Varieties of zonal geranium with photos, its features and care for it at home

The beautiful flowering plant zonal pelargonium (Pelargonium) is quite widespread in indoor culture. People most often call it geranium, and this crop is part of the Geraniaceae family. South America is considered its homeland. This is a very heat-loving plant. This is how it differs from real geranium, which is relatively resistant to cold and is found in the middle latitudes of Russia (prefers to grow in fields and meadows).

Pelargonium zonalis was named this way because its foliage has a special border - a ring zone with a dark color. The leaf blades are rounded and notched. The composition of the shoots and foliage includes special essential oils. Therefore, if you touch them, you can feel a specific aroma.

This plant is a herbaceous shrub. The height of this perennial can reach up to 0.9 m. It is a fast-growing plant, its average annual growth is about 20–30 centimeters. It needs to be renewed once every 2 or 3 years.

Flowering is observed throughout the summer period. Inflorescences can be double or simple. They are part of multi-flowered umbrella-caps. Color can vary from fiery red to white.

Brief description of cultivation

1. Temperature regime . In the warm season - from 20 to 25 degrees, and in the winter months - from 13 to 15 degrees.
2. Air humidity . Average.
3. Illumination . A large amount of bright diffused light is needed.
4. Watering . In winter, water moderately, and in summer - abundantly.
5. Substrate . Universal purchased soil mixture.
6. Feeding . In April–August once every 15 days.
7. Transplant . In spring time. This is done when the root system becomes cramped in the pot. Transplanted using the transshipment method.
8. Reproduction . By seed method and apical cuttings.
9. Features of care . You need good lighting, a small container, systematic application of fertilizers, and regular moistening of the substrate. Frequent pruning and cool conditions during winter are necessary.

ZONAL PELARGONIA. WATERING. FEEDING. CARE

Replanting and fertilizers

Due to the accelerated growth of zonal pelargonium, it is necessary to immediately take care of the possibilities of transplantation. From spring to autumn is the most optimal period for this. If the crop is grown outside, then during the cold season, starting in the fall, you will have to transplant it into pots and keep it until the summer, until the soil and air warm up enough.

Pelargonium is not particularly picky when it comes to fertilizers, so a universal complex of fertilizers for tomatoes or flowering plants will suit it. The only thing that needs to be checked in the composition is a small content of substances such as phosphorus and potassium, and a minimum of nitrogen. After transplantation, it is not recommended to fertilize the crop for another 1.5 months. In the cold season, it is enough to fertilize the soil about once a month.

Caring for zonal pelargonium at home

Pelargonium zonalis adapts quite easily to indoor conditions. She is unpretentious and undemanding.

Temperature

This plant is heat-loving. It reacts extremely negatively to temperatures below 8 degrees. The optimal temperature regime for zonal pelargonium is from 20 to 25 degrees in summer, from 13 to 15 degrees in winter. A flower can be seriously damaged by a draft, the proximity of operating heating devices, sudden changes in temperature and touching a cold glass surface.

Air humidity

This crop, growing at home, does not need to be systematically moistened. However, if the summer turns out to be too hot, the plant can be moistened with a spray bottle of well-settled water, the temperature of which is slightly higher than room temperature.

During the cold season, the air in apartments is dried out by heating devices, which negatively affects the condition of the flower. To avoid this, it is recommended to place the bush with a pot on a deep tray, which is filled with wet expanded clay.

Illumination

Any variety of this plant does not tolerate shaded areas. If the bush feels a lack of light, then it loses its decorative effect: the shoots stretch out and are exposed in the lower part, the foliage becomes smaller and becomes faded. Zonal pelargonium feels best on a southern windowsill. However, on hot summer days the plant needs to be shaded from the sun, which will prevent sunburn on the foliage.

Window sills of eastern and western orientation are also suitable for this culture. But in this case, its flowering will be shorter and less spectacular. In order for the bush to bloom as luxuriantly as possible, it requires at least 16 hours a day of bright light.

Watering

Watering should be done with great care. If the earthen lump dries out in the container, then all the foliage can quickly turn yellow. If moisture stagnation is regularly observed in the root system, this may cause rot to appear on it.

In this regard, the substrate in the pot is moistened only when it dries to a depth of 20 mm: in summer - from 3 to 4 times every 7 days, and in winter - once every 1-1.5 weeks. Some time after watering, be sure to remove the water that has flowed into the pan.

soil mixture

Choose a substrate so that it is not excessively “greasy” and nutritious. Due to the very large amount of nutrients in the soil mixture, shoots and foliage will begin to actively grow, which will negatively affect flowering.

For zonal pelargonium, a store-bought universal soil mixture is suitable. In order to make an earth mixture with your own hands, you should combine peat, humus and turf soil in equal parts. To increase drainage properties and looseness, the earth mixture is combined with coarse sand.

To prevent rot from appearing on the root system, the substrate is mixed with a small amount of charcoal. At the same time, a good drainage layer of pebbles or expanded clay is made at the bottom of the pot.

Fertilizer

In order for the plant to bloom regularly and abundantly, it is provided with fertilizing with a mineral complex with a high content of phosphorus and potassium. Since nitrogen activates increased growth of shoots and foliage, the fertilizer should contain a minimum amount. Feeding is carried out once every 15–20 days, starting from spring until the onset of autumn. You can use special fertilizers for pelargoniums or tomatoes.

If the bush was planted or transplanted not long ago, then feeding it begins only after 6 weeks. You can also use foliar feeding. To do this, use a Zircon solution: 1 tbsp. water 4 drops of the product.

Transfer

This flower can be replanted at any time during the growing season. Please note that the new container should be a little tight for the root system of the bush. In this case, zonal pelargonium will spend its energy not on actively growing green mass, but on the formation of inflorescences.

