelargonium with grayish-green palmate foliage (for which it is called Crow's feet) and abundant red-pink (brighter than the main species) flowers. Very drought resistant.
Pink pelargonium P. radens Radula - leaves are less finely cut than those of the main species (P. radens), with a less bright aroma. The flowers are small, lilac-pink.
Graveolens Group. Varieties of aromatic pelargonium (P. graveolens)
Camphor Rose - upright growing, up to 45 cm tall, with deeply cut leaves with a strong aroma of camphor and mint. The flowers are purple-pink.
Lady Plymouth is a very popular variety, 45-60 cm tall, thin white petaled leaves with a eucalyptus scent. Clusters of lavender-pink flowers appear in summer.
Both's Snowflake is an upright grower, 30-60cm tall and wide, with deeply cut leaves sparkling with irregular creamy variegation, and scented with rose.
Variegata - up to 60 cm, with pink flowers and variegated white-green leaves with the aroma of mint and rose.
Fragrance Group. Varieties of fragrant pelargonium (Pelargonium fragrans)
Ardwick Cinnamon.
Fragrans Variegatum is a subshrub up to 15 cm tall, often with reddish stems, leaves are velvety, three-lobed, blunt-toothed along the edge, light green, chartreuse-colored with a border, with a spicy aroma. The flowers are white, collected in inflorescences of 4-8, the two upper petals with small red stripes.
Lilian Pottinger – 25-30 cm tall and 12-16 cm wide, leaves are gray-green, irregularly three-lobed, serrated along the edges, with a complex aroma of camphor and pine. Produces masses of white flowers in summer with small red markings on the upper petals.
Ardwick Cinnamon – has small, velvety, cinnamon-scented, dull green foliage and white flowers with crimson markings on the upper petals.
Pelargonium varieties with fragrant leaves
The varieties are mainly of hybrid origin.
Brunswick - up to 60 cm tall and 45 cm wide, the leaves are large, dark green, deeply cut into pointed lobes, with a pungent odor. It has spectacular inflorescences of large pink flowers. Blooms in summer.
Citronella - leaves are dark green, multipartite, with a very bright citrus aroma (citronella). During the flowering period there are many small bright pink flowers.
Charity is a compact pelargonium up to 30 cm tall with palmate-lobed, soft-hairy, light green leaves with a wide, uneven golden border. Very bright aroma of lemon with notes of rose. The flowers are small, white-pink, with crimson markings on the upper petals, collected in inflorescences of 5-7.
Copthorne - 45-60 cm high and often the same width, with powerful dark green leaves with large lobes, with a very strong sweetish smell, reminiscent of cedar. It blooms for a long time with spectacular purple-pink flowers with wine-red veins and spots on the upper petals.
Eucament - with strongly dissected leaves, like those of pink pelargonium (P. radens), with a strong menthol scent.
Galway Star is a small dense pelargonium, the leaves are deeply incised, jagged along the edge, corrugated, green, with a cream edging, strong aroma lemon. The flowers are pale lilac, with bright magenta markings on the upper petals.
Gemstone is an upright, bushy variety 45-60 cm tall, with rough, lobed leaves that have a strong lemon aroma. It blooms for a long time with spectacular pink-red inflorescences.
Grace Thomas is a large and bushy upright growing variety up to 90 cm tall, with large, deeply lobed, toothed leaves, with a lemon and lime scent and a sweet raspberry hue. The flowers are white to pale pink, with crimson spots and veins.
Hansen's Wild Spice is a slender plant up to 45 cm tall and wide. Without pruning, it produces half-dangling stems. The leaves are beautiful, bare, toothed, with a strong aroma of citrus and spices. The flowers are quite large, come in different shades of pink, with darker marks on the top petals.
Joy Lucille - 45-60 cm high, with large velvety split leaves with a menthol-mint aroma, and pale pink flowers with purple feathers on the upper petals.
Lara Jester - up to 40 cm tall, leaves are large, strongly dissected, with a lemon aroma. The flowers are quite large, the petals are pink-lilac, with paler edges and a white base. The upper petals have purple veins.
Lemon Kiss is a lush, vertically growing pelargonium up to 40 cm high and 20 cm wide. The foliage resembles curly pelargonium (Pelargonium crispum). The leaves are medium sized, rough, textured, and serrated. Counts the best variety with lemon aroma of foliage. The flowers are small, lavender, with deep carmine-colored feathers on the upper petals.
