At the beginning of the 17th century, geranium (also known as pelargonium) came to Europe from South Africa. Thanks to its unusual appearance and delicate aroma, the plant immediately won the hearts of flower lovers. Previously, only healers were engaged in breeding geraniums, attributing magical and extraordinary properties to the plant.
Every day pelargonium acquires more and more superstitions. The flowers of the plant have an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect, despite their specific aroma, which can provoke allergic reactions. In this article we will talk about the varieties of geranium, the magical properties and signs associated with the plant.
Botanical description and history
First of all, it should be noted that the original homeland of geranium is South Africa and India. This circumstance explains the plant’s high resistance to dry weather, as well as the ability to collect large amounts of moisture in the stems.
Geranium was brought to Europe by English sailors, who regularly visited different parts of the globe, interested in foreign culture, infrastructure, goods, and plants. Thanks to its amazing appearance, this flower could not go unnoticed, and foreigners began to want to grow it in their homeland.
This flower was brought to Russia in the 18th and 19th centuries from Great Britain. To this day, certain species of this plant continue to grow in the wild. At the same time, they perfectly adapted to the cold climate. However, to a greater extent this flower is used as a decoration for human housing.
Reference! Geranium has another name - crane grass. Belongs to the geranium family. In total, there are about 400 different varieties of this flower, which grow in different parts of the globe. Geranium is also found in the tropical zone, mainly in the mountains.
The foliage is located on petioles and has a very different dissection. Leaves may be palmate or palmately lobed. Many types of geranium have a soft hairy structure.
Peduncles can have from one to 3 flowers. At the same time, the flowers are of the correct shape. They consist of 5 corolla petals and have 10 stamens with anthers.
Varieties of simple geraniums with white flowers
They can be grown in the garden as a perennial. The plant is not whimsical and easily tolerates severe frosts in winter. You may need a cover made of spruce branches or other warm material to prevent the roots from freezing.
Kashmir White - belongs to the group of pigeon geraniums. It forms a dense green carpet in the garden. Therefore, it is actively used when landscaping large areas. The bush is low-growing. Meadow geranium blooms with large white flowers with contrasting pink veins on the petals of the corolla.
- Geranium cultivar 'Kashmir White'
Biokovo - decorative garden geranium with white flowers. The variety is compact and belongs to the Cantabrian species. It has a snow-white corolla with long stamens of a yellow or pink hue. The plant forms green clumps up to 1 meter wide. Often grown in the garden as a ground cover perennial.
Galactic is a romantic variety of white geranium. This is a common meadow variety. Despite its high resistance and easy acclimatization, it is a rare hybrid. In the garden it forms a dense green mat, strewn with sloppy white inflorescences with creamy veins on the petals.
Plenum Album is a rosaceous white geranium with lush flowers. The petals are oval with wavy edges. A lot of buds are formed. The perennial is easy to care for and will easily survive winter frosts even in the coldest regions. But only if there are snowdrifts. In snowless winters, it requires protection by covering with spruce branches or other insulating material.
Appearance
Geranium became famous due to its amazing appearance. So, these plants can come in a variety of colors. These can be pink flowers, red, purple, etc. In addition, there are certain varieties where several shades can be combined in one flower.
White geranium looks especially gentle and elegant. Thanks to the contrast that is created by highlighting the white flowers against the backdrop of lush greenery, white geraniums can be an excellent decoration on any windowsill.
Since ancient times, white geranium has symbolized innocence, sincere feelings and purity of thoughts. In addition, it was previously believed that white geranium reliably protects the house from evil spirits, fires, and also from poverty.