However, if the root system has grown quite strongly, then a slightly more spacious pot is chosen for replanting the bush. When transplanting an adult flower, only the substrate is replaced, while the pot is left the same.

Bloom

It blooms quite long and luxuriantly from spring until the beginning of autumn. After the umbrella-shaped inflorescences fade, they should be torn off. This helps speed up the opening of new flowers.

The color of the inflorescences is directly related to the variety. Moreover, most often they are colored pink, red, white and salmon. There are also unusual varieties: their petals are decorated with spots of different colors.

Pelargonium is quite popular among breeders. That is why today you can find varieties whose flowers are shaped like tulips, roses and cacti.

Pelargonium is zonal. How to achieve lush flowering.

Trimming

It is very important to form the crown of the bush correctly. This will ensure a compact, neat appearance and lush flowering. If you do not prune the bush in the spring and do not pinch its shoots in the fall, this will lead to stretching and bare stems and poor flowering.

During the year, 2 prunings are carried out:

1. In spring to improve flowering. Shorten the stems (2–5 buds should remain on each of them).
2. In autumn, to make the bush thicker. Pinch the apical buds and also remove all weakened and thin branches.

To carry out the procedure, it is recommended to use a very sharp knife or blade. To prevent infection, all instruments should be sterilized.

About zonal pelargonium

This is one of the most common groups of plants, represented by a large number of species and varieties.
Varieties belonging to the group of the same name are considered zonal because they have a certain zone on the leaves, colored in a different color (most often in the form of a small ring-shaped or rounded spot). Pelargonium zonalis is perfect for growing not only indoors, but also in open areas. The variety is represented by an erect, fairly branched and powerful bush, densely covered with foliage. The bush is covered with small lush umbrella flowers. The leaves are heavily pubescent and have a specific odor. Zonal pelargoniums are also divided into several varieties depending on the number of petals on the flowers. So, they come with 5-8 petals (sometimes more).

Pelargonium is an unpretentious plant

Zonal pelargonium is a rather unpretentious plant in terms of growing conditions, but quite demanding in terms of care. It is necessary to provide it with the necessary amount of solar heat and light, nutritious and regular feeding, saturate it with moisture, etc.

Advice. In winter, it is necessary to provide the plant with sufficient access to cool air. If this is not possible, remove as many bare shoots from the plant as possible in the spring.

Reproduction methods

Cuttings

The easiest and fastest way to propagate indoor zonal pelargonium is by cuttings. Plus, the new bush will inherit all varietal characteristics from the parent plant.

The cuttings are harvested at the beginning of the spring period or in the last summer or first autumn days. Their length can vary from 7 to 15 centimeters. The cut is made at a distance of 5 mm from the leaf node. All lower leaf blades should be removed. Large leaves must be reduced in size by cutting them in half. This will reduce evaporation.

All flower stalks must be cut off, as they prevent the segment from forming its own root system. In the case when a weakened bush is used to take cuttings, it is recommended to dip their lower part in a product that stimulates root growth.

Cuttings root quickly and well. If they are kept warm (20 to 25 degrees), the roots will grow after 15 days. You can even use ordinary water to root the segments. Please note that cuttings cannot be placed on a cold windowsill, otherwise blackleg disease may develop and rot may appear.

Cuttings of pelargonium (geranium) quickly and easily! 100% rooting!

Growing from seeds

This crop is quite easy to grow from seeds. The surface of each seed is covered with a relatively dense shell. To increase their germination, scarification will be required. To do this, the seed material should be gently rubbed on fine-grained sandpaper.

Next, the seed material is soaked by placing it between layers of fabric. After a few hours it is dried and you can start sowing. Fill the container with a moist soil mixture of perlite (10 parts) and peat (1 part). Level the surface of the substrate and distribute the seeds evenly over it. They are sprinkled with a thin layer of substrate on top. Cover the container with film or glass.

Crops should be kept warm (from 20 to 23 degrees). They are regularly ventilated and, if necessary, the substrate is moistened. The first seedlings should appear after half a month. Remove the shelter and move the seedlings to a well-lit place (the light needs diffused light). Young bushes are picked after they have grown 2 or 3 true leaf blades.

Pelargonium is zonal. Growing from seeds.

What varieties of pelargonium are there?

Pelargonium has a huge number of different varieties - there are more than 200. But the most popular types stand out, which can often be found on the windowsill or in the garden.