Mabel Gray is a wide bush 30-35 cm tall, with two-color jagged leaves shaped like a maple leaf, medium to large in size, with the aroma of lemon verbena. The flowers are pale pink to light purple, the upper petals are marbled, with plum-colored feathers. One of the most fragrant pelargoniums. Discovered in Kenya in 1960. Sometimes referred to as P. citronellum Mabel Gray.
Mabel Gray (P.citronellum)/
Mabel Gray (P.citronellum) is a fragrant pelargonium that is a real treasure. It occupies a special position for several reasons. Firstly, she is quite stubborn and difficult to root. Secondly, of course, the main thing is its unsurpassed aroma, this is one of the most fragrant pelargoniums. With a distinct lemon scent with minty notes, Mabel Gray is often called the best lemon-scented pelargonium. Thirdly, the maple shape of the leaves, they are hard, rich green in color, and attractive.
The history of this pelargonium tells of its thorny path. Last century, the variety was found in Kenya by Lady Mary Baring, when her husband was governor of the area. She named the plant after her mother, Mabel Gray. The new pelargonium was presented at the most prestigious flower show in the world, the Royal Gardeners' Union Show in 1960, as the cultivar Mabel Gray. Later, it was decided to classify this plant as a pelargonium species, and it was renamed P.citronellum. Now we know this pelargonium under two different but equivalent names.
In its native lands, it grows as a fairly tall bush 1.5-2 meters in height, therefore, with a skillful approach, it is a candidate for forming a standard fragrant pelargonium at home.
Orsett is a large bushy, upright growing plant up to 75 cm tall, with lobed green leaves with purple-brown spots in the center, with a piquant, pleasant aroma. The flowers are large, mauve, with darker markings on the upper petals. It blooms for a very long time.
Paton's Unique - belongs to the Unicum group. 60-65 cm tall and up to 20 cm wide, leaves with a pungent odor, showy inflorescences of coral-red and pale pink flowers with small white eyes.
Phyllis - belongs to the Unicuma group, a very beautiful variegated sport from the Paton's Unique variety. The leaves are deeply incised, green, with creamy cream edges, fragrant. The flowers are bright pink, luminous, with a white eye and dark feathers on the upper petals.
Round Leaf Rose - 60-90 cm tall, with rounded, vaguely lobed, velvety, textured, crinkled leaves with a bronze spot in the center, having a fresh orange scent. The flowers are pink, with light spots and purple veins on the upper petals.
Shottesham Red syn. Concolor Lace – up to 60 cm in height and width. A compact pyramidal plant with very beautiful velvety ruffled light green leaves. The aroma of the leaves is sweetly pungent, with light notes hazelnut. It blooms from spring to autumn with inflorescences of lilac-red, rare colors, flowers with darker feathers on the upper petals, the three lower petals are lighter.
Uses of geranium oil
How medicine, geranium oil has been known since ancient times. It has bactericidal, antispasmodic, soothing, tonic, wound healing, anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic effects. Due to its bactericidal properties, geranium oil is used in the treatment of certain infectious diseases. The bactericidal activity of geranium ranges from 125-400 μg/ml. Active against Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Renders positive influence on the phagocytic activity of macrophages (5 μg/ml). Stimulates the adrenal cortex.
This essential oil contains more than 120 components, mainly terpenoids. Its antimicrobial and antiviral activity is 6.5 times greater than that of phenol (carbolic acid), which is considered the strongest antiseptic.
Geranium oil increases performance, increases attention, improves cerebral vascular tone, and is a relaxant. Effective for burns, wounds, fractures, frostbite, dermatoses and stomatitis. Used for diabetes. Stimulates the functions of the liver and pancreas. Effective in the form of drops and ointments for otitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis.
This is a good antiseptic, gentle on the skin and does not cause irritation. It, like tea tree essential oil, is recommended for external use in the form of ointments for shingles and chickenpox.
Ointments with geranium essential oil are a good remedy for eczema and dermatitis, poorly healing wounds, cuts, scratches, as well as acne and pimples. Geranium is very active against candidiasis.
Externally, mixed with warming oils, it is used for arthritis and myositis.
