Pelargonium grandiflorum

Family. Geraniaceae.

Homeland. South Africa.

Description. Pelargonium grandiflora is an ornamental flowering plant with a very wide range of showy flowers. It has branched, thick, succulent stems and dark green, ruffled leaves with slightly serrated edges. Color shades include white, pink, red, burgundy, salmon and purple - with numerous combinations of these. The top 2 petals often have a brighter color or contrasting pattern.

Height. 30 - 60 cm.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

During the summer, the optimal temperature range will be 16 - 24 ° C. Cool nights with a temperature of 10 ° C during the 2 month dormant period promote abundant flowering.  

Lighting

Bright light. Geraniums are very sensitive to the alternation of long and short days and bloom only after the short winter days give way to long spring days.  Geranium will feel great even on southern windows.

Care

In summer, after flowering, trim the bush and give it a rest period. Reduce watering and stop fertilizing, move the pot to a cool room with a temperature of about 10 ° C and keep it in partial shade.

Substrate

Nutritious soil based on peat, with coarse sand to improve drainage.

Feeding

Every 3 weeks with a high phosphorus liquid fertilizer at half strength. 

Purpose

An excellent plant for decorating both residential premises and balconies.

Flowering time

Spring Summer.

Air humidity

Pelargonium grandiflorum tolerates dry air in living spaces well, but it is better to spray it periodically.

Soil moisture

Water deeply until the soil is completely wet, but allow the surface of the soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering after flowering, but do not allow the soil ball to dry out completely. 

Transfer

Replant after flowering. Geraniums bloom best in cramped pots. Choose a container with large drainage holes.

Reproduction

Propagated by stem cuttings in spring, quite simply. By seeds - fresh planting material has very good germination.

Pests and diseases

Rotting due to waterlogging and stagnation of water in the pan. Whiteflies, aphids, thrips, mealybugs, nematodes, spider mites; if kept outside, slugs and snails may appear. 

Varieties:

Pelargonium rosebud

A distinctive feature of plants of this group are large, lush inflorescences consisting of double buds. Each flower has a large number of petals and its appearance resembles a miniature rose. In modern varieties, additional decoration of plants is also attractive round-shaped leaves, colored green with a burgundy circle on the surface or a bright white edge. Breeders also developed varieties whose buds are colored in 2 shades at once.

Terry or peony geranium

Perennial flowering plants with large inflorescences consisting of double buds of white, pink or red. A characteristic feature of this group is a large number of petals, often tightly adjacent to each other. The buds sometimes remain half-open. The bushes are lush, stocky, reaching a height of 40 - 60 cm.

Geranium Angel

This perennial is characterized by asymmetrical flowers with contrasting petals. Interestingly, the upper petals are often larger than the lower ones. Flowers are usually painted in 2 - 3 contrasting shades.

Dwarf geranium

A characteristic feature of plants of this group is their compact size - often these perennials do not exceed 15 - 20 cm in height. Varieties belonging to this type are distinguished by abundant and long-lasting flowering and strong shape.

Star geranium

Currently, many varieties of geranium have been bred, which can be classified as this type. Modern plants are distinguished not only by the attractive shape of their buds, but also by their beautiful carved leaf blades. The leaves may be a solid shade of green, but may also have contrasting dark and white stripes and spots. The flowers are simple or double, with dissected tips of the petals.