1. Royal. This variety is a wide bush of small size, on which large flowers appear. The flower stalks are located with the plant bush at the same level. Most often, the variety is used for home breeding. The appearance of a blooming crop can be compared to a fluffy bright ball.
2. Tulip-shaped. From the name we can conclude that the type of plant is very reminiscent of a tulip. This is true. The flowers closely resemble unopened buds. There is a variety of shades - from light pink to burgundy. The leaves of this species are very shiny and have a hard texture.
3. Rozebudnaya. You can also navigate here by name. The flowering of the crop will transport the gardener to a park of roses. The flower has a lot of petals, and they are all quite close to each other, which is why they form a shape close to a small rose. Lush buds will serve as a wonderful decoration.
4. Terry. Pelargonium inflorescences of this variety are distinguished by double petals. Colors can be found to suit every taste: raspberry, pale salmon, lilac.
5. Angular. The plant will be very tall - up to 100 cm. The shape of the leaves of the species is quite unusual - the leaves are short-petioled, can be compared to oak leaves. Inflorescence in the form of a bright red umbrella.
6. Capitate. Compared to the previous variety, this crop will be half the size - about 50 cm. The shrub constantly pleases the eye with its green color. The flowers are also umbrella-shaped and pink-violet. At the same time, pelargonium emits a simply magical aroma.
7. Curly. This species is highly branched. The bush will not grow more than 50 cm, but will be evergreen. The leaves are shaped like a heart and grow in two rows. Their edges are torn and jagged.
8. Fluffy-leaved. The variety of fluffy-leaved pelargonium is characterized by thick stems and lobed leaves. The flowers are snow-white in color, with the inner core being bright red. 5-6 similar inflorescences join together and create an umbrella.
9. Meaty. The perennial of this species has a very small size - only 30 cm. Its leaves are in a drooping state and have distinct venation. The flowers generally appear either white or soft beige with small red flecks.
10. Thick-stemmed. Here the name speaks for itself - the stem of the crop is very thick, and the plant itself reaches about 20 cm in size. Compared to other types of pelargonium, this is quite small. The wide leaf has silvery pubescence. The flowers appear in the form of standard umbrellas, but the colors vary from yellow to purple.
11. Fragrant. This shrub is distinguished by its branches and, of course, its strong aroma, which does not come from the flowers, but from the leaves of the plant. The inflorescences by standard take the shape of an umbrella.
12. Large-flowered. The large-flowered variety is not entirely suitable for outdoor cultivation. He is very capricious and requires special care. The plant cannot survive without constant heat. Its height is from 30 to 60 cm, which is the average. The inflorescences have a corrugated structure and are large in size.
13. Klobuchkovaya. This species is notable for its dense terry bright green foliage, which is lowered down. The flowers are painted in purple-red shades.
14. Staining. Another variety that grows almost the tallest. Its size can reach about one and a half meters. The leaves are round, dark green, set on a rather fleshy stem. And the bush is decorated with bright scarlet flowers, which can be compared to lights.
15. Ivy leaf. As for this variety of pelargonium, it is not at all suitable for planting in open areas. Cold weather is destructive for him. The foliage of this crop can be compared to ivy. The inflorescences are very variegated.
16. Pink. Based on the name, you can understand that the inflorescences have a pink tint. They are located on a branching bush.
17. Pelargonium zonal (varieties, photos we will look at later). This is the most common and unpretentious type. It is perfect for growing both on the windowsill and in parks and gardens. The leaf of Pelargonium zonalis has a clear pattern. The shrub is very resistant to drought and other critical conditions. Even frost down to 5-6 0C is not scary for him. That is why it is so popular among flower growers.

Having studied all the varieties of pelargonium, we can conclude that it is best to give preference to the zonal species.

Possible problems

Domestic zonal pelargonium most often becomes ill due to contaminated soil or due to improper care. Most often, flower growers face problems such as:

1. There are white circles on the leaf blades . The plant is affected by rust. The development of this disease is promoted by excessively high humidity and heat.
2. There are spots with gray fluff on the stems and undersides of leaves . Gray mold has developed due to stagnation of moisture in the substrate.
3. The foliage changes its color to red . The room is very cold or the air humidity is extremely low.
4. The lower leaf blades turn yellow and brown spots form on them . Too infrequent or poor watering.
5. Rot appears on the stem at the substrate level . Water systematically stagnates in the soil mixture.
6. The stem turns black . The bush is affected by the “black leg”. The plant is affected by this disease due to an infected soil mixture or due to excessively high substrate humidity.
7. Lack of flowering . Excessively poor lighting, either the substrate contains a lot of nutrients, or the bush overwintered in a very warm place.
8. There are yellow spots on the foliage . Sunburns.
9. The tops of the leaf blades turn brown . Very low air humidity.
10. The foliage at the bottom of the stem dies. This is a completely natural process associated with the growth of the bush.
11. The edges of the leaf blades have turned yellow. The plant is standing next to a working heating device, has been exposed to a draft or a sudden change in temperature.
12. Pests. Most often, spider mites, aphids, whiteflies and mealybugs settle on the flower.

Classification

Zonal pelargonium is a genus with about 70 thousand varieties. Some ancient varieties and hybrids have already been lost. Plants are divided into subgroups according to several characteristics .

To size:

• microminiature - less than 10 cm in height;
• miniature – 10–13 cm;
• dwarf – 13–25 cm;
• average (normal) – 25–60 cm;
• tall (Irene) - up to 80 cm.

According to the structure of the flower:

• non-double – 5 petals arranged in one row;
• semi-double – 6–8 petals;
• terry - more than 8 petals, which are arranged in several rows.

According to flower color:

• plain;
• two-color;
• tricolor:
• speckled;
• “bird's egg” - with a rounded spot at the bottom of the petal.

By leaf color:

1. Regular leaves are green with a contrasting zone of a slightly lighter or darker shade.
2. Variegated - have two-color or three-color brightly colored leaves, green, golden, reddish and dark brown tones with spots and streaks.

According to the shape of the flower and inflorescence:

• Rosaceae (rosaceae);
• tulip-shaped;
• Dianthus;
• cactus-like;
• star-shaped;
• deacons ("Deacons").

Rosaceae are zonal pelargoniums with double flowers that are very similar to miniature roses.

Tulip-shaped - plants form flower stalks with lush “tulip bouquets”. Semi-double or double flowers do not open completely, maintaining the shape of a tulip bud.

Dianthus - have large petals with jagged edges.

Cactus-shaped - pelargonium flowers are similar to cactus flowers, the petals are similar to the petals of dahlias and needle-shaped chrysanthemums, often twisted into tubes.

Star-shaped - flower petals have a sharp, angular shape.

“Deacons” are hybrids of zonal and ivy-leaved geraniums with large flowers. They bloom profusely, the inflorescences and bushes are compact.