Superstitions about love and family happiness
Our ancestors believed that geranium is closely connected with love affairs, family ties and feelings; there are many beliefs and signs on this score, such as:
- lush and lush flowering of pink pelargonium - to a quick marriage proposal or to a wedding celebration in the near future. Pink varieties of geraniums used to be given only to young families as a symbol of the strength of marriage bonds, reliability and longevity of relationships;
- Frequent and beautiful flowering of pelargonium is a guarantee of the strength of the family union. No gossip or rivals will be able to interfere with this happy couple;
- If your children cannot find a suitable match for a long time and the relationship is not working out at all, buy yourself a pink geranium. It will help attract new feelings, and also preserve them, strengthen them and prevent the relationship from being shattered into pieces by petty quarrels and omissions;
- red geranium in the house can rekindle former passion and tenderness, which are gradually declining in a relationship;
- white varieties of pelargonium are a symbol of desired pregnancy and birth of children. The flower is credited with mystical properties and is recommended to be placed on the windowsill in the room for those couples who are completely desperate in matters of planning offspring. Geranium is a good helper in such a difficult issue;
- If you are tormented by sleepless nights and a general serious condition in the morning, purchase pelargonium of any variety and place it on the nightstand near your bed. The flower and its aroma will provide you with a sound sleep and help you feel energized and invigorated in the morning.
Popular varieties
As noted above, geranium has many varieties. At the same time, the following varieties are especially popular both in the Russian Federation and abroad:
“Maverick” - this species is characterized by the largest variety of different colors.
Moreover, there are even two-color flowers. The bushes have a height of no more than 30 cm with very dense and large inflorescences (up to 15 cm). Maverick blooms throughout the summer, right up to frost. Under indoor conditions, the rest period is 2 months.Note! It should be noted that it is highly resistant to heat, as well as a decrease in air temperature up to 5 degrees.
"Horizon" - characterized by a long flowering period.
Ideal for decorating flower beds and lawns. This variety is very resistant to high humidity, drought and heavy rain. The diameter of the flowers reaches 4 cm, and they are collected in numerous inflorescences. Another important feature of this variety is the accelerated germination process (no more than 5-7 days).
"Bulls Eye" - blooms profusely, unpretentious.
It has very amazing leaf colors. They are colored brownish-purple with a light edging. Due to the unusual color of the leaves, this variety serves as a very good decoration for the windowsill even in the dormant stage.
The most famous signs about geranium
Our ancestors believed that the owners of pelargonium, which blooms often and abundantly, would never have material difficulties, and that love, understanding and good thoughts would always be the main ones in the family. Slander and gossip avoided the house, on the windowsill of which the geranium bloomed. Pelargonium is also considered a kind of amulet for the whole family.
During flowering, it emits positive and favorable energy, which serves as a barrier to negative emotions and thoughts.
If you place geraniums on the windowsill in your work office, this can protect you from injustice and aggression from your superiors, from squabbles with co-workers and senseless competition with colleagues. Pelargonium will help awaken streams of creative inspiration. If during the working day you feel a loss of strength and your hands are about to give up, just relax and inhale the delicate aroma of a flower, it will definitely help you and give you a new flow of strength and energy.
Pelargonium is recommended to be placed in all types of children's institutions, as it helps to reveal a person's talents and abilities, makes it possible to establish relationships between teachers and students, and also helps to resolve problems peacefully, without resorting to quarrels and aggravation of conflicts.
There is an opinion that geranium should not be kept in residential premises, since it symbolizes loneliness and provokes the destruction of relationships. It is extremely erroneous and incorrect.
Most pelargonium owners claim that the plant hears and understands them. For a flower to attract financial stability, harmony in relationships and good emotions into your home, it is enough to devote a few minutes a day to it.
Photo
Next you can see a photo of white geranium:
You will rarely find an apartment, house or garden in which a beautiful geranium would not please the eye. It purifies the air and has healing properties. If you are thinking about breeding and growing such a flower, we will tell you how to do it correctly. But first, read the description of the most popular varieties, for example: Royal, Ivy-leaved, Rose-shaped, Ampelnaya, Roberta and Tulip-shaped.