In aroma lamps they are used for asthenia, neurasthenia and other functional disorders of the nervous system. The aroma of geranium has a regulatory effect, weakening the reaction to stress. This action is associated with the regulation of the production of stress hormones. Essential oil has a regulating effect on the cardiovascular system, normalizes blood pressure and heart rhythms. Without being a hormone, rose geranium essential oil has a harmonizing effect on the endocrine system, especially in women. Therefore, in the form of inhalations, the oil is useful for PMS and dysmenorrhea.
This oil, like rose or lemon, can be taken orally, 1-2 drops. It has a regenerating effect on the liver.
Russian scientists tested the effectiveness of the properties of geranium oil experimentally. A few drops of liquid containing millions of staphylococci were applied to the surface of a leaf of indoor pelargonium, and after 3 hours most of the bacteria died. The bacteria applied to the nutrient medium were placed at a distance of 0.5-1 cm from the pelargonium leaves, and after 6 hours they all died.
Clinical studies have confirmed that spending 10 minutes next to flowering bush pelargonium (at a distance of 60 cm) has a beneficial effect on the functional state of the central nervous system: calms, improves sleep. Neighborhood with pelargonium is useful for people with neurotic reactions, suffering from insomnia, hypertension, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal diseases. It has a particularly good effect on patients with chronic gastritis with high acidity.
Contraindications: Geranium oil is not toxic, but in very rare cases, individual intolerance and allergic reactions occur.
Fragrant pelargoniums: reasons to have them
This is aromatherapy, and the remedy is always at hand: just stroke the leaves of the plant, and the aroma spreads throughout the entire room.
There are fragrant pelargoniums in every color and scent. From chocolate and lemon to wormwood, mint and even Coca-Cola!
Most species of these plants are hardy, do not cause any trouble, and can easily tolerate drying out and overwatering.
They will provide a powerful antibacterial effect in the house. Essential oils and phytoncides contained in these plants kill pathogenic microorganisms. You will get sick much less often.
All fragrant plants are interesting and beautiful plants.
You can even experiment with fragrant pelargoniums in cooking, because these plants are edible. They can be used to flavor butter and add to baked goods and tea.
The leaves of these pelargoniums are used for treatment various diseases.
They purify the air best. According to recent studies, It is fragrant pelargoniums that best purify indoor air from harmful impurities.
Fragrant pelargoniums, list of varieties and scents
The indication of the aroma of fragrant pelargonium is largely conditional: each person is unique, you can hear the specified odors in the aroma, or you may smell something else. It's easiest with bright lemon aromas, it's hard to feel anything different, but complex aromas are really complex, they can be very difficult to describe. Nevertheless, to get your bearings, see the list:
Apple Betty - delicious fruity scent with apple flavor
Attar Of Roses - the smell of roses, rose oil
Atomic Snowflake - a very pleasant lemon-rose scent
Ardwic Cinnamon - the sweet scent of cinnamon breaks through the subtle wormwood scent
Ashby - pine aroma with spices
Both's Snowflake - rose scent and distant lemon scent
Brilliantine - the smell of Cologne water, men's cologne, perfume with a tobacco note
Citronella - the smell of citronella
Citrosa Lemon - lemon + herb aroma
Cordifolium - pleasant subtle grapefruit aroma
Crisзum variegatum - lemon aroma
Cristum peach cream - vanilla-lemon-peach scent
Candy Dancer - pleasant aroma rose and lemon with caramel
Charmay Snowflurry - scent of balm and lemon
Camphor Rose - strong aroma of camphor and mint
Charity - the scent of orange-rose, lemon with notes of rose
Chocolate eppermint - the smell of chocolate menthol
Crowfoot Rose - lemon-rose scent
Clorinda - cedar-eucalyptus scent
Concolor Lace - spice aroma
Cy's Sunburst - delicious citrus aroma
Cuculatum subsp. tabulare Volschenk - sweetish scent with a hint of incense
Dark Lady - menthol flavor
Dorcas Brigham Lime - Coca-Cola scent
Deerwood Lavender Lad - lavender scent
Dean's Delight - pine aroma, oak leaf foliage
Elongatum - sweet fruity coconut-citrus aroma
Englerianum - floral-fruity sweet oily scent + cedar, rose, camphor
Fulgidum - leaves smell reminiscent of carrots
Fringed Apple - aroma of wormwood with a hint of apple
Filicifolium - peach-rose and some pine
Fruity - sweet fruit scent + subtle note of wormwood
Fragrant Frosty - lemon rose, variegated foliage
Fragrans/Nutmeg - scent of wormwood and nutmeg, woody
Fragrans variegatum - scent of wormwood and nutmeg, woody
Golden Clorinda - forest scent with a hint of peach
Graveolens - the smell of roses
Gibbosum - succulent variety, beautiful flowers with a hyacinth scent
Galway Star - the strongest lemon scent
Grossularioides - strong sweet coconut odor
Hazelnut - the smell of hazelnuts
Hispidum - pleasant balsamic scent + herbaceous undertone
Hemley - lavender-rose scent
Hermanus Show - menthol-herbal aroma
Islington Peppermint - mint scent. beautiful flowers
Joy Lucille - menthol-mint scent
Lady Plymouth - eucalyptus and rose scent, variegated
Lara Jester - pink lemon mint scent, beautiful foliage
Lara Nomad - the strongest lemon scent
Lavender Lindy - lavender scent
Lady Scarborough - fruity strawberry-strawberry sweet scent
Lilian Pottinger -- complex aroma of camphor and pine
Little Gem - lemon-rose
Mabel Gray = p.citronellum - very strong citrus aroma, strongest!