Types of pelargonium

Geranium zonale (Pelargonium zonale)

This perennial is a highly branched shrub, the height of which is about 0.9 m. The notched leaf plates are round in shape and have a circular border of a dark color. Umbrella-shaped inflorescences-caps consist of double or simple small flowers (20 to 30 mm in diameter), which can be painted in various shades from red to white. Flowering continues from spring until the onset of autumn. In the summer, if desired, you can plant the bush in the garden.

Royal geranium (Pelargonium regal)

The stem of such a plant is straight and has few branches. The folded, sharp-lobed leaf blades have a finely toothed edge. Large showy flowers reach about 50 mm in diameter. They can be terry or simple, their color varies from lilac-red to white. Cultivated exclusively at home.

Ivy-leaved geranium (Pelargonium peltatum)

The branches of this low-growing shrub are slightly ribbed and drooping. Fleshy shield-shaped leaf plates have a glossy green color. The umbrella-shaped inflorescences contain from 5 to 8 flowers. Flowering continues throughout the summer. Often grown as an hanging plant.

Geranium (Pelargonium odoratissimum)

The stem of the crop is greenish and highly branched. The shape of the carved leaf plates is finger-lobed. There are many fibers on their surface. If you touch them, you can feel a sharp, pleasant aroma. Umbrella-shaped inflorescences consist of inconspicuous flowers that have no decorative value. They are grown both at home and in open ground.

News:

Family: Geraniums (Geraniaceae).

Common name : Geranium.

Homeland: Mainly in South Africa.

Flowering: depending on the species from spring to autumn.

Growth: fast.

Light: bright. The plant tolerates direct sunlight.

Temperature: in summer - room temperature. In winter, pelargoniums are kept as cool as possible, at a temperature of 8-12℃.

Watering: moderate, as pelargoniums do not like waterlogging. In winter, plants are watered very sparingly.

Air humidity: does not play a significant role. On hot days you can spray.

Feeding: 2-3 months after transplantation, pelargonium is fed with superphosphate, which stimulates flowering. Plants do not tolerate fresh organic fertilizers well.

Pruning: yellowed and drying leaves must be trimmed, leaving the lower part of the petiole on the stem.

Dormant period: from November to February. The plant is kept in a cool (8-12°C) place, watered extremely carefully.

Transplantation: young ones are replanted annually, adults - as needed.

Reproduction: seeds, cuttings.

Pelargonium (Pelargonium L'Her) is one of the most common and favorite indoor and balcony plants, often incorrectly called geranium. Natural species of pelargonium, and there are from 280 to 350 plants of the geranium family, are distributed mainly in South Africa.

These are herbaceous plants and subshrubs, less often shrubs, sometimes succulents, with leaves of various shapes - whole, lobed or deeply dissected. The flowers are collected in umbrella-shaped inflorescences. Unlike true geranium (genus Geranium), which has absolutely regular flowers (that is, with several planes of symmetry), pelargonium flowers are bilaterally symmetrical (have one plane of symmetry). The fruit, a long narrow capsule that becomes thinner towards the top, resembles the shape of a stork’s beak, which is where the name of the genus comes from (from the Greek pelargos - stork).

Many species are widespread ornamental plants and are represented in the collections of botanical gardens; some are valuable raw materials for extracting essential oils used in the perfume and soap industries. A number of species are suitable for growing indoors.

Some people (precisely some - a number of people suffer from the smell of pelargonium, it all depends on the characteristics of the body) who inhale the smell of the plant calm down and their insomnia goes away. Pelargonium helps with hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. It also has a beneficial effect on metabolic processes, the secretory function of the gastrointestinal tract, the endocrine system and sexual potency. In folk medicine, a decoction of pelargonium leaves is used to treat headaches. Pelargonium preparations relieve headaches and normalize sleep. An infusion of the herb is drunk for dysentery, acute and chronic enterocolitis, and water decoctions are used for pulmonary hemorrhages, tonsillitis, they wash festering wounds, and relieve aching joints. Pelargonium essential oil, obtained by steam distillation, contains substances that have a detrimental effect on some pathogens (therefore it is used to treat infectious diseases). Essential oil refreshes the air and cleanses it of harmful impurities. Compresses with crushed pelargonium leaves are made for patients with radiculitis or osteochondrosis. During the hot summer months, pelargoniums repel flies.

Kinds:

Plants that shed leaves during dormancy:

Pelargonium crithmifolium Sm. - photo. The plant is native to South and South-West Africa. Succulents, fork-branched, shrubs, with creeping shoots up to 1.5 cm thick. The leaves are pinnately lobed, 5-8 cm long, slightly pubescent or smooth, bluish. Flowers of 4-6 are collected in umbels, white, with red spots on the throat; pedicels 1-2.5 cm long. Grows well in moderately warm rooms. Propagated by cuttings and seeds.

Pelargonium quadrangular (Pelargonium tetragonum (L. f.) L'Her.). Homeland - South Africa.a Bushy plant 30-70 cm high, with stems branched at the base, erect or lodging, consisting of three-tetrahedral segments 6-8 mm wide of various colors - from light green to green-gray. The leaves are alternate, on long petioles, slightly pubescent, 2-5 cm wide, and usually dry out and fall off in winter. The leaf blade is heart-shaped with a red-brown edge. In spring or summer, flowers appear on the plant, resembling a butterfly in shape, with a color ranging from white-cream to pale pink, with 3 large upper petals and 2 small lower ones. Grows well in a lighted and ventilated room with a temperature of at least 10°C. Watering in the spring-summer period is plentiful, in the autumn-winter period it is limited. The soil is nutritious with good drainage. Propagated in spring and summer, by cuttings from the central part of the stems, rooted in a sandy, almost dry substrate.

