Geraniums of different colors. Geranium. Varieties and care. Features of cultivation and care

Geranium, dear geranium! Always popular, she is back in fashion. Leading breeders have bred so many new varieties that it is unlikely that now it can be neglected, thinking that only grandmothers breed geraniums. The variety of varieties bred is amazing.

Varieties have been bred whose flowers are similar to rosebuds, tulips, with double flowers, variegated, tall, dwarf, royal, the flowers of which are the largest and brightest, cascading varieties of pelargonium (geranium), where chic leaves are replaced by no less chic buds of unusual coloring.

In addition to its attractiveness geranium It is famous for its unpretentiousness, it is not difficult to care for it, it has good immunity against pests. Long flowering will please the most demanding grower. Once upon a time, geranium was called the "petty-bourgeois flower." Is it so? It is unlikely that we will be convinced of this from the story of geraniums.

Let's start with the fact that its first mention of geranium appeared in the UK, so most of the names and the classification of species itself have an English beginning and are accepted all over the world. It is also used in our country.

Many cultivars are bred in England and are the product of hybridization. So, let's talk about the main types of geraniums (most types are grouped):

Zonal pelargoniums

The most popular and widespread group. When breeding, varieties of zonal pelargonium and soiling pelargonium were used. Zonal pelargonium has a distinctive feature - darker coloration, the presence of stripes on the leaves, the flowers were simple. Now, after hybridization, its flowers can be different: both simple and double, reminiscent of roses or tulips, and also similar to stars.

There was also one of the areas of breeding, aimed at breeding varieties with a variety of leaf colors. The leaves have a brown belt, which is typical only for the zonal group. Varieties were bred and named variegated.

It should be said that these varieties love good lighting and the variegation of the leaves appears only when they are in a bright sunny place. Zonal pelargoniums are bred like indoor flowers, and for creating flower beds. They are unpretentious in care, their value lies in the fact that they bloom for a long time and very profusely.

Pelargoniums of the zonal group are divided into subgroups according to the shape of the flower, the nature of growth, the color of the leaves, etc. Let's talk about zonal subgroups.

BY THE FORM OF A FLOWER

Non-terry(Single). Flowers of this subgroup have no more than 5 petals. Best varieties: Nacton, Ansbrook, Mulberry Blotch, Carmel

Terry ( Double). The flowers of this subgroup have from 5 to 9 petals. Best varieties: PAC Viva Madeleine, PAC Viva Rosita, Suzie Wong

Rosaceae(Rosebud). The flowers are very double, there are so many petals that not all of them bloom, creating a bud that looks like a rose bud. The best varieties:

Appleblossum Rosebud, Swanland Pink/ Australien Pink Rosebud, Denise

stellate(Stellar). Characterized by serrated leaves and star-shaped flowers. Top Grades: Bronze Butterfly, Clatterford, Sue Dobson

cactus or cactus(Cactus flowered). The petals are similar in shape to a thorn, strongly dissected, narrow. Best varieties: Mallorka, Mrs. Salter Bevis, Noel

Tulip-shaped(Tulip). The inflorescences of these pelargoniums look like a bouquet of unopened tulips. Best varieties: Conny, Patricia Andrea, Linnea Andrea

bird eggs(Bird's Egg). Petals with specks that resemble the coloring of bird eggs. Best varieties: Double Pink Bird's Egg, Jay's Golden Bird's Egg

speckled(Specled). Flower petals have specks and spots of a different color. Best varieties: Bev Foster, Nan West, Richard Hodgson

clove(Carnation). Petals resemble carnation petals. Best varieties: Diana Palmer, Pukin Kili

phlox-shaped(Phlox). Flowers are non-double with a bright eye inside. Best varieties: Americana White, Splash, Meritwin

BY THE NATURE OF GROWTH

Standard(standard). The height of the bushes is 30-50 cm. The best varieties: Ludwig burger Flair, Occold Lagoon, Norrland

Dwarf(Dwarf). Differ in small growth, about 25 cm, often grown on windowsills. Top Grades: Bridesmaid, Burns Country, Dovepoint

miniature(Miniature). Flower growers have their own name for this type of pelargonium - minek. The height of the plant is only 10-15 cm. Since this pelargonium is very tiny, it is often grown on windowsills, it blooms for a long time. Best varieties: Brookside Fantasy, Potter Heigham, Bonny

BY LEAF COLOR

Variegated Pelargoniums have very beautiful, different in color leaves. Many flower growers say that their leaves are so beautiful that they don't have to bloom. Therefore, they are bred also because of the foliage, so it is variegated. Shades of green, creamy, bronze, purple in combination with each other cannot but attract the eye. Variegated pelargoniums are also divided into subgroups:

Leaf color:
- golden yellow. The zone on such leaves is absent or has a burgundy-red color, while the main color of the foliage is yellow.

- silver. The leaves have a creamy white edge. Some species have veins on the leaves. There is a zone, its color may vary.

2) According to the drawing of the dark zone:

- butterfly. The area on the leaf has the shape of butterfly wings

3) By the number of basic shades of foliage:

• tricolor - three primary colors are combined on a sheet. Best varieties: ‘Jill Brown, Excalibur, Bob Newing.
• two-color - the sheet is painted in two identical colors. Best varieties: Freak of Nature, Golden Chalice, West dale Appleblossom.

Special differences variegated

For beginners to breed pelargoniums, it is recommended to pay attention to varieties with golden and bronze-black leaves: Bridesmaid, Burns Country, Golden Choice. Because they are considered the most unpretentious and quite hardy, they tolerate direct sunlight well, they also endure wintering without difficulty.

Breeding tricolor varieties requires more care, since they grow much more slowly, they reproduce poorly, you need to shade them from salty rays (the plant can get burned). The saturation of the color of the leaves depends on the air temperature and lighting.

Conditions for caring for variegated

Pelargoniums of this group are considered unpretentious in care, in addition, there are so many varieties that this is a definite plus in favor of their breeding not only in gardens and flower beds, but also in rooms, on loggias, balconies.

In the autumn - winter period, geranium hibernates in the house, decorating window sills and pleasing to the eye on cold days, in spring - summer period, it decorates flower beds and flower beds. It is worth remembering that pelargoniums do not tolerate temperature extremes and may even die when frost sets in, so do not forget to transfer them to heat already in late August - early September.

Love them and properly care for geraniums and, undoubtedly, you will receive beautiful flowers in return as a token of gratitude, which can delight you from spring to autumn.

Transplant and pruning

At the beginning of spring, daylight hours begin to increase, the sun's rays linger longer in the house. At this time, it is necessary to deal with the transplantation of pelargonium into new fresh land.

Choose well-breathable soil, such soil is preferable for zonal group pelargoniums. It is recommended to make a mixture of soddy soil, peat, coarse sand, humus in a ratio (4: 2: 1: 1: 2), it is good to put dried chicken or horse manure in the mixture.

Then, for a month, water with special care, avoiding overflow. The next thing to do is to prune, but it can only be done when you are sure that the pelargonium has "taken root" and feels comfortable.

Pruning is carried out as follows: we cut only weak, thin shoots that have grown over the winter, leaving the stems at least 15 cm tall, not short.

Well, we have done transplanting and pruning, the updated pelargonium is ready for the summer season. Every day you will watch her become more luxurious, fluffy and beautiful.

Video of beautiful pelargoniums:

Feeding and watering

It is important to feed pelargonium correctly and on time, for this complex fertilizers are used, to add potassium-phosphorus fertilizers during budding and flowering.

Use any complex fertilizer for flower crops. You can take such brands of fertilizers: Kemira, Agricola. Top dressing can be combined with watering and top dressing, then the dose of fertilizer is reduced by 2-3 times.