Mons Ninon - rose and peach
Marie Thomas - citrus and catnip scent
Odorata Lemon - lemon scent
Odorata Pino - resinous pine scent
Odorata Rose - rose scent
Odorata Cola - the smell of Coca-Cola
Odoratissimum - apple and rose scent
Old Spice - clove scent and hint of wormwood
Orange Fizz - strong citrus scent of lemon and orange
Orange=Princeanum - light citrus scent
Olga Shipston - the scent of lilac with a subtle note of wormwood
Orsett - the smell of spices, pine needles, allspice and black pepper
Pink Champagne - the smell of pink sweet champagne
Pink Capitatum - fruity, floral scent, notes of rose
Tetragonum - succulent pelargonium with sweet scented leaves
Phillys - complex, sweet-spicy scent of mushrooms and forest
Prince of Orange - floral sweet scent + tangerine
Panduriforme - the smell of pine balsam
Pheasants Foot - spicy sweet woody scent
Poquito - pine sharp pungent odor
Quercifolium/Village Hill Oak/Giant Oak - balsamic scent + pine scent
Radens - the smell of roses
Royal Oak - royal oak, sharp resinous smell of pine needles and forest
Robers Lemon Rose - lemon-rose aroma, leaves like tomato
Scabrum - sweet smell of bubble gum
Sweet Mimosa - sweet mimosa, aroma of spices and roses
Torrento - the smell of Coca-Cola
Vitifolium - the smell of meadow grass, lemon balm and rose
Patons Unique - sweet peach and verbena scent
Robin's Unique - sweet and rose-peach scent
White Unique - sweet pleasant aroma
Both are popular and in demand today. There is hardly a house where you won’t see indoor geraniums on the windowsill. And how good she is at flower arrangements!
With good care it blooms all year round. Moreover, the breeders did their best and developed this crop not only with flowers of various colors, but also with an amazing shape. For example, the undeservedly forgotten tulip geranium has existed for many years.
Features of the plant and its characteristics
Indoor geranium, or in other words, pelargonium, is a representative of the Geranium family. This plant is easy to care for and propagate. There are several most common types of geraniums:
- fragrant: does not bloom profusely, but is characterized by a strong odor that comes from the leaves;
- royal: It blooms with bright, large flowers, but there is practically no smell;
- zonal: universal, good both in indoor culture and in flower beds;
- ivy-leaved: ampelous form, grown in flower pots;
- unique: a small but ancient group of flowers, which belongs to tall, forms with a woody stem;
- Pelargonium-angel: medium-sized plants resembling pansies, with fragrant foliage, growing “in the open air.”
Tulip geranium differs from other members of the family flowers that look like an unblown tulip. The flower is not large, only a centimeter. Separately, it would not look so impressive, but on each stem there is a fluffy inflorescence formed by 30-50 flowers. It's like one luxurious bouquet.
Flowers of delicate or rich color: from pink to burgundy. The color of the inner surface of the petal is brighter, and the veins are visible on the outer surface. The leaves are also not quite ordinary; they are hard and shiny. Plant height can vary significantly: from 30 to 70 cm.