Evergreen shrubs and subshrubs:

Angular pelargonium (Pelargonium angulosum Mill.). It is found in the southwestern part of the Cape Province (South Africa). Plants up to 1 m tall. The leaves are oval, 3–5-angled, lobed, broadly wedge-shaped, pointed at the base. The petiole is short. The inflorescence is a multi-flowered umbrella. The flowers are bright red. Blooms in August-October. As part of parental pairs, it was used in work on breeding garden pelargoniums (as a result of crossings with P. grandiflorum).

Pelargonium capitatum (L.) L'Her.) - photo. Inhabits wet soils on coastal dunes in the Cape Province (South Africa). Evergreens, subshrubs 0.5–0.6 m tall, densely pubescent; shoots are straight, widely spread. Leaves 3–5 obtuse, serrated; stipules broadly heart-shaped, dense. The inflorescence is a multi-flowered umbrella. The flowers are sessile, purple-pink - photo. Blooms in July-August. Leaves with a pleasant aroma; An essential oil is extracted from them, which smells like rose oil. It is an indoor plant.

Curly pelargonium (Pelargonium crispum (PJ Bergius) L'Her.). It grows in the southwestern part of the Cape Province (South Africa). Evergreen plants, shrubs 0.3–0.6 m tall, highly branched. The leaves are arranged in two rows, small, almost heart-shaped, 3-lobed, curly at the edges, unevenly toothed, hard, with a pleasant lemon aroma. Flowers are collected in groups of 2-3, on short stalks - photo. Blooms in July–August. It is an indoor plant.

Pelargonium cucullatum (L.) L'Her.) - photo. The plant's homeland is the Cape Province (South Africa). Strongly branched shrubs, shoots densely pubescent. The leaves are kidney-shaped, densely pubescent. Umbrellas multi-flowered. The flowers are purple-red. Blooms in August–September. Flora pleno form has double flowers. As part of parental pairs, it was used in the breeding of garden varieties of pelargonium.

Pelargonium grandiflorum (Andrews) Willd. The plant's homeland is South-West Africa, Cape Province (South Africa). Evergreens, branched subshrubs up to 90 cm tall. Leaves are kidney-shaped, rounded, more or less 5-7 lobed or dissected, glabrous or slightly silky-hairy, coarsely toothed at the edges; stipules free, ovate. Peduncle with 2–3 flowers. The flowers are 2.5–3.5 cm in diameter, white, with reddish veins. Blooms in April–June. As part of parental pairs, it was used in work on breeding large-flowered garden pelargoniums.

Fragrant pelargonium (Pelargonium graveolens L'Her.). Grows in the southern and southwestern parts of the Cape Province (South Africa). The shrubs are highly branched, up to 1 m tall, with short glandular hairs. Leaves 5–7 lobed; the lobes are deeply notched (almost pinnately notched), pubescent on both sides, with a pleasant strong aroma. The flowers are collected in multi-flowered umbels, pink, dark pink. Blooms profusely in summer.

Pelargonium (Pelargonium inquinans (L.) L'Her.) - photo. The plant's homeland is Natal (South Africa). Shrubs up to 1.5 m tall; young shoots are more or less fleshy and pubescent. The leaves are rounded-reniform (sometimes finely lobed), glandular-pubescent; stipules broadly heart-shaped. The flowers are collected in umbels, on short stalks, scarlet-red. It blooms from May to autumn, sometimes in winter. It is one of the parent forms of garden zonal pelargoniums.

Fragrant pelargonium (Pelargonium odoratissimum (L.) L'Her.) - photo. The plant's homeland is the Cape Province (South Africa). Shrubs with a short, 15–22 cm tall, branched trunk; branches are short, herbaceous; crown is rounded. The leaves are heart-shaped, rounded, 2.5–5 cm wide, bluntly toothed at the edges, softly silky pubescent, with a strong pleasant aroma; stipules triangular, small. Flowers of 5–10 are collected in umbels, white to pink. Blooms in summer. Widely distributed in culture, suitable for growing indoors.

Pelargonium corymbose (Pelargonium peltatum (L.) L'Her.). Homeland - Southeast Africa. Shrubs; branches are branched, drooping, bare or covered with small hairs, slightly ribbed. The leaves are thyroid-shaped, 7–10 cm wide, 5-lobed, entire, glossy green, glabrous, sometimes finely pubescent, fleshy. Flowers of 5–8 are collected in umbels, pink-red, white. Blooms from spring to autumn. There are many forms. As part of parental pairs, it was used in the breeding of garden pelargoniums. Often used as an hanging plant, it grows well in rooms.

Pink pelargonium (Pelargonium radens HE Moore (P. radula (Cavend.) L'Her.)) - photo. It grows on mountain slopes, along river banks on sandy soils in the southern and southwestern parts of the Cape Province (South Africa). Branched shrubs, up to 1.5 m tall, with hard short hairs. The leaves are deeply divided; the lobes are linear, densely covered with hairs above and softer hairs below, with curved edges, with a strong pleasant aroma. Inflorescence of 4–5 small flowers. The peduncle is densely pubescent. The flowers are pale purple, with dark veins - photo. Blooms in summer.

Pelargonium zonale (Pelargonium zonale (L.) L'Her.). Synonym: Zonal geranium (Geranium zonale L.). It is found in shrubby semi-savanna in the south-eastern and southern parts of the Cape Province (South Africa). Evergreen subshrubs 0.8–1 (1.5) m tall; shoots are fleshy, pubescent. The leaves are heart-shaped-rounded, entire or weakly lobed, glabrous or (only a few) softly hairy, with a brown or dark brown stripe on top - a girdle. Stipules are wide, oblong-heart-shaped. The inflorescence is multi-flowered. The flowers are sessile, carmine-red. It blooms for a long time - from May to September (October). It is one of the main parent forms of garden hybrid zonal pelargoniums, propagated vegetatively.