Where and how to plant it: rules, tips, instructions
There are a lot of places where you can plant this flower. White geranium is successfully used to decorate window sills, terraces, balconies, flower beds and lawns, as well as garden plots. We wrote about the diversity and care of indoor and garden varieties here, and read about how to care for indoor flower varieties here.
Geranium has a number of undeniable advantages, such as unpretentiousness, a wide variety of colors, and ease of propagation.
So, let's present step-by-step instructions for planting geraniums at home:
- First of all, you should choose a method for planting a flower. There are 3 options here:
- seeds;
use of shoots from the mother plant;
- purchased seedlings.
- Having decided on the planting method, you need to purchase a flower pot and make small holes in it where water will drain.
IMPORTANT. If geranium roots are constantly in water, they may rot. - Next, you should wash the pot thoroughly, since there may be various bacteria and pest larvae on its walls, which are difficult to notice at first glance.
- We choose soil rich in organic microelements. You should not take cheap soil, as it often retains moisture for a long time, which can harm the root system of geraniums.
- Let's start landing. Geranium shoots or seedlings should be planted after frost. The pot should be filled with earth, but it should not be compacted. It is important that the flower can breathe.
- We dig a small hole where the geranium roots should completely fit. It should be planted at the same depth at which the geranium sprout was originally planted when purchasing the seedlings.
- After planting, the soil around the flower should be lightly compacted. It is important not to damage the stems and shoots.
The best options for planting geraniums are the last two methods.
In this instruction, we will consider the algorithm of actions when planting geraniums through shoots or seedlings.
The magical properties of pelargonium and the rules for choosing a flower
Our ancestors considered pelargonium a flower that can attract such a strong feeling as love .
Girls who dreamed of meeting their chosen one and getting married wore small rag bags around their necks containing geranium leaves. Those who did not have such a plant at home used geranium oil. It, like the leaves of the plant, was carried in bags; in addition, a drop was applied to the area behind the ears and wrists.
It was believed that performing such actions protected a person from the flow of negativity directed at him. Feng Shui practitioners believe that the aroma of pelargonium can improve the financial situation of the plant owner. Along with geraniums, an azalea is placed on the windowsill. Such a tandem is a powerful magnet for financial flows.
Signs associated with geranium depend on its color. What will red, pink and white pelargonium bring to your home, which plant is better to choose, and what features does each variety have?
White
White pelargonium personifies the image of purity, kindness, sincerity, fidelity, devotion and love. If you are single and dream of finding your soulmate as quickly as possible, this flower is exactly what you need.
In the last century, when girls were going on a date with a guy, they picked several pelargonium inflorescences and took them with them. It was believed that the flowers had magical properties and would help awaken mutual feelings in the chosen one.
White pelargonium flowers symbolize happiness, prosperity and stability in family relationships. From the day you have a white geranium in your home, you can forever forget about the black streaks of bad luck, because luck will become your constant companion in any endeavor.
It is also recommended to purchase such a plant for those who have been waiting for a long time for a new addition to the family, but for some reason all attempts are not crowned with success.
A person, looking at the light, beautiful and delicate inflorescences, will not have time to look back when the tense atmosphere will gradually fade away, and the aura in the house will become more favorable.
Red
Red geranium is a symbol of strong family relationships and the keeper of the family hearth. This flower is best placed on the windowsill for married couples who want to maintain warmth and harmony in their relationship for many years.
It requires proper and careful care, then the plant will actively develop and at the same time strengthen family ties and feelings in a couple.
The color red has always been a symbol of love and passion. With the help of geranium, girls successfully married their loved ones, and retained their beauty and youth for a long time.
Pink
Pink varieties of geranium will help not only find new emotions and relationships, but also preserve them for a long time, and will also help maintain trust and mutual understanding in a couple.
If pelargonium in your apartment begins to bloom profusely, you should expect a wedding celebration soon. Pink pelargonium will be a good and useful gift for lonely young people, and for girls who have been dreaming of meeting their chosen one for a long time.