This is interesting: the selection of tulip geranium is not so simple. The culprit is a flower whose petals are curled up like a tulip. Therefore, the pistil and stamens are difficult to reach and it is difficult to pollinate them. New varieties appear rarely: in half a century there have been only 14 varieties and hybrids.
The origin story of the plant is not entirely ordinary. In America, Boston, there is Andrea's nursery. In 1966, it was there that the first tulip-shaped variety was bred and presented to the general public. According to one version, this is a species mutation. According to the other, it is the result of hybridization (obtained by crossing two different varieties).
The first variety with such flowers was named Patricia Andrea Over the course of several years, several more varieties were developed that were named after the women of the breeders' families: Patricia, Carmen, Victoria, Lilian and Linea.
This is interesting: for the first time, common pelargonium was mentioned in Holland, in the 16th century. In the 17th-19th centuries it was in great demand, especially in England. And acquaintance in Europe with tulip-shaped geranium occurred only 20 years after its creation. Its appearance not only interested breeders, but also caused a lot of controversy related to the origin of the new culture.
How to properly care for geraniums grown indoors?
Today there are many people who want to get to know this interesting plant better. Many people are concerned about the question: what conditions does an unusual beauty require? And if ordinary geranium is quite unpretentious, then what kind of habitat will suit tulip-shaped geranium?
It is as meticulous in care as an ordinary geranium. It grows, blooms and reproduces well. But some conditions of agricultural technology should still be met:
The soil . You can purchase a universal mixture or make it yourself using garden soil and peat in equal proportions, adding a little sand for looseness. Very important good drainage, otherwise the roots may rot.
Important: Stagnant water and waterlogged soil are unacceptable for geraniums. The plant will die quite quickly. Before you even notice the problem.
Light.
Geranium should be in a well-lit room, but loves diffused light. If the sheet is exposed to bright sunlight, a burn may occur. If you create winter lighting, the plant will have flowers all year round. If you place a pot with a crop in partial shade, it will stretch out, turn pale, and the flowering period will decrease. Some buds will not form at all.
Temperature . Pelargoniums do not like sudden temperature changes. In summer you need to maintain t=+21-+26С, in winter t=+14-+16С. This optimal conditions for flowering. The culture does not tolerate drafts and hot air coming from heating appliances.
Watering . In summer, watering is carried out at intervals of 4 times a week; in winter, once a week is enough. Although geranium does not like excess moisture, it is also undesirable for the earthen clod to dry out. If the lower leaves appear brown spots, it means that you are not watering your “tulip-shaped beauty” enough. There should be a tray under the pot where excess moisture will drain.
Feeding . In autumn and summer, apply liquid fertilizer with phosphorus and potassium once or twice a month. With frequent feeding, especially with nitrogen fertilizers, the green part of the plant will grow well, and flowering will fade into the background.
Reproduction
. The main method is . The apical cuttings are cut off at the end of summer and placed in water. Root system develops quickly, without the participation of growth stimulants. The soil mixture is used as for adult culture. After planting, the pot with the cutting is placed on the illuminated side. The survival rate of cuttings is good. 
Features of tulip geranium that you need to know about
If you do not know the rules of care, the unique variety returns to its original form - common geranium. The flowers open completely, and the flower ceases to be unique. To prevent this from happening, you need to follow a number of rules:
- pinching shoots to make them bushy and full;
- removal of dried or wilted flowers, in the place of which new ones will appear;
- if the flowers begin to open and lose their tulip appearance, remove them immediately;
- try to keep the plant away from drafts or strong winds (if pelargonium was taken outside in the summer).
Important: if the geranium has acquired its usual shape, some gardeners suggest cutting it at the root so that it produces new shoots. Such unexpected mutations indicate that the characteristics of the variety are not sufficiently fixed.
Varieties
The subgroup of tulip-shaped geraniums is difficult for hybridization (crossing varieties), so it is not numerous, represented by 14 varieties and hybrids. But they all differ in that the half-opened flowers are collected into an inflorescence-bouquet. Unique inflorescences and lush flowering are the “feature” of this culture.
Let's get acquainted with the varieties of this unusual beauty: Happy Birthday, Mrs Charles, Marie-Louisе, Marbacka Tulpan, Viktoria Andrea, Carmen Andrea, Patricia Andrea, Emma fran Bengstbo, Red Pandora, Pink Pandora, Conny, Apple Blossom, Herma, Linnea Andrea.