Pelargoniums, widespread in indoor floriculture:

of Pelargonium grandiflorum hybridum hort., Pelargonium peltatum hybridum hort., Pelargonium zonale hybridum hort. have become widespread They have found use as potted plants and are also used ( P. zonale hybridura hort. ) in floral arrangements.

Large-flowered hybrid pelargonium, or P. English (Pelargonium grandifiorum hybridum hort. (Pelargonium domesticam Bailey, P. grandiflorum hort.)) . Shrubs and subshrubs with rapidly woody shoots, mostly single-shoot. Leaves without a brown girdle on the upper surface, not dissected or only slightly lobed, serrated at the edges, with a faint aroma when torn. The flowers are collected in umbels on long peduncles, simple, large, 5 cm in diameter, red, pink or white, with dark spots on the petals. Some of the varieties: Enzette Anna Melle - bright red flowers; Enzette Perle - light carmine pink flowers; Autumn Haze - orange and salmon flowers; Destiny - white flowers; Geranimo - bright red flowers; Mont Blanc - white flowers with dark purple spots; Perle von Clemstal - flowers are white, with a pinkish tint, with red spots; Symphonic - flowers are pink, with a lilac tint and with black spots.

Zonal garden pelargonium (Pelargonium zonale hort.). Plants with thick shoots that become woody with age, especially at the bottom. The leaves are rounded to kidney-shaped, slightly lobed at the edges, pubescent, with a more or less prominent reddish or fawn rim. The flowers are collected in umbels, red, pink, white, sometimes lilac, simple, semi-double and double. In ornamental horticulture, the species is represented by numerous hybrids and varieties. It is the main industrial crop and is used in floral decoration in all countries. From the varieties P. zonale hort. The following have become widespread: Dresdener Rubin - scarlet flowers, semi-double; used for planting and as potting; Enzett Richards Schrader - salmon-pink, double flowers; early-blooming variety; Westfalenstar - ruby ​​red, semi-double flowers. Radio - scarlet flowers, semi-double; Salmon Irene - salmon flowers, large, slightly double; Erfolg - salmon flowers, double, densely leafy; used for lining, as potting and for decorating balconies; Meteor - flowers are scarlet-red, double, etc. In culture there are hybrids between - Pelargonium zonale and Pelargonium peltatum . Varieties of Pelargonium zonale hort. valued for their variegated foliage, abundant and long flowering throughout the growing season in open ground; They are widely used for planting on borders, edges and flower beds; they are also grown as potted plants for rooms.

Pelargonium peltatum hort. Shoots hanging or creeping. The leaves are thick, smooth, glossy, sometimes finely pubescent, almost round, 5-lobed or 5-angled, entire, more or less ciliated, green, sometimes with a brown zone. The flowers are simple, semi-double and double, red, lilac, pink, white. Widely used for decorating balconies and as a potted plant. Common varieties: Amethyst - purple flowers; Lachskonigin - salmon-pink flowers; Ville de Paris - salmon pink flowers; Holstein - pink flowers; Galilee - salmon-pink flowers; and etc.

Plant care:

The plants are photophilous and tolerate direct sunlight; it is best to keep them on a south-facing window close to the glass. Plants tolerate both northern and eastern windows, but with a lack of light in winter they stretch out. In winter, pelargonium can be illuminated with fluorescent lamps. The room with pelargonium must be ventilated. In summer, plants are recommended to be placed outdoors. When taking plants outdoors, they should not be knocked out of their pots in order to dig them into the ground, but rather buried in the soil in the area with the pot so that they do not grow too wildly to the detriment of flowering. In September - October, when frost approaches, the plants are moved indoors.

The temperature in summer is room temperature. In winter, pelargoniums are kept as cool as possible, at a temperature of 8-12℃. The winter period and the period until April are decisive for subsequent flowering, since the formation of flower buds occurs at a relatively low temperature (11 - 13℃) for 2.5-3 months. This period is characterized by short days, which is also significant, since pelargoniums are short-day plants.

Watering is moderate, since pelargoniums do not like waterlogging. Watering should be done two to three days after the top layer of the substrate has dried. In winter, plants are watered very moderately to restrain growth during the winter lack of light and prevent them from stretching. In addition, overwatering of plants in winter when kept cool often leads to wilting of leaves and rotting of the root collar and roots.

Pelargonium does not require constant spraying; the plant tolerates dry air well. On hot summer days, periodic spraying of the plant will be beneficial.

2-3 months after transplantation, pelargonium is fed with superphosphate, which stimulates flowering. Plants do not tolerate fresh organic fertilizers well.

Yellowed and drying leaves must be cut off, leaving the lower part of the petiole on the stem. If they are torn off, rotting may begin on the exposed tissues. The rotten parts are immediately cut off to living tissue, and the sections are sprinkled with charcoal powder.

Every year in March, young plants are transplanted into fresh soil mixture. At the same time, they are heavily pruned, leaving 2-5 buds on each shoot, in order to subsequently obtain low, lush, abundantly flowering specimens. Overgrown pelargoniums are replanted only if necessary (when the pot becomes cramped). The substrate selected is neutral or slightly acidic (pH about 6), lightweight, and highly permeable to air and water. May consist of equal parts of turf, leaf soil, peat, humus and sand with a small addition of charcoal. Good drainage is a must.