Lighting and location
Geranium is a very light-loving plant, so it should be provided with a bright place on the windowsill. It is important to protect the flower from direct sunlight. A south window is best.
In winter, geranium may lack light, so it is recommended to leave it under a fluorescent lamp for some time.
The optimal air temperature is from 10 to 15 degrees. It is very important to regularly ventilate the room.
In summer, geraniums can be taken out onto the balcony or into the yard.
Flower in the office
Pelargonium will feel great not only in apartments and your own houses, but also on the windowsills of work offices. Previously, geraniums could be seen in the windows of every educational institution and work enterprise. Nowadays, the flower has not lost its relevance and still decorates the interior of apartments and houses.
Pelargonium is placed on the windowsills of schools and kindergartens, thanks to its ability to resolve conflicts.
It also helps to find a common language between children and adults. For a worker in any field, geranium will be a good helper in resolving minor troubles (which quite often arise in a team). Pelargonium can bring the greatest benefit in offices intended for negotiations and concluding important deals.
Soil requirements
When planting geraniums, certain soil requirements must be observed. Geranium grows well in loose soil rich in turf.
Land can be purchased at a special store. Many flower lovers buy universal primer and supplement it with all the necessary components. So, you additionally need to add:
- clean river sand;
- vermiculite;
- perlite
When purchasing soil for geraniums, you should check for mold and insects.
How to properly care?
White geranium, like its other species, is distinguished by its unpretentiousness. When caring for it, you should adhere to the following basic rules:
- in summer it is necessary to regularly water and spray the flower;
- in winter, water once every 10 days;
- Plant feeding is carried out from March to August once every 14 days. Fertilizers should only be potassium;
- In autumn, pruning should be done, leaving 2 lower leaves on the stem;
ADVICE. It is strongly recommended not to prune and propagate geraniums in December and January. - When growing geraniums in a box, the distance between the bushes should be at least 20 cm.
You will find all the tips and recommendations on the proper care of such types of geranium as Fragrant, Rosebudnaya, Black Velvet, Plenum, Max Fry, Rosanna, Zonal, Peony and Angel in separate articles.
Common diseases and pests
One of the most common diseases of white geranium is rotting of the root system. As a rule, this problem is caused by excessive watering of the flower. This can destroy the plant.
Among the pests, one can highlight the appearance of gray mold on geranium leaves. Mold does not pose a particular danger to the flower, however, in order to get rid of it, it is recommended to stop watering for a while, cut off all affected leaves, spray the flower with an antimicrobial agent and place it in the sun.
In addition, sometimes white geranium is subject to the harmful effects of aphids and whiteflies. However, these pests can be easily controlled. In the first case, you should spray the geranium with a special preparation, and in the second case, you need to regularly inspect the plant and remove insects.
Features of reproduction
There are 2 ways to propagate white geranium:
- Using cuttings - they can be made all year round, by cutting 5 cm branches from the side and top shoots. Next, the cutting should be withered, the cut should be covered with crushed coal and planted in a pot.
The container in which the cuttings are planted should not be very large, since the geranium will bloom only when the roots fill the entire space. - Through seeds – this method is more expensive, but the seeds of white geranium germinate very quickly and also produce many seedlings. As a result, neat bushes grow, which can be planted if desired. Geranium seeds should be planted in moist soil to a depth of 2-5 mm.
ATTENTION. It is recommended to treat the soil with a solution of potassium permanganate, since white geranium seedlings are often exposed to the harmful effects of the “black leg”.In addition, the ground in which the seeds are planted should be covered with glass and regular watering and ventilation should be provided. After the shoots have appeared, the glass should be removed and the container with the flower should be placed in a bright place.
Thus, white geranium can be an excellent decoration both inside the house and in the garden (you will learn about other types of garden geranium here). The most important thing is to adhere to the basic rules of caring for her, and then she will delight you with her beautiful appearance for a long time.