Emma fran Bengstbo
Where to buy tulip geranium?
After looking at the photo and becoming more familiar with the characteristics of the plant, many gardeners will want to purchase such a geranium for their collections. Where can I find it?
| Where can I buy | region | Price, rub./ |
| Online store Le-mur. | Moscow, rooted cuttings |
450 for any variety |
| Online store, private collection of Zhanna Alekseeva | Moscow, rooted cuttings |
500-900 depending on the variety |
| Online store, private collection of Elena Varsanova | Moscow, rooted cuttings |
500-1000 depending on the variety |
| Shop Liliya96.rf | Ekaterinburg, cuttings, annual plants | 400 cuttings, 600 annual plant |
| Collection of Olga Matvienko | Novosibirsk, rooted cuttings | 600-800 depending on the variety |
Important: You cannot buy tulip geranium in the form of seeds; it loses its decorative properties. You can only buy cuttings; it makes sense to look in private collections, garden centers or online stores that are located near you.
Unfortunately, beautiful and unusual varieties of this pelargonium are not yet very common in our country. But this is easy to fix. You need to look for the variety that attracts you and replenish your flower collection with bright and amazing plant- tulip geranium. And then not only new colors will appear in your home, but also a positive aura that always accompanies this culture.
Video consultation
Pelargonium or geranium? The plant that many of us grow on our windowsills is mistakenly called geranium. Confusion with the names - pelargonium or geranium - occurred because when in the 18th century the Dutch botanist Johannes Boorman wanted to distinguish these two plants into different genera, it turned out that the famous scientist of that time, Carl Linnaeus, had already compiled his own classification and mistakenly combined them into a common group. Popular in those days, flowering pelargonium was actively used in Victorian gardens. And both plants began to be called “geranium”.
For a long time, pelargonium was considered an aristocratic plant. It was bred in the greenhouses of wealthy owners of mansions and villas. In the USA and Western European countries, this plant has been popular for hundreds of years.
Unfortunately, in our country there was a period of not only the heyday of the popularity of this flower, but also an incomprehensible oblivion. Probably, many remember the years when pelargonium received the terrible nickname “bourgeois flower” and for some time became unfashionable.
Fortunately, flower growers remembered these luxurious flowers, and clubs for pelargonium lovers began to appear in our country.
Pelargoniums are indispensable in garden design and in indoor floriculture. As a result of the work of breeders, many varieties and varieties of pelargonium have appeared, which are gaining increasing popularity in ornamental gardening.
Pelargonium and geranium - similarities and differences
Both plants belong to the same Geranium family. The family includes 5 genera and 800 species of other plants. Geranium belongs to the most numerous genus, and pelargonium is the most popular. One of the signs by which Carl Linnaeus united them was the similarity of the fruit capsule. After fertilization, the elongated pistil slightly resembles the beak of a crane, which explains the name of the plants. Translated from Greek, "Pelargos" means stork, and "Geranium" means crane.
Both pelargonium and geranium have erect stems with alternately growing leaves. The next similarity is that both plants have slightly pubescent leaves (covered with small hairs). Also, many geraniums have a special aroma.
Both pelargonium and geranium are easy to propagate and are considered unpretentious plants.
The differences are visible, perhaps, only to specialists. Geranium and pelargonium cannot be crossed. You just won't get any seeds. This is due to differences in genetic characteristics.
The birthplace of pelargonium considered South Africa. The birthplace of geranium is the Northern Hemisphere. That is why southern pelargonium can only overwinter indoors, while geranium is more cold-resistant and can bloom even at 12 degrees Celsius.
In summer, pelargonium often decorates flower beds, verandas and balconies. But with the onset of winter, it must be put away in a warm room.
Geranium feels comfortable in gardens and even survives wintering, with the exception of the most northern regions. Therefore, it is common to consider geranium as a garden plant, and pelargonium as an indoor plant.
Is there some more external signs, by which you can distinguish geranium and pelargonium.
- Geranium flowers consist of 5 or 8 petals. Typically, these are single flowers, which are occasionally collected in inflorescences. In domestic pelargonium, the corolla of the flower has irregular shape, namely, the upper two petals are slightly larger, the lower three petals are smaller. Pelargonium flowers are grouped into large inflorescences resembling umbrellas.