Pelargoniums can be propagated by seeds. When propagated by seeds, the parental characteristics are split, so sowing with seeds is used for breeding purposes. Seeds are sown in spring in boxes or bowls in a substrate composed of turf, peat soil and sand in equal volumes. At a temperature of 20–22℃, seedlings appear after 12 days. Seedlings dive into 5-centimeter pots, and after weaving a clod of earth, they are transferred to 9-centimeter ones. Seedlings bloom within a year, but more often after 14 months.

Pelargonium is most often propagated by apical cuttings with 3-5 leaves, in spring (February–March) and summer (July–August). Cuttings are cut from apical and lateral shoots with 3-4 nodes, making an oblique cut under the bud. The cut cuttings are slightly withered for several hours, the sections are dipped in charcoal powder (one crushed heteroauxin tablet is mixed per 100-150 g of powder), and then several are planted in a pot or bowl, placing them along the edge of the dish. To form a lush bush, the apical bud is pinched. The planted cuttings are placed in a well-lit place (without direct sunlight) and at first (before rooting) they are moistened carefully, only by spraying. Cuttings take root in 2-3 weeks. Rooted cuttings are planted in pots one at a time, without pruning, so that they bloom faster. The smaller the pot, the more abundant the flowering will be. Plants grown from cuttings taken in August bloom already in April, and with spring cuttings, flowering occurs only in mid-summer.

Some hobbyists take cuttings of zonal pelargonium in September. Cuttings with 2-3 nodes are cut from shoots that do not have buds, so as not to reduce the decorativeness of the plant, wither, and then all large leaves are removed. The lower cut of the cuttings is sprinkled with charcoal powder. The cuttings are planted in a box filled with a mixture of peat (or greenhouse) soil (1 part) and sand (2 parts). During the rooting period, the cuttings are watered moderately, and the room is regularly ventilated. After the formation of 4-5 normal leaves, the cuttings are transplanted into 7-centimeter pots or paper cups. The earth mixture is made up of turf soil (8 parts), humus (2 parts), sand (one part) and a little flower mixture with microfertilizers is added. The seedlings are watered with warm water. In early February, the plants are pinched, after which young shoots quickly grow and buds appear. By the end of April - beginning of May, the plants begin to bloom.

Pelargonium thyroid cuttings, cut with 1-2 leaves, take root well in coarse sand in good light. In the first 2-3 days they are not watered, and then watered moderately. Plants cannot be sprayed. They take root in 2-3 weeks. Rooted cuttings are planted one or two at a time in 7-centimeter pots, then transferred to 11-centimeter ones. The nutrient mixture is prepared in the same way as for cuttings of zonal pelargonium.

Plants of zonal and shield pelargonium, grown from spring cuttings, bloom in July - August. Two- and three-year-old plants bloom well. Pelargonium grandiflora blooms in the second or third year. Without pruning it blooms more profusely than when pruned. Plants grown from cuttings rooted in August bloom earlier in the rooms. Rooted cuttings are left unplanted for the winter. In the spring, they are planted in separate small pots and, so that they bloom faster, do not pinch.

Precautionary measures: all parts of plants of some types of pelargonium are slightly poisonous: they can cause contact dermatitis.

Possible difficulties:

Due to a lack of light, the lower leaves may fall off, the stem becomes stretched and exposed; the plant blooms poorly.

Lack of flowering in pelargonium. May be caused by a warm winter, provided the plant is healthy.

The lower leaves turn yellow and their edges dry out. The reason is lack of moisture. Due to lack of moisture, the edges of the lower leaves turn yellow and dry out.

The lower leaves turn yellow, and they wither or rot. The reason is excess moisture in the soil. Remove rotting leaves and sprinkle them with crushed charcoal. Watering should be done two to three days after the top layer of the substrate has dried.

Blackening of the stem at the base indicates the “blackleg” disease, which destroys the plant. Cut off the healthy part and root it. In the future, follow the watering schedule. If the plant is severely damaged by the disease, then the plant can no longer be saved and the soil is thrown away. The pot after a diseased plant should be thoroughly disinfected.

Due to waterlogging of the soil, small swellings on the leaves may occur - watery soft pads (edema). Follow the watering schedule.

Due to waterlogging of the soil, gray rot may occur on the plant.

Damaged by: aphids, whiteflies.

Authors of the article: Marina and Alexander Mityaev

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Materials used in the article:

Saakov S.G. Greenhouse and indoor plants and their care. - L.: Nauka, 1985. - 621 p.

Indoor floriculture / R. Milevskaya, Y. Vies. - Mn.: Book House, 2005. - 608 p., ill.

Cacti and other succulents: Directory / D. Beffa; Per. from Italian I.V. Artyushina; Ph. K. Dani. - M.: AST Publishing House LLC: Astrel Publishing House LLC, 2003. -335, [1] p.: ill.

https://www.filippaflowers.dk/?Pelargonium_Zonale - photo

https://cacti.co.nz/images/tour/pelargonium_crithmifolium.jpg - photo

https://www.botanic.jp/plants-ha/pelcri.htm - photo

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:Pelargonium_tetragonum.jpg - photo

https://www.floracyberia.net/spermatophyta/angiospermae/dicotyledoneae/geraniaceae/pelargonium_capitatum.html

https://www.gartendatenbank.de/photo/2004032040 - photo

https://davesgarden.com/pf/showimage/43430/ - photo

https://kraeuterei.de/shop/P-cucullatum.jpg - photo

https://www.florahuis.nl/large/pelargonium%20grandiflorum3%20copy.jpg - photo

https://www.henriettesherbal.com/pictures/p10/images/pelargonium-graveolens-2.jpg - photo

https://bpgs.org.uk/P.%20inquinans.JPG - photo

https://www.botanic.jp/plants-ha/pelodo.htm - photo

https://flowers109.tripod.com/eastbourne.html - photo

https://www.kraeuterei.de/shop/g0g20g.htm - photo

https://www.plantes-aromatiques.be/p-radens-photo.html - photo

Beneficial features

It has long been known that zonal pelargonium has beneficial properties:

1. The essential oil of this plant is used in herbal medicine. It helps with neuroses, cardiovascular diseases, insomnia and hypertension.
2. The foliage has antimicrobial properties.
3. The bush helps purify the air in the room.
4. The essential oil obtained from this plant is used in the cosmetics industry.