Pelargonium should be watered with water at room temperature; it is not whimsical to the very quality of water. Many argue that water should be avoided on the leaves. It is not true! On the contrary, she loves to "swim", only after bathing she needs to be dried somewhere in the shade, protecting from direct sunlight and wind.

How to choose the right place for pelargonium

If you grow pelargonium on the balcony or loggia, then it can be determined there already in April. If you define it in a flower garden on the street, then you should wait until the earth and air warm up, the threat of frost has passed. It is also possible to first plant the geranium in a greenhouse in the spring, and in the summer transplant it to a permanent place of residence somewhere in early June.

In the autumn - winter period, determine pelargonium on the warmest, well-lit window sills; geraniums are not afraid of direct sunlight. Good lighting is good for her. But when the spring sun warms, and even more bright summer, when kept on windowsills, the plant should be shaded from direct sunlight.

When growing pelargonium in open ground, you need to choose places that are well lit before noon and after, but still should be protected from direct exposure to sunlight.

It is important to know one more feature of pelargonium - she does not like rain drops on flowers. Therefore, it is better to bring the pots during the rain under the sheds, on the veranda, under the roof, in a word.

Pelargonium care of the zonal group in winter

Pelargonium in autumn and winter put into sleep mode, create an ambient temperature of not more than +15 C, it is necessary to water less often than in the summer. Feeding with fertilizers should also be stopped so that the pelargonium does not grow.

Pelargoniums, with a lack of space, can also be placed on racks, then they need to create additional lighting, with at least 10 hours a day. This is necessary so that the plant does not grow. It also helps to lower the temperature.

Royal Pelargoniums (large-flowered)

This group of pelargoniums is distinguished by large flowers, the plant itself is quite tall, branchy, during the flowering period all branches are densely strewn with flowers and corrugated leaves, on which there is no brown belt, which distinguishes this group from the zonal one.

The leaves of the royal pelargonium are large, rounded, corrugated. But the geraniums of this group are already more capricious than other species and require care. Unlike geraniums of other species, they bloom for only a few months; they are more demanding for wintering, preferring cool and well-lit places.

But they are very beautiful, grateful for the return for care. Fully justify the name of the royal, in all respects, persons of higher origin.

Location

Loving sunlight, they prefer a mild effect, do not tolerate a strong scorching effect of the sun. Direct sunlight falling on tender leaves can cause burns.

Pelargoniums of all types feel great in the open in the summer, they tolerate it well and even like to swim in the rain, they are not afraid of the wind. Geraniums of the royal group should be protected from all this, it is better to plant them under the "roof" - on loggias, verandas, balconies.

Royal Pelargonium Care

Since royal pelargonium does not react well to hot summer weather, during the wintering period they need to create an ambient temperature of no more than + 15C. The temperature during winter maintenance depends on how the plant will form in spring, with the right maintenance during wintering, the bush will be more sprawling, more buds and leaves will form.

In the summer, the temperature difference is not terrible for the “queen”, when kept on the balcony and window sill, nothing special needs to be done for protection, it is enough just to ventilate the premises at night, preventing overheating. Summer heat leads to overheating, and geranium grows poorly, starts to get sick, and pests begin to actively attack it.

In March - August, when the "queen" is gaining growth and begins to form buds, preparing for flowering, it is necessary to ensure regular, fairly plentiful watering, but overflow should not be allowed, excessive waterlogging is useless.

During the wintering period, watering should be reduced, while not overdrying the soil. Water for irrigation must be defended, watering pelargonium only with slightly warm water, but not cold.

How to form a beautiful bush

In late July - early August, when the plant has faded, it is necessary to prune and pinch, all these manipulations are necessary to form a beautiful compact bush with strong lush shoots and abundant flowers.

Keep pruning short, do not feel sorry for them, otherwise the shoots will then be thin and ugly with a small number of flowers. Some flower growers cut pelargoniums so short for the winter that they almost leave stumps.

However, it is from such short stumps that stocky, very lush plants with a large number of flowers are formed. Pruning and pinching is carried out before the start of wintering, since it is dangerous to touch a awakening plant in the spring. After transplanting to a permanent place, the geranium is heavily watered for 2-3 days in order to help it recover from traumatizing the root system.

Feeding royal pelargonium

If you regularly feed pelargonium with complex fertilizers, you will get a beautiful undersized bush with chic, brightly colored flowers. It is advisable to feed several times a month, that is, every week. Fertilizers must be selected with a nitrogen content. All fertilizers for flowering plants are suitable.

How to propagate royal pelargonium

Pelargoniums are propagated by cuttings. Cuttings are done after the "queen" has faded, the time usually falls at the end of July - beginning of August. How is cutting done?

A stalk with several internodes is cut from a healthy plant, and the cut must be processed. To do this, make a mixture of root stimulant and crushed coal. Sprinkle a cut of the cutting with this mixture, let it dry (about one hour in time).

After that, the stalk is planted in a peat humus tablet or a glass with a loose soil mixture. If you decide to put the cutting in a container of water, then keep in mind that royal geranium does not take root in water. It is not necessary to create greenhouse conditions for planted cuttings, since the "queen" does not tolerate overheating.

Ivy Pelargoniums

Pelargoniums of this group are less popular than pelargoniums of the zonal group, but nevertheless they began to pay attention to it. And not in vain, because they are unpretentious, they are equally good at both heat and temperature changes, rain, wind, and even smog.

Due to the good tolerance of smog, it is actively bred in urban conditions, given that this type of pelargonium is intended, among other things, for growing in hanging containers, it will find a place for itself on the balcony and loggia, verandas.

Why did she get such a name?

Opinions differ on this point. Some believe that the group received this name because of the similarity of the growth of geranium with ivy, it, like ivy, “creeps” along the trees, covering the entire trunk with its lashes, since the lashes grow more than 2 meters, forming green walls on the trees.

Others consider. That the name of the group is given by pelargonium leaves similar in shape to ivy leaves. But different varieties of this group may have leaves completely different from ivy leaves. And there are already a great many such varieties. Not only do they have a different leaf shape, but they differ from each other in a wide variety of colors.

There is another distinctive feature of ivy-shaped pelargoniums - they are almost all same-sex plants. Therefore, they are propagated by cuttings.

Ivy Pelargonium Care

Caring for pelargoniums of this group is no different from caring for other types of geraniums. They grow well in flower beds and flower beds, as they simply need air, so in the summer they have the very place on the street.

The leaves of ivy-leaved geraniums are denser, covered with a wax coating than those of other species, therefore they are very fond of the sun and easily tolerate even drought. It goes without saying that drying out of the soil should be avoided, if this does happen, the pelargonium will survive it calmly.

In the evening, on dry days, it is useful to spray the entire geranium with settled warm water. Firstly, she really likes it, she loves to swim, and secondly, it does not hurt to wash off dirt and dust from dense leaves. You will see how the leaves rise before your eyes, the buds will sparkle with droplets of moisture.

If you keep ivy-leaved pelargonium outdoors, then in rainy times, watch the soil, avoiding waterlogging. Oversaturation of the soil with moisture in cold weather can lead to plant disease.

Planting and feeding

Planting can be done in ready-made store mixes with a neutral pH. But you can prepare the soil mixture yourself. To do this, the finished soil is mixed with rotted compost, agroperlite is added to a loose state.

When buds begin to form, we begin to actively feed the transplanted plant. It is enough to fertilize once a week with complex fertilizers for flowering plants.

There will be no sin if top dressing is combined with watering, for this it is necessary to make solutions with the addition of fertilizer, thereby reducing the concentration of fertilizer. This combination of watering with top dressing ensures uniform access of nutrients to the root system, and there is no overfeeding of the plant.