- Geranium, among the huge variety of its shades, does not have scarlet. Pelargonium does not have blue flowers.
Growing and care
In general, pelargonium can be characterized as an unpretentious plant that grows quickly and reproduces easily. With good care, pelargonium can bloom all year round. Exist various ways, which even the most capricious specimens can do. The leaves exude a pleasant spicy aroma, of which industrial conditions Geranium essential oil is extracted.
Growing pelargonium is not difficult. By following simple rules and creating favorable conditions, you will achieve lush and bright flowering. One plant can have up to 20 or even more inflorescences per season. These can be buds, fully opened inflorescences and already losing their decorative effect. Fading inflorescences should be removed immediately so that the plant does not lose vigor and continues to bloom.
If pelargonium growing in the garden, then with favorable weather conditions its flowering can continue until late autumn. This distinguishes it favorably from other ornamental crops.
By the way, it has been noticed that there are no aphids on flowers growing next to pelargonium.
Lighting
Pelargonium is a light-loving plant that can tolerate direct sun. Only a few of them are considered picky and prefer places (for example, terraces or balconies) protected from direct sun rays, wind and rain. On a windowsill in bright sun, pelargonium can overheat. Therefore, it requires good ventilation and protection from hot midday sun rays.
With a lack of light, the leaves begin to turn yellow, lower leaves die and expose the stem. Flowering weakens or may stop altogether.
Soil and fertilizing
Pelargonium likes fertile and well-drained loose soil. You can either purchase the soil mixture or prepare it yourself by mixing equal proportions of garden soil, peat, medium-grained sand and a little humus.
Since pelargonium does not like stagnant water and requires good aeration, a good drainage layer should be placed at the bottom of the pot.
In order for the plant to please you with lush and long flowering, care should include regular feeding (once every 2 weeks). Some gardeners do this: in the hot season, when watering is done every day, the weekly feeding rate is divided into 7 parts and fertilizing is introduced with each watering. If a lump of earth is dry, you need to first spill it with water.
Any liquid universal composition for flowering indoor plants is suitable for fertilizer.
In winter, when the plant is resting, fertilizing should be canceled. With the onset of spring (March-April), pelargonium begins to be fed with fertilizer with a high potassium content.
You should refrain from fertilizing after transplanting the plant and give it time to acclimatize - about a month.
Watering
Pelargonium is considered drought-resistant plant. It is recommended to water the flower only when the top layer of soil in the pot dries out. However, the earthen clod should not be allowed to dry out too much.
Excessive watering causes rotting of the leaves and stems, and can lead to the death of the plant. Watering should be moderate. One of the signs that earthen lump began to dry out - if you touch the ground, it will not remain on your fingers. This means it's time to water. The frequency of watering may depend on individual conditions and air temperature - on average 1-2 days. In winter, watering should be reduced.
There is no need to spray pelargonium. Excessive dampness and poor ventilation can provoke.
By the way, these plants prefer dry air in our winter apartments more than high humidity. For this reason, pelargonium can be considered rare flower, who prefers a room to a greenhouse. Therefore, it should not be placed next to plants that require a humidifier.
Temperature
Comfortable temperature for pelargonium is 20-25 degrees. If the plant is on a balcony or terrace, it is better to protect it from gusts of wind and drafts.
In winter, if possible, this southern beauty can be created special conditions– place it in a glazed, frost-free greenhouse or loggia, where the night temperature does not fall below +6 degrees, and the daytime temperature reaches +12-15 degrees. On particularly sunny days, to avoid overheating, the greenhouse must be ventilated. However, there are varieties of pelargonium that are best kept at higher temperatures.
Good air circulation is one of the main conditions for a successful winter. Therefore, there is no need to place pelargoniums too closely. These flowers do not like to hide in the shadows of their neighbors, but prefer to show off. Plants with very dense crowns can be thinned out slightly. Otherwise, with thickening and poor aeration, there is a risk of fungal diseases.
Trimming and pinching
Correct and regular pruning contributes to:
- Formation of a neat compact crown of the plant
- The appearance of side shoots and inflorescence primordia
- More luxuriant flowering
- Obtaining high-quality planting material
Since among indoor pelargoniums there are a wide variety of varieties - with erect and lodging stems, dwarf, ampelous and tall species, pruning should be approached individually in each case.
Depending on the variety, the formation of the flower crown may vary. However, there is general rule– pruning should be regular. Shouldn't run appearance plants.