Pelargonium zonal care in November cuttings

Growing and care

Favorable conditions

For the growth and flowering of a plant, not much is needed - proper watering and sufficient lighting, and your pelargonium will delight you with lush flowering for a long time.

Lighting

In order for the plant to grow and form a lush green crown and abundant inflorescences, it needs bright light 4-8 hours a day, the ideal place is the south side.

On hot days, the plant should be darkened to avoid sunburn. In summer, it is optimal to maintain a temperature of 20-23 degrees during the day and 12-15 at night.

In winter, it is optimal to keep the flower at a temperature of 12-20 degrees. Blooming geraniums must be protected from drafts and from contact with cold window glass.

Watering

Watering should be regular and dosed, because if there is too much water, the roots may begin to rot; if there is not enough water, the leaves will wither and turn yellow.

It is necessary to water abundantly only after the top layer of soil has dried. In winter, you can water once every half month.

There is no need to spray the plant, because it is tolerant of air humidity, and water getting on the leaves can lead to the formation of unsightly spots.

In winter, when the air in apartments is dry, the plant should be placed on a tray with expanded clay, which is important to periodically moisten.

Transfer

Pelargonium zonalis grows quite quickly, so periodic replanting into a new, larger pot is required.

You can replant the plant at any convenient time from spring to autumn. When kept in open ground, the plant should also be transplanted into a pot for the winter and brought indoors.

Young plants should be transplanted into slightly larger containers a couple of centimeters in diameter. Adults - in pots of the same volume, changing only the entire soil mixture, which usually includes peat, loamy soil, sand, perlite and charcoal.

Trimming

Flowers appear on young shoots, so it is important to carry out pruning in a timely manner to form the crown; if this is not done, the plant will stretch out and lose its decorative effect.

Since the plant grows very quickly, it is important to prune and pinch the plants regularly.

Pelargonium propagation

In indoor and garden floriculture, zonal pelargonium is propagated mainly either by cuttings or seeds.

Cuttings

Propagation by cuttings is a simple and popular method. Cuttings are also a good option to rejuvenate the plant, while the young plant retains all the species characteristics of the mother plant.

You can use shoots left over from pruning the plant as cuttings. For a cutting, a shoot tip of 5-15 centimeters with a leaf node is suitable; you need to cut it below it, 0.5 centimeters below the node.

1. From the cuttings you need to cut off all the remains of the lower flowers and leaves, if they are preserved.
2. Dry the cutting itself in air for a couple of hours and root it in water or soil (a mixture of peat and sand).
3. The soil with cuttings must be kept moist as it dries, but water should not stagnate. Roots usually appear within 10-14 days.
4. Strong seedlings are fed with a complex of fertilizers, and after some time they are transferred to permanent pots.

Seeds

Growing from seeds cannot guarantee the preservation of plant species characteristics. It is better to plant pelargonium seeds at the end of winter, then in the spring the sprouts will gain strength and in the summer they will be able to please with flowering.

In general, seeds can be planted all year round.

The seeds of the plant themselves are quite large, oblong in shape and have a dense shell.

Therefore, before planting, it is better to carry out the scarification procedure - sand the planting material with a file or sandpaper, and soak the seeds in water at room temperature.

This will speed up the germination procedure by 10 times. If you buy seeds in a store, then you don’t have to do any preparation; they already sell processed material for planting.

Seeds should be sown on a mixture of peat soil and perlite, which must first be sterilized. And also sprinkle a layer of a couple of millimeters on top.

For rooting, the seeds should be kept warm, in diffused light, regularly watered with a spray bottle with water with Vermicompost for seedlings.

The first sprouts hatch in a couple of weeks. Young plants should be planted in separate pots after two pairs of leaves appear.

Devices for germination

ordinary cotton pads for seed germination . To create the necessary structure for germinating seeds, you need to thoroughly wet one disk with water, place the seed on it, and cover with another cotton disk.

Place this device in a container with a lid and move it to a warm place. Periodically you need to ventilate by opening the lid of the structure, and check daily for the presence of hatched seeds. As soon as a sprout appears from the seed, it should be planted in a previously prepared substrate.

Pests and diseases

Pelargonium may show signs of damage by the following insects:

• spider mites,
• mealybug,
• aphids,
• thrips.

If a lesion is detected, it is necessary to treat the affected plant with insecticides.

Most often, the plant is affected by whitefly . She lays her larvae on the back of the leaf.

You can overcome it with soapy water. The bush must be treated with soapy water and covered with polyethylene for several days.

In case of severe damage, treat with special chemical preparations.

The plant may be affected by a dangerous disease - black leg , most often this is due to excessive watering and incorrect temperature conditions.

If you notice a gray coating on the leaves of the plant, and they become yellow with brown spots, it is likely that the plant is affected by mold . It is important to destroy the affected leaves and treat the plant with fungicides.

As you can see, growing zonal pelargonium is quite easy and even a novice gardener can do it, since it is quite unpretentious to the conditions of its maintenance, but at the same time it will delight you for a long time with its fluffy and beautiful flowering at home, on the balcony or at your dacha.