Pest control

Due to the fact that Ivy Pelargoniums have dense, hairy leaves, pests rarely attack the plant. They just don't like them. But it still happens that sometimes some whitefly butterflies, living on neighboring fuchsias, try to take root on geraniums.

The fight consists in ordinary spraying with solutions from pests. If fuchsia is in the neighbors of geraniums, then carrying out preventive treatment, at the same time carry out the treatment and pelargoniums.

Wintering ivy pelargonium

For wintering, pelargoniums of this group are placed in a fairly cool, but well-lit place in the house. It can also be placed on the veranda. As soon as the autumn cold has come, the plant should be transferred to the home.

Scourges that have reached a considerable length over the summer should be cut off, the sections should be treated with either crushed coal or brilliant green. It is necessary to water less often, when the earth begins to dry out completely, then watering should be done. Geraniums should be transplanted into new soil in February, when the day is added and the sun is longer in the sky.

Then it can be identified on the windowsill, but only it should be very lit. As the threat of the last frost passes, the ivy geranium is determined outside for permanent residence. It is possible at first to take it out only for a day, then leave it for the night. This helps the plant gradually get used to the new conditions and avoid a stressful situation for it.

Pelargoniums of this group differ from other groups in leaves similar to ivy leaves, they are pentagon-shaped and covered with a wax coating.

They are considered ampelous plants, as their branched stems have a drooping shape. The purpose of these pelargoniums is mainly for growing in flowerpots, decorating balconies. Representatives of the ivy group are not capricious in their care, they delight the eye with flowering all summer and early autumn.

Fragrant Pelargoniums

The name speaks for itself. Essential oils contained in the leaves of fragrant pelargonium are widely used by perfumers to create fragrances. There are many varieties with different aromas: lemon, mint, rose, lavender.

Some gardeners grow whole compositions from "living spirits". Pelargonium fragrant not only flavors the environment, but disinfects the air, has a property that is detrimental to pathogenic microorganisms.

The leaves of fragrant pelargoniums differ in smell, shape, color, and leaf structure. In some species, the leaves are rounded, in others, as if beautifully cut and divided.

What aromas do fragrant pelargoniums have?

P. citrosum - citronella flavor
P. crispum - lemon scent
P. grossularioides - coconut scent
P. nervosum - lime scent
P. odoratissimum - apple scent
P. tomentosum – fresh mint
P. graveolens, P. capitatum - rose fragrances

Varieties with a variety of aromas have been bred, there are more than a hundred of them. The varieties with the aroma of roses have gained the greatest popularity, there are a great many of them.

The following varieties have a mixed aroma of lemon and rose: 'Red Flowered Rose', 'Shrubland Rose', 'Mint Scented Rose', 'Camphor Rose'.

For those who prefer bright, unusual fragrances:

‘Clorinda’ - pine and eucalyptus fragrance

‘Brilliant’- pineapple flavor

‘Chocolate’ - a mix of flavors and mint

‘Ginger’- ginger flavor

‘Nutmeg’- nutmeg flavor

Pelargoniums of this group bloom for a long time and very profusely, have fragrant leaves. Some cultivars are notable for their colors, especially those reminiscent of pansies.

Developments on the creation of new varieties continue. Leading specialists from Europe, England, USA, Canada, Australia are engaged in them.

In Southern California, varieties have been bred that have an unusual leaf shape and flowers that are rare in color. Here are the most famous varieties today: Albert, Antares, Bernice Ladroot, Carlos, Jer-Rey, Maria Garcia, Ramona Camulos, Shanti and others.

Conditions of detention and care

All representatives of the group of fragrant pelargoniums differ little from pelargoniums of other groups in the requirements for keeping conditions. Like all geraniums, fragrant ones love bright sunlight, fresh air, do not tolerate overflow, during the winter period they require rare watering and keeping in bright, fairly cool conditions.

In summer, they bloom perfectly in the fresh air and look great in flower beds among other flowers. Like all other pelargoniums, fragrant ones are thermophilic and do not react well to frost, so it should be remembered that seedlings should be planted in the ground only when the soil warms up and the threat of frost has passed.

In the fall, you need to have time to transfer them to a place protected from hypothermia before the cold snap. Most flower growers prefer to plant pelargoniums not in open ground, but in containers and pots.

Since they are easier to rearrange and bring into the room in case of impending bad weather, it is convenient to change compositions from pots and containers, decorate balconies, loggias, verandas with them, put them along the edges of the paths.

Scented geraniums are placed within reach so that the fragrance reaches the person better. Moreover, when touching the leaves, they emit more aroma.

To make flower beds in the background, it is recommended to plant varieties ‘Charity’, ‘Major’. The next varieties of medium growth are ‘Fail Ellen’, ‘Concolor Lace’ for placement in the center of the flower garden.

And finally, low-growing varieties are planted in the foreground - "Nutmeg", "Apple", "Dean" s Delight". Beautiful branchy varieties are suitable for pots and hanging containers - 'Lillian Pottinger', 'Old Spice'.

Summing up, we can say that the fragrant group of pelargoniums will create a fragrant and beautiful atmosphere in your garden.

How to breed fragrant pelargoniums

The main method of propagation for all types of pelargonium is cuttings, since when propagated by seeds, the qualities obtained by hybridization are lost. The optimal cutting time for all plants is from March - the month, ending in July.

Pelargoniums can be cut all year round, except for the royal large-flowered ones, they do not give roots well, it is better to cut them in spring or summer.

It has been noticed that the cuttings in the spring of royal pelargoniums take root much better, bloom faster, and the cuttings planted in the summer take root longer, but after rooting the bushes develop well, by the winter the plant will already get stronger and overwinter without effort.

For cuttings, well-developed semi-lignified shoots with several nodes are chosen. More tender cuttings may die. As usual, before planting, the cuttings are dried for half an hour. We prepare the substrate from a mixture of peat and sand 1: 1, you can take neutralized high-moor peat or coconut fiber.

The lower leaves are removed from the cuttings and planted in a substrate, watered, avoiding overflow and determined in a sunny place, but shading from direct sunlight. Some flower growers believe that plantings should be covered, while others leave the planted cuttings open, fearing possible rotting.

When germinating cuttings in open form, the main thing is to maintain moisture, avoiding overflow. To avoid possible rotting, it is not necessary to spray the planted cuttings. If you plant cuttings with shelter, then it is important to regularly ventilate the plantings. Rooting of cuttings occurs, as a rule, after 20-30 days, as soon as the cutting has taken root, the young bush must be planted in pots.

It is also possible to breed pelargoniums by planting seeds, especially since varieties have been bred that do not lose their breeding qualities during seed propagation. There is one more plus in seed propagation - it can be carried out continuously throughout the year, only it is necessary to additionally create lighting during periods of low solar activity.

If this is not possible, then the best time for planting seeds will be in February-March. Pelargonium seeds have a dense shell, so they must be ground with coarse sand for half an hour. This method is called scarification, it is needed to increase and accelerate the germination of seeds. Seeds sold in stores are usually already prepared for planting.

The soil for sowing must be loose and fertile. It is possible to prepare a mixture in a ratio of 2: 1: 1 from sod land, peat and sand. Then the seeds are scattered over the surface, sprinkled with soil mixture by about 3 centimeters, the crops are moistened from above with a sprayer. Containers with crops are determined in a well-lit place.

Necessary for germination is not lower than + 23C. The first sprouts begin to break through in about two weeks. It is important to remember that it is necessary to maintain moderate soil moisture. As soon as 2-3 true leaves appeared, we carry out the first pick, after one and a half to two months we carry out the next one.