Pelargonium pruning technique
The cut is best done at an acute angle with a blade, sharp stationery or thin kitchen knife. Scissors are not recommended for this purpose, as they pinch the shoot at the cut site. The cut is made above the leaf node facing outwards. Then the new shoots will not interfere with each other and thicken the crown.
In order to protect the flower from rotting and pest damage, the cut area must be sprinkled with crushed charcoal.
If you need to remove a young shoot, you can simply pinch it carefully, being careful not to damage the main stem.
In addition, seasonal pruning should be carried out.
Autumn pruning is carried out after flowering has completed for two purposes - to form a beautiful crown and improve the health of the plant. To do this, remove all dried leaves, stems and flowers. Weak, bare and elongated stems are also shortened. Autumn pruning helps the plant to better withstand the winter cold and maintain strength until spring. In this case, almost the entire ground part is cut off (approximately at the level of 5-6 cm) leaving 2-3 eyes, with the exception of royal pelargonium.
There is no need to be afraid of large pruning, since over the winter, if the pelargonium is properly maintained, the plant will make up for everything and produce young shoots.
Autumn pruning and pinching can be done until the onset of winter. And only with the onset of December should the flower be left alone. Some gardeners insist on an earlier dormant period. The difference in approach is explained different conditions plant contents. It’s one thing if you have the opportunity to arrange a real winter apartment with a cool temperature for your flower. It's another matter if your pelargonium is in a warm living room.
However, the general rule is the following: the plant should rest (in a cool room until January). Then the pelargonium is brought into a warm place and waited for it to grow. As soon as the flower begins to grow, it is pinched again for splendor.
Spring pruning of pelargonium carried out in cases where the bush has grown greatly over the winter or develops asymmetrically. It is best to do this as spring approaches (late February - early March).
At spring pruning the flower can be fed with nitrogen-containing fertilizer to accelerate the formation of shoots and green mass.
Reproduction
Pelargonium is propagated by cuttings or by planting seeds.
Cuttings
Pelargonium reproduces well using cuttings. This method preserves all varietal characteristics of the plant.
Cuttings can be harvested from early spring to autumn. Flowering time occurs after 16-20 weeks depending on the variety. It is not recommended to take cuttings from dormant plants (until the end of January).
For propagation, shoots 6-7 cm long with three leaves are prepared and the cut is air-dried for several hours. For dwarf varieties, cuttings 2.5-3 cm long are suitable. To do this, make a small cut at an acute angle, and remove the lower leaves. In order for pelargonium to take root well, you can use root-stimulating preparations, with which you need to lightly powder the cut and plant it in prepared pots.
There is no need to cover the cuttings. At a temperature of 20-22 degrees and regular watering, young pelargoniums will soon begin to grow. Typically, the rooting process takes from two weeks to a month, depending on the variety. When watering, you should try to prevent water from getting on the leaves and stem to avoid diseases. As soon as the cuttings begin to grow, they will need to be transplanted into separate pots with a special soil mixture recommended for pelargoniums.
Propagation by seeds
The recommended time for sowing seeds is the end of January - February. Some gardeners plant earlier. But in this case, additional lighting is required, since natural daylight hours are still too short, and the seedlings can become very elongated.
The seeds are sown in a container with moistened soil and sprinkled with a thin layer (approximately 2-3mm) of soil mixture. The optimal temperature for seedlings is 20-22 degrees.
Pelargonium seeds You can also sow in individual plastic or peat cups, 1-2 pcs. In this case, picking is not required. The container with the seeds should be placed in a warm, bright place. Shoots appear in 5-10 days.
All this time you need to monitor the soil moisture and prevent it from drying out and forming a crust. It is better to moisten the soil by spraying. As soon as the seedlings appear, water carefully, trying not to get moisture on the leaves. After germination, the temperature can be slightly reduced to 18-20 degrees.
To prevent the seedlings from stretching, it is better to provide additional lighting. Phytolamps have proven themselves very well, thanks to which they produce strong, strong seedlings. Pinching above the fifth leaf is done in order to obtain a compact and lush pelargonium bush. For the same reason, it is recommended to pinch the flower every 2-3 months. If the seeds were sown in a common container, picking is done after the first true leaf appears.
When propagated by seeds, the flowering period begins after about six months.
Photo of pelargonium
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