Geranium.

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Care level

Easy

Plant type

Perennial

Light

Full sun

Indoor light

direct

Water

Every 5 to 10 days

Mature size

45 to 60 cm

Growth rate

medium

Hardiness

USDA 10 to 11

Bloom time

Late spring to autumn

Cuidados

Give these plants plenty of sunshine to keep them blooming and compact. Let the soil dry out significantly between waterings to prevent root issues. Pinch off faded flower heads to encourage the plant to keep producing new blooms.

Watering

Allow the top few centimeters of soil to dry out completely before watering again.

Feeding

Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the active growing season.

Pruning

Regularly deadhead spent flowers and trim back leggy stems to maintain a bushy shape.

Repotting

Repot in spring if the plant becomes root-bound or needs fresh soil.

Soil

Well-draining potting mix

Soil pH

6.0 to 7.0

Temperature

10 to 25°C

Humidity

30 to 50%

Drought tolerance

moderate

Lifespan

Perennial, typically 3 to 5 years

Fragrance

light

Deer and rabbits

moderate

Seguridad

People

The plant contains essential oils that may cause mild stomach upset if ingested in large quantities.

Pets

This plant is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.

Children

Keep out of reach of small children as the leaves can be a choking hazard if swallowed.

Contact allergens

The glandular hairs on the leaves can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.

Airborne allergens

The pollen is generally not considered a major allergen for most people.

Edibility

While often used in culinary applications, ensure you are using non-treated plants as many nursery specimens contain systemic pesticides.

Cómo identificarla

• Rounded clusters of vibrant flowers
• Velvety, scalloped, circular leaves
• Distinctive zonal markings on foliage
• Sturdy, succulent, semi-woody stems

Height

0.3 to 0.6m

Spread

0.3 to 0.45m

Leaves

green, evergreen

Flowers

red, pink, white, salmon, 2 to 5cm

Problemas frecuentes

• Botrytis blight — A fungal infection that causes gray mold on flowers and leaves in humid conditions.
• Aphids — Small insects that suck sap from new growth and can stunt plant development.

Cómo cultivarla

Propagation

cuttings, seed

When to plant

spring

Overwintering

Bring pots indoors before the first frost and place them in a bright, cool room. Reduce watering significantly during the winter months to allow the plant to rest.

In containers

They are excellent in containers, provided the pot has good drainage and is at least 10 inches wide.

Pair plants with similar drought tolerance to ensure they thrive together in the same pot.

Buenas compañeras

• Petunia — They share similar light and water requirements for container displays.
• Lobelia — The trailing habit of lobelia complements the upright growth of the geranium.

Mantenla lejos de

• Impatiens — Impatiens prefer shade and consistent moisture, which conflicts with the needs of geraniums.

Especies parecidas

• Ivy-leaf Geranium — It has a trailing habit that makes it perfect for hanging baskets.

Ciencia

Family

Geraniaceae

Genus

Pelargonium

Order

Geraniales

Class

Magnoliopsida

Native range

South Africa

Conservation

This species is a garden hybrid and is not of conservation concern in the wild.

In its native habitat, it thrives in well drained, rocky soils and open sunny slopes.

Value to wildlife

nectar source

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, moths

Uses

container gardening, bedding plant, hanging baskets

Taxonomía cotejada con GBIF.

Lo que más preguntan

Do they need full sun?

Yes, they bloom best with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.

How often should I water?

Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot.

De dónde viene el nombre

The genus name comes from the Greek word pelargos, which means stork, referring to the shape of the fruit. The species name hortorum translates to of the gardens.

Bueno saberlo

• Pelargoniums are commonly called geraniums, though they are technically a different genus.
• They were first introduced to Europe from South Africa in the 17th century.
• The leaves are often more fragrant than the flowers themselves.