Thus, two picks are made during growth. If you properly care for seedlings, they will thank you with flowering in a few months.

Violet (Angels)

Pelargoniums of this group have been widespread in Europe for more than a century, while in our country they are gaining popularity only now. They are bred from varieties of curly and royal geraniums.

The whole plant is graceful, the stems are branching, seem fragile, the flowers resemble violet inflorescences, which gave the name to the group. Violet leaves are similar to the leaves of pelargoniums of the royal group, only they are smaller.

In general, the whole plant of this group is similar to the royal one, only in a smaller copy. Angels start blooming in spring and end in autumn. Pelargonium is unpretentious, but in order for it to bloom well, it needs to create a cool environment during wintering. Geraniums of this group are considered the best pot crops.

Plants of this group differ from other pelargoniums in thin branches, a well-formed bush, small leaves and simple five-petalled flowers with veins and specks of different shades. Leaves often have pleasant lemon scent. Pelargoniums of this group have one more difference - they tolerate an increase in air temperature well.

Where do the Angels feel comfortable?

Pelargoniums of this group have stems that hang down in cascades, so they find a place for themselves in hanging boxes, baskets, planters. Also, these geraniums are planted near fences and verandas, the lashes are directed in the direction chosen to create the wall, and beautiful braided flowering walls are obtained from pelargonium branches.

There are also varieties with erect shoots, they are bred like pelargoniums of other groups. Violet-colored pelargoniums are grown not only at home on balconies and loggias, but they also develop well on the street in flower beds. Places for their landing should be chosen sunny, but create partial shade from the scorching rays of the sun.

How to properly care for Violet Pelargoniums

Pelargoniums of this group are considered unpretentious in care, grow well, grow quite quickly, are adapted to arid conditions, tolerate drought with firmness. They love good lighting, depending on how much sunlight the plant receives, the development of the bush and the flowering itself depend.

It has been noticed that in sunny places, Violet-colored pelargoniums grow small, lush, bloom perfectly, and for a longer time. Violet pelargonium blooms for a long time, from spring to autumn. Moreover, for a greater return of flowers, faded buds need to be removed.

A decrease in temperature at night is favorable for flowering. So in the open field, "Angels" feel great. Geraniums of this group are moisture-loving, they must be watered regularly and quite plentifully. Excellent results are obtained by combining watering with plant feeding with complex fertilizers.

Just remember that you should reduce the dose of fertilizer if you do this. Fertilizers are used complex for flowering plants. If the plant is watered rarely and sparingly, then this can be seen from the drying and curling leaves. Care should be taken not to accumulate and stagnate water in the pan.

If you water pelargoniums with cold water in containers heated by the sun, this can damage the plant. During wintering, geraniums should be watered much less frequently. Keep the plant during this period at a temperature of no more than + 12C.

How to properly form a bush of Violet Pelargonium

At the end of the winter period, it is possible at the beginning of winter, it is necessary to pinch and trim the bush, all pelargoniums are grateful for the return after these manipulations, the bush is better formed, many buds are formed.

Pinching is carried out as follows: gently pinch the ends of the shoots. Pruning is made as short as possible, thick stems are cut under the stump, during the regrowth of the stump they will give a large number of shoots. If the bush is heavily thickened, then many internal shoots need to be cut out.

This is necessary for better air circulation, ventilation, which are necessary not only for the life of the plant, but for protection from pests and the attack of various diseases.

Variegated Pelargoniums

Pelargoniums have been very popular with flower growers since ancient times. They grow from spring to autumn. They began to try to create new varieties. Sometimes individual individuals appeared with variegated leaves, which people also liked. So a separate group of variegated pelargoniums appeared.

Hybrids of several species were bred: domestic pelargonium and garden pelargonium. Variegated pelargoniums have three layers of cells, which, covering each other, form zones on the leaves with different colors.

It is because of the unusual color of the leaves, unpretentiousness, long and lush flowering that they have gained popularity among gardeners and flower growers, they have become interested in genetics.

How to care for variegated pelargoniums

Geraniums of this group are grown both in flower beds in the open air and at home. Variegated bushes are good in group compositions. Since pelargonium comes from South Africa, their requirements for keeping conditions are somewhat different than those of other blooming ones.

Pelargoniums of all groups are very fond of good lighting, because they are photophilous plants. Variegated is no exception. They prefer a sunny location. Only varieties with a white core at the leaf should be shaded. On hot summer days, pelargoniums of this species need to be shaded, protecting them from the bright rays of the sun and overheating.

Otherwise, the plant may be threatened with necrosis - light areas of the leaves die off. Watering in summer should be moderate, trying not to overwater the plants. In winter, variegated pelargoniums are more demanding than other pelargoniums. They need an air temperature of at least + 10C, wintering should take place at low positive temperatures, they need to be watered moderately and carefully, without overwetting the ground.

If you live in areas with a cold climate, then pelargoniums that grew in the summer on the street are taken to a warm room for the winter period. Before this, it is desirable to prune the shoots. If you are planning to plant pelargoniums, then for variegated it is better to prepare a soil mixture in a ratio of 2: 1: 1: 1: 1 from a mixture of soddy soil, humus from leaves, humus, peat and sand.

Features of the content of variegated pelargoniums

If on some bushes of variegated pelargonium shoots and green leaves appeared without multi-colored color zones, then these shoots are removed. If shoots appear on the bush with an uncharacteristic color for the variety, then these stems should also be cut. The cut stalk does not need to be thrown away, it can be rooted. Thus, you may have a pelargonium of a variety bred by you personally.

Propagation of variegated pelargoniums by cuttings

Variegated reproduction is carried out by cuttings either at the end of February - during March, or at the end of July - during August. We prepare the cuttings, then slightly drying them, in a container with a mixture of perlite and coarse sand or peat with perlite.

The planted cuttings are placed for rooting in a not very shaded place, since shoots can grow with absolutely no variegation in color, you can simply create partial shade, protecting from the bright sun.

As soon as the plant takes root, it can be planted in one copy or, to create a lush bush, plant two or three pieces in pots and put in a well-lit place.

Reproduction of variegated pelargoniums from seeds

Pelargoniums can also be grown from seeds, they germinate quite well.

There is one feature that is characteristic only for the variegated group - after sowing the seeds, shoots can sprout, some of which will be green, the other part will be variegated, and the third part will be white.

Shoots of white color almost always die. Green shoots, if you wish, you can leave. Seedlings of variegated pelargonium pay attention. It is necessary to immediately carry out a dive and land in a separate container. If you sow seeds in winter, then you need to place the seedlings in greenhouse conditions with good lighting. If you sow seeds in the spring, then the seedlings must be protected from the bright sun.

Variety of varieties of variegated pelargoniums

At the moment, there are more than a hundred known varieties, not counting officially unrecognized ones. Let's talk about some varieties that have become popular among flower growers.

A long-known variety with leaves, the edges of which have a yellowish color - Pelargonium crispum 'Variegatum'.

Domestic pelargonium (Pelargonium x domesticum) has a wide variety of varieties.

’ Cream & Green'- Pelargonium, the leaves of which are colored light yellow along the edges.

'Miss Australia' - the leaves are not twisted in the form of a glass, the edges of which have a white stripe.

Pelargonium with white spots from the fragrant group is also popular.

Pelargonium with leaves with a white center and green edges - Pelargonium x hortorum 'Freak of Nature'- one of the most beautiful variegated varieties.

Another variety whose leaves have tricolor coloring- the middle of the leaf is green, there is a burgundy zone on it, followed by a green zone, the edges of the leaves are yellow called 'Tricolor'.

We list the multi-hybrid varieties of variegated pelargonium: ‘Pelargonium ‘Silver Delight’ - the edges of the leaves are white, the middle is green, the flowers are pink. ‘Pink Dolly Varden’ - tricolor leaves, pink flowers. ‘A Happy Thought’ - leaves with a yellow zone, green edges, red flowers.

We have listed only a few varieties of all known, but we hope that you will like these.

How to properly care for pelargoniums

There are no big difficulties in growing pelargoniums, they are quite unpretentious and grateful for the care. It is important to know some features, and they will thank you with an abundance of flowers and fragrant green leaves.

For many people, geraniums are associated with thin, elongated, stamen-like stems and sluggish single flowers. All these are the results of improper maintenance, poor lighting, and watering. So, we learn how to properly care for geraniums.

Bush formation

We begin to form a bush from a young age of the plant, when its growth is about 6 cm. To do this, pinch the plant, carefully removing the growth point. We do the next pinching when the side shoots reach a length of about 5 cm.

Two pinches are enough, the third pinch is done to form a lush spherical bush, such as on the pages of magazines. Pinching somewhat delays the beginning of the flowering of the bush, you should know this. It takes about a few months to form a beautiful bush. The plant will thank you with a lush bloom that will last longer than a plant that has not been pinched.

solar lighting

We have already mentioned more than once that pelargoniums of all types prefer a sunny place. They can be bred both in open ground in flower beds and flower beds, and on balconies and loggias in flower pots, hanging boxes, containers, which are also convenient to rearrange depending on the position of the sun and changing the design in flower beds.

Good sunlight is necessary for the formation of a beautiful lush bush, abundant green leaves, long flowering. But they also cannot stand long exposure to direct sunlight, the plant can get leaf burns, get sick.

They need to be shaded, this also applies to plants placed on balconies and window sills. It is necessary to monitor the soil moisture, preventing the earthen clod from drying out, but it is also harmful to overflow, during budding and flowering, you need to regularly feed the bushes with mineral fertilizers, and combine top dressing with watering.

Experienced flower growers who have been breeding pelargonium for a long time are advised to expose it to bright sunlight for no more than a few hours, but no less. Pelargoniums need sun.

How to properly water pelargoniums

Of course, like all flowering plants, pelargoniums love watering, especially during flowering, but it is important to remember that they do not tolerate overflow. Excessive moisture, constantly moist earthen ball, can cause plant disease, rot can form on the roots.

All this is doubly dangerous for geraniums if there is still a threat of frost and temperature drops have begun. At low temperatures, waterlogging is even more dangerous.

The need for feeding

As we have mentioned more than once, all flowering plants need to be pampered with regular top dressing. Pelargonium also applies to this rule, especially during flowering and bush formation. Many flowering plants are planted in tight pots, stimulating their lush flowering.

This method is effective, and pelargoniums are also planted in small pots. But flowering will be impossible if the plant is not fed with mineral fertilizers. If you notice that your favorite - pelargonium has become lethargic, the foliage dries, the flowering is weak, the flowers are not bright, then most likely it lacks substances useful for life.

It is necessary to start feeding pelargonium, when pelargonium grows and blooms, it is fed more often than in winter, at least once a week. In the winter, feeding is reduced to once a month, because in winter the pelargonium "sleeps".

At the end of the winter cold, when new shoots begin to wake up and grow in the spring, it is recommended to fertilize with mineral fertilizers rich in nitrogen.

As soon as the buds began to form, fertilizing is carried out with a high content of potassium, while the concentration of nitrogen is reduced. During the flowering period, top dressing can be combined with watering, only fertilizer is added less, about 1/4-1/5 of the desired dosage.

It is not less useful to carry out foliar feeding. To do this, regularly spray the leaves with a solution of magnesium sulfate, it must be purchased at the pharmacy, at the rate of 1/4 teaspoon per 1 liter of settled water.

It is useful to carry out this procedure (spraying) at least once a month, which makes the foliage more saturated in color, beautiful, lush. Magnesium is actively involved in the process of photosynthesis, so it has a beneficial effect on the saturation of the color of the leaves, prevents browning.

There is one "but". It is not necessary to use magnesium sulfate for spraying pelargoniums of the variegated group.

Pest control

In general, pests rarely attack geraniums. Their main enemies are aphids and whiteflies. Moreover, the larvae harm the whitefly, they are almost invisible in length - up to 1 mm, moreover, if at first they are motionless, then they lead a motionless lifestyle.

That is, they become inconspicuous, and the butterflies themselves are small, and thrips can also attack pelargonium, they harm small leaves, causing their deformation. Spider mites are also not averse to settling on the leaves of the plant, forming families on the inside of the leaf, tightening it with cobwebs.

To combat such guests, it is necessary to use broad-spectrum drugs. Such as Inta-Vir, Aktellik and other insecticides. Also flower growers advise the drug Aktara, it helps well with the “raid” of whiteflies and aphids. The plant is completely treated with this preparation - it is fertilized under the root and the entire plant is sprayed. You can get by with just watering, especially if there are playful children in the house.

Diseases and how to deal with them

Root and stem rot.

Similar diseases have, as a rule, cause infections: bacterial or fungal. When bacterial rot occurs, spots appear on the leaves, as if oily, the leaves turn yellow, wither, the stems become weepy, begin to rot, which leads to the death of the plant.

As you know, it is better to prevent a disease than to treat it. To prevent the attack of rots of a different nature, it is necessary to water pelargoniums on time and correctly, the soil must be cultivated before planting. Also, for prevention, drugs such as Fitosporin - M, Baktofit, Fitolavin, Gamair and the like are used.

If the plant is still affected by rot, then the leaves affected by the disease are removed, the entire plant is treated with fungicidal preparations. Many flower growers remove pots with diseased plants from healthy neighbors, especially if they are severely affected.

Gray rot

When affected by this type of rot, the leaves and peduncles rot and are covered with a gray bloom. This rot appears when the weather is wet and prolonged rainy weather. Affected leaves and parts of the plant are removed, and a disinfectant treatment is carried out with preparations to combat rot. It is desirable to reduce the humidity of the air.

Pelargonium rust

Light small spots appear on the upper side of the leaf; on the inside of the leaf, these same spots are covered with a crust of a convex shape, brownish in color. The fight against rust consists in removing damaged leaves, processing with biological products, and, if possible, reducing air humidity.

Viral diseases

The leaves, as it were, lose their color saturation, discolor, the veins on the leaves turn yellow, the color of the variegated pelargoniums is lost, the plant begins to grow slowly, the shoots are bent. Unfortunately, no effective methods of control have been identified, the plant is subjected to destruction.

By the way, did you know that pelargoniums are not only beautiful plants, but have been used by our grandmothers for various ailments since ancient times. Pelargonium zonal and fragrant fill our home with a wonderful beneficial aroma. Many are sure that especially the medicinal power is greater in geraniums with red flowers.

All parts of pelargonium have medicinal properties, they can be stocked up all year round, they take flowers, roots and leaves. All the advantages of pelargonium can not be listed. She is credited with such actions as: anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antimicrobial, antifungal, wound healing, hemostatic, diuretic, astringent, analgesic, anthelmintic, hypotensive, deodorant, anti-burn, blood-purifying, hypoglycemic, anti-aging, antitumor, antispasmodic, decongestant, antiarrhythmic, sedative, moderate hypnotic.

It also has an insecticidal effect on insects (flies and moths). Geranium stimulates metabolism, removes toxins from the body, stimulates mental activity, increases physical performance, stimulates hair growth, and helps regulate the menstrual cycle.

She is also a good helper for nervous diseases: migraines, climacteric neurosis, chronic fatigue, neuroses of a different nature, chronic insomnia; it is used for disorders of cerebral and coronary circulation, hypertension, coronary heart disease, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, such as gastritis with high acidity, pancreatitis, diarrhea.

It is used for furunculosis, ear inflammation, radiculitis, osteochondrosis, rheumatism, urolithiasis, gout, diabetes mellitus, nasal, uterine and intestinal bleeding, eczema, various skin diseases, toothache, gingivitis, stomatitis, purulent wounds, neuritis, pediculosis, fungal lesions, burns, frostbite, bedsores, tonsillitis, herpes, dermatitis, in the treatment of facial paralysis.

Here are some helpful recipes:

INFUSION. Pour 2 tablespoons of fresh leaves with 1 cup of boiling water, insist for 1 hour, filter. The infusion is ready. Use 1/3 cup 3 times a day for nervous excitability, insomnia, heart palpitations, high blood pressure.

INfusion COLD. Pour 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh leaves with 1 cup of boiled water at room temperature, insist for 8 hours, filter. An infusion prepared in this way is used for rinsing hair after washing, for baths for skin diseases, rinsing the mouth, washing the nose for a runny nose and sinusitis, compresses for dermatitis and eczema.

LEAVES DECOW. We take 10-15 fresh leaves, pour 1 liter of boiling water, then boil over low heat until the volume is reduced to half, then cool to room temperature, filter. Take 50 ml on an empty stomach for heart disease, hypertension, diarrhea, uterine bleeding, as a hemostatic. Purulent wounds are washed with this decoction, trophic ulcers are treated, hair is rinsed in case of hair loss.

ROOT DECOVER. Pour 1 tablespoon of chopped roots with 1 cup of boiling water, then boil over low heat for about 6 minutes, cool, filter. Take a decoction of 1 tablespoon during lunch with kidney stones and gout.

TINCTURE FOR EXTERNAL USE. Pour 2 teaspoons of crushed shoots into 100 ml of vodka, insist for 2 weeks in a dark glass container, systematically shaking the contents, then strain, store the tincture in the refrigerator. Add 1 tablespoon of tincture to a glass of warm water and rinse your mouth with thrush, gingivitis, stomatitis; skin diseases, douching in gynecological diseases.

TINCTURE FOR INTERNAL USE. Pour 3 tablespoons of gruel from fresh leaves and flowers with 100 ml of alcohol, insist for 3 days in a dark place in a glass container, always tightly closed. Use 20 drops, adding them to 1 tablespoon of boiled water, you should drink in the morning on an empty stomach and in the evening before going to bed with facial paralysis, sciatica, pain with rheumatism.

COMPRESS. Rinse a handful of leaves, pour over with boiling water and grind finely enough, and chop the stems and crush with a wooden crush. Wrap all this mass in gauze and attach to the sore spot. It is used for rheumatism, radiculitis, osteochondrosis.

DO YOU KNOW THAT…

Essential oil is extracted from pelargonium - geranium oil. It is used in the cosmetics industry and is often substituted for rose oil, which is a very expensive product. Also, geranium oil is used to perfume medicines if they smell bad. At home, it is also possible to make your own geranium oil. Thus:

We take 1 cup of mashed gruel from fresh leaves and flowers, put it in a glass container, pour 0.5 cups of alcohol, close it tightly. We put this dish in a sunny place. Two weeks later, add half a glass of refined vegetable oil, close it tightly again and put it in a sunny place again, leave it for another two weeks.

Then we filter the oil, squeeze the remaining mixture well (by the way, it can be used for compresses). Oil should be stored in the refrigerator in a tightly closed container. It is used as a massage mixture in the treatment of radiculitis, osteochondrosis, paralysis of the limbs and facial nerve.

Using Pelargonium in Aromatherapy

It has long been noticed that the aroma of pelargonium eliminates unpleasant odors, filling the room with a pleasant atmosphere, in case of a hypertensive crisis, sit next to the geranium, inhale its aroma, you will notice how gradually calming down, the pressure normalizes.

The aroma produced by pelargonium relieves fatigue, helps with insomnia, reduces headaches, and reduces irritability. Dried leaves can be made into a small pillow to put at the head of the bed, and you will notice that you will fall asleep faster, your sleep will become deeper and longer, and the next day you will be much calmer than usual.

Even Maxim Gorky wrote in his memoirs that the common people are very fond of geraniums, and in particular, people of heavy working specialties engaged in heavy crafts. Since it is believed that geranium leaves absorb the poisonous and carbon monoxide smells of shoe and tin workshops.

This was confirmed by scientists, who found out that the phytoncides secreted by pelargonium are capable of destroying microbes in the room atmosphere, such as staphylococci and streptococci, in a few hours.

NOTE!

Complications are possible, such as local irritation, headache, and people prone to allergic reactions should also be careful. It is for this reason that you rarely see pelargoniums in children's and medical institutions.

There are also contraindications: children's age and elderly people are not recommended, peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum, thrombophlebitis, pregnancy.

Approach everything with intelligence and prudence, follow the experience of smart people, listen to your body, and then beautiful pelargonium will not bring you any harm, but will fill your house with a pleasant aroma and decorate your life with lush bright colors! Good luck to you!

Geranium is an unpretentious plant that fits perfectly into the design of flower beds or window sills. All kinds of colors attract both landscape designers and ordinary housewives who dream of giving the room a special atmosphere. Consider the best types of pelargonium.

There are many varieties of geraniums. Professional gardeners have about 45 of its species.

Modern landscape designers use the flower in question as in closed buildings so in gardens or parks. In addition to its attractive appearance and unpretentiousness in care, geranium has another significant plus: resistance to cold and the scorching sun.

The plant is often used to decorate outdoor areas.

Plant species are distinguished by growing conditions, flowering time and height. It is worth considering in more detail the most popular varietal types.

Zonal variety

Such a flower is the most sought-after plant on the windowsills of housewives. He unpretentious, often blooms and is not afraid of temperature changes. The flowers are usually bright in color and grow in clusters. The leaves look rounded, slightly wavy at the edges and are colored dark red or brown.

It can bloom all year round, but this requires suitable conditions for it. It is worth considering one point: the smaller the pot in which the plant is planted, the more abundant it will bloom.

The royal-looking kalachik has a large number of colors and rather large flowers with a diameter of up to 15 centimeters. The plant is different dark spots or stripes on terry, wavy or corrugated petals:

Variety Zonal Variety Royal Variety Fragrant

The name of the variety indicates that the plant has a large number of aromas - rose, strawberry, lemon. The aroma becomes audible at the slightest touch to the leaves.

inflorescences Here too small, painted in pink or purple.

The oil, which is obtained from fragrant, is widely used in folk medicine, cosmetology and culinary arts.

The main difference of this type are peculiar flowers that resemble pansies. The plant is not demanding to care, grows as a bush and reaches 50 centimeters in height.

In that case when flower pruning done wrong or out of time, then the shape of the ball will become falling.

Blooms in summer. Flowering is so abundant that the flowers cover the entire foliage. The colors of the flowers are very bright.

The subspecies under consideration was bred by breeders by crossing several types of geraniums. The leaves of the unique are dissected and painted in a dark color. From them comes aroma of cooking spices.

The inflorescences of this ornamental plant are red, and their center is white. Rarely, white or pink flowers can be found. It is considered unique to have spotted flowers.

This plant has a branched and curved stem, lignified at the bottom.

Sometimes you can come across a geranium, the stem of which has thorns. Such a kalachik is ideal for creating various designs.

Flower growers call this plant non-flowering, because flowering is rare. Her leaves are unusual, dissected, so it very often grows on the windowsills of private sectors and apartments.

The flower grows up to 1 meter in height. If you touch its leaf, then it starts to smell like lemon.

Varieties plant in question so many, not to list them all. Each flower is unique, beautiful and requires individual care.

Variety Angel Variety Unique Variety Succulent Variety Lemon

Geranium properties

The Geraniev family, which includes a large number of flowers from Europe, Asia and Africa, has been attracting people for many years. The beneficial properties of geranium were known even in ancient Greece.

What medicinal properties does

For the treatment of various diseases, it is customary for the people to use fragrant or pink geranium.

These plants are considered a real find, because have a positive effect on the body:

1. Fights bacteria and viruses. Due to the fact that geranium secretes essential oil, it helps to kill harmful microorganisms. For example, staphylococcus aureus.
2. It has an antiseptic effect.
3. Stops the bleeding.
4. Relieves pain.
5. Heals wounds.
6. Tones the skin.
7. Removes puffiness.
8. Helps manage diabetes.
9. Supports the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
10. Regulates the functioning of the liver and kidneys.
11. Strengthens the heart.

All the described properties make geranium a unique plant. This natural storehouse is increasingly found in the apartments of housewives.

What is pelargonium oil for?

Experts have proven that geranium oil:

• promotes brain activity
• stimulates normal physical activity
• restores the nervous system
• relieves a person of unreasonable fear
• lowers blood sugar
• prevents the spread of tumor cells

In addition to all that is mentioned above, geranium oil has some more useful features. They are:

The oil is widely used in folk medicine, cosmetology, and cooking. On its basis, a large number of healing ointments, regenerating creams, and tonics have been created.

We strongly recommend that you consult your doctor before embarking on self-medication.

What are the signs associated with geraniums

Walks among the people many signs, which are associated with the ball. It is worth considering each of them in more detail.

1. If a geranium with pink flowers bloomed in the house, then someone in the family will definitely fall in love.
2. Pink flower often saves broken families. It protects from love spells and quarrels that a rival can bring.
3. White can help spouses who are unable to conceive a child. The plant is recommended to be placed near the matrimonial bed.
4. red geranium protects the home from detractors.
5. Dry flowers symbolize material wealth and attract money to the home. Experts advise putting a geranium herbarium in your wallet.
6. In educational institutions, they put a ball in order to help build relationships between students and teachers. Besides, contributes to the high achievement of children.

Improving academic performance is a great reason to put a pet in school if no one has allergies

1. In the workplace, the plant prevents the emergence of conflicts in the team. It is customary to put it in those places where management receives customers and business partners.

Similar signs have been tested for years. This suggests that the pet is useful not only in medicine, but also in everyday life.

Growing and transplanting a flower

If a pelargonium was planted in an apartment, then the hostess should take into account a few basic points for caring for the flower.

The plant needs proper lighting, timely watering, a certain temperature, pinching and pruning. It is forbidden to spray.

Growing order

Kalachik prefers to grow on a light and warm windowsill, to be at room temperature. With insufficient light the plant blooms poorly or dull and rare flowers appear on it.

Indoors, geraniums should not be exposed to direct sunlight, but outdoors, the flower tolerates sunny weather well.

Watering should be done when the soil in the pot dries out. Excessive moisture provokes rotting of the root system and weakening of the leaves.

In winter, you need a ball water very infrequently. It is better to achieve a lack of water than its excess.

The soil in the pot should be nutritious, it should contain peat and sand. Drainage should be placed at the bottom of the pot and periodically loosen the ground.

Pinching is carried out in order to grow a lush and beautiful plant. During the procedure, which is performed in late February or early March, you need to remove the growth point.

During the growth of the ball, it should constantly feed. It is better to do this with the help of liquid fertilizers, which contain nitrogen and a lot of phosphorus.

How to transplant and propagate

Geranium propagation is usually carried out in two ways. They are:

cuttings

Specialists cut cuttings with 5 leaves from the upper shoots and leave them for a couple of hours in the air. After a certain time the cut is sprinkled with to accelerate the growth of the root system and plant cuttings in the soil.

Cuttings are considered a reliable method of propagation.

The plant takes root in 1-1.5 months, during which it is better to spray the flower, rather than water it. When the kalachik is completely rooted, it is seated in pots.

seeds

This method is almost always used by breeders. Seeds are planted in small pots, and after the seedlings have come out, they are transplanted into larger containers. blooms such a flower after 12 months.

Geraniums are transplanted at any time of the year, because there is no specific deadline for this procedure. In order to transplant a kalachik, you need to prepare a pot, earth, drainage and a garden watering can. Sequencing:

• the plant is taken out of the old container along with the earth
• carefully examine its roots
• cut off that part of them where is decay or sickness
• put the flower in a new pot, cover the gaps with soil, water
• put in a dark place for a week
• in 7 days put in the right place

The most common diseases and pests

Diseases of pelargonium are often found when it is improperly maintained. In order to prevent the death of the plant, treatment should be carried out.

Yellow leaves

At the slightest change in the appearance of the bun, it is worth consulting with a specialist and describing the problem.

If the flower leaves turn yellow then it lacks moisture. The plant completely withers when the soil is waterlogged.

If pelargonium freezes over, then the edges of its leaves turn red. In winter, the pot should not touch the glass on the window.

If you hit a flower blackleg, then his stem darkens. This happens due to excessive moisture in the soil. In this case, the plant will have to be disposed of.

If the stem becomes bare and the leaves fall off, then the kalachik does not have enough daylight.

If it appears on the leaves gray mold, this indicates the presence of a fungal disease. The flower must be treated with a fungicide.

According to statistics, pink, royal and zonal geraniums are more common among gardeners. This is due to the extraordinary beauty of the plant and its unpretentious care.

From early childhood, I remember that I was surrounded by flowers - in the house, in the front garden, there were many beautiful and bright plants. But the most favorite flower of my grandmother, who was the main flower grower in the family, was geranium.

This is not surprising, a spectacular and unpretentious inhabitant of our window sills, balconies, street flower beds, will not leave anyone indifferent.

When I had a child, it became noticeable that there was not enough money, and I decided, without really bothering myself, to earn a little money. Get serious about growing beautiful plants. The choice was stopped at geranium, or as it is also called, pelargonium.

1. Firstly, by correctly and carefully selecting varieties (and even I can name them without hesitation from fifty), there are luxurious flowers in the house. Moreover, these flowers actively grow, and do not fade in vases with water;
2. Secondly, you can always take a leaf or cutting to plant a new plant without the risk of harming the mother flower;
3. Thirdly, crossing varieties in order to obtain new shades is an exciting activity that does not take much time. There is an opportunity to calmly manage household chores and play with the baby;
4. Fourthly, there is always at hand an original bright gift for loved ones. It is also a real financial savings.

The list can be continued with many more points, but for me the passion for the plant has become the main hobby and a source of good income.

How to make money growing geraniums

I have not yet put the cultivation of flowers on a "big foot", on an industrial scale. So far, there is enough trouble with the baby, and I do not have time to build greenhouses and hotbeds. In addition, we need forces, means, again the same time to draw up various legal documents.

You can sell plants already "ready" in the following ways:

1. Carry or carry several pots to the market. This method is not convenient for everyone, and even unacceptable. Not everyone has the skill to trade;
2. Geraniums will be bought by people who systematically sell flowers and have the appropriate documents, market places, etc. for this;
3. A good way is to advertise in the city advertising newspaper, on the Internet. This brings a certain result, because a pot of flowering pelargonium costs at least 600 rubles;
4. A very good option is to offer flowers to owners of cafes, restaurants, business leaders for decorating offices, exhibitions, and presentations of their products.

Pelargonium cultivation

Many fans of these flowers argue that geranium and pelargonium are different plants belonging to the same family - shrubs and herbs. Their homeland is warm southern countries. But let biologists worry about this issue of plant separation. My flowers grow successfully in the middle lane.

My pets feel good both on the windowsills and in the open field, on the site, and even outside the gates of the house. Geranium is cold-resistant (although it belongs to the genus of heat-loving plants). It is perennial and beautifully flowering.

Despite these characteristics, my pet requires attention.

plant care

The flower does not require special conditions for growing, but you need to pay attention to such points: regular watering, good lighting and air temperature.

I live in a private house and keep flower pots in the house in winter. In the spring, I plant young plants in flower beds, in the front garden, "potted", intended for sale, and take them out into the street. When there is a danger of frost, I cover the plants with a film at night.

reproduction

Geraniums are grown equally successfully from both cuttings and seeds. Proper drainage and fertilization of the soil is the key to success. This is especially important if the flowers grow in pots. Of course, that every weed is immediately removed even from the pot.

I would like to dwell on the issue of reproduction of geraniums. It can be done in two ways:

1. Seed, not very popular among flower growers. However, if lovers of experimenting are engaged in breeding varieties, the most correct;
2. Cuttings, which, in turn, are of two types.

Varieties

I never thought about what the flowers are called, of course, for the time being, when geraniums became my passion. I know that there are more than two hundred species of these beautiful plants in the world. At home, I grow several varieties - Angel, Terry, Pink. I do various experiments with these plants, they have taken root well in my house and in the garden.

You should not start a lot of varieties, it is better to engage in selection, create your own varieties, provide yourself with high-quality seed material. To this I want to add that geranium seeds are easy to sell if you really seriously devote yourself to such a hobby.

When I began to seriously engage in floriculture, I asked what benefits and harms my favorite plant could bring. This was prompted by the care of my little son.

A beautiful large-flowered geranium, red, pink or purple, after some time inhaling its aroma, will relieve a headache. If you roll the leaves into tubules, lay them in your ears, the effect of the action will increase significantly. Pelargonium of bright red color works most effectively.

Harmful properties

Despite the many magical, magical qualities, not all people can use or keep geraniums in the house. Preparations prepared from the plant are contraindicated in such cases:

1. With diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
2. With liver diseases;
3. Sometimes the smell of geranium is not perceived during pregnancy;
4. Geraniums should be handled with care by the elderly.

Conclusion

In general, since ancient times it was believed that the presence of this plant in the house helped to solve many everyday problems, it prolongs the life of a sick family member. Geranium serves as a kind of indicator and warning that someone in the house will soon fall ill - the flower begins to wither, fade.

We all know and love this rather unpretentious flower - geranium. It has hundreds of species and varieties, and now we will talk about the garden version of geranium, that is, one that can grow in open ground. In general, this is the same geranium that grows at home in a pot, but, of course, there are differences - this is a more meager color scheme, and not particularly lush flowering. So, what is perennial garden geranium: types and varieties with photos and descriptions.

Unpretentious perennial garden geranium: varieties with photos

Garden geranium is a small herbaceous shrub with curly carved leaves that will decorate the site from spring to autumn. It is the foliage that is its value. Due to the fact that garden geraniums are not very whimsical and can get along on a variety of soils, they are successfully planted in many areas.

Of course, when choosing a geranium for a garden plot, one should focus on the varieties that are most suitable for this area, which have signs that are more adapted to certain natural conditions. Consider several different types of garden geraniums:

Geranium Balkan / large-rhizome (Geranium macrorrhizum)

The name of this type of perennial garden geranium is speaking. Firstly, it originally grew in the Balkans, and secondly, it has a larger rhizome than other varieties, creeping along the ground and from which petioles grow about 20 cm long, with rosettes at the tips. This whole system of Balkan geranium forms a dense carpet on the soil. The height of the shrub is no more than 30 cm. The leaves of this variety are large (width reaches 10 cm), with large round-toothed edges, have a medium green color. But with the advent of autumn, they fade into reddish hues.

The flowering of the Balkan geranium begins at the end of June and lasts for about a month. The flowers are small (3 cm diameter), but bright - purple.

Also, this variety has a fairly strong aroma of mountain air.

As for landscape design, Balkan geraniums are best planted next to stones - their combination will give an indescribable look. And in mixed large flower beds, it is worth placing it in the foreground, in front of taller plants.

Varieties: Spessagt, Czakor, Ingwersen's Variety, Insversen, Variegata.

Blood red geranium (Geranium sanguineum)

This perennial variety of geranium is famous for its abundant flowering - the bush is simply strewn with bright red flowers, 4 cm in diameter. Its flowering is not only plentiful, but also long-lasting - it lasts the entire summer season. The bush itself can grow up to 60 cm, but most often low, with light green rounded foliage with a dissected pattern. By autumn, the lower foliage acquires a reddish tint. The rhizome of the blood-red geranium is large, knotty, with bristly petioles, on which, in fact, the leaves are kept. It is worth noting that this type of geranium has an interesting bush shape - spherical, as well as increased decorativeness - in spring, summer and autumn it will serve as a decoration for the site.

When planting this type of geranium, you should focus on conditions such as neutral or slightly alkaline soil pH, and partial shade is also important.

Varieties: Album, Prostratum, Compactum, Lancastriense, Nana.

Marsh geranium (Geranium palustre)

This type of garden geranium grows on its own in swampy areas, in meadows. Therefore, it is best to plant it on the site in the same places - with high humidity, near water, but these places must be sunny.

The leaves of the plant are large, seven-parted, formed on long (20 cm) hairy stems. With the onset of August, all foliage, unfortunately, falls off, leaving only a flower-bearing branched tall stem, on which you can contemplate several flowers (3 cm in diameter) surrounded by foliage. Swamp geranium seeds are ready in August and form self-sowing.

A positive characteristic of this type of geranium is its "not capriciousness" in growth and care. In landscape design, it is best suited for mixed flower beds.

Georgian geranium (Geranium ibericum)

This type of geranium is considered almost the most beautiful, thanks to the abundant flowering of bright purple flowers against a bluish foliage. Flowers with bright veins gather in umbellate inflorescences. Flowering, starting in June, lasts only 1.5 months. Georgian geranium blooms annually, regardless of the weather.

This garden geranium is a perennial, and if you do not touch it (do without transplanting and dividing the bush), then it can last up to 12 years. Quite unpretentious, has good indicators of resistance to the vagaries of the weather.

The Georgian geranium bush is quite tall, it can reach up to 80 cm. Yes, and in appearance it is strong, solid. The rhizome is short, obliquely growing. The bluish foliage is rounded, with jagged edges, has about 6 cuts. This color of the leaves is obtained from the fact that they are pubescent. In autumn they turn red, then die off.

When planting, it should be noted that the Georgian geranium loves only the sun and fertile land. In landscape design, they are used as a single plant, planted on lawns.

Himalayan or large-flowered geranium (Geranium himalayense = G. grandiflorum)

This variety came to us from the Himalayas - there it grows freely in the meadows. Quite large flowers of this geranium (d = 5 cm) of rich purple color, with some blue, stitched with dark veins - are striking from anywhere in the garden. On the peduncle, at the end of May, 2 flowers bloom, which stay on the bush all summer. Flowers of this variety have a pleasant tangible smell.

From the rhizome, geranium grows, covering the soil with shoots. The bush can reach a height of up to 60 cm. The leaves are rounded, unevenly dissected. These shrubs prefer to grow in sunny places, are quite demanding on drainage.

This variety also has a slightly different form - undersized, in which the bush is small, dense, not higher than 30 cm.

In landscape design, Himalayan geranium is most often used in rockeries and borders.

Varieties: Gravetye, Jonson's Blue, Plenum.

Meadow geranium (Geranium pratense)

The difference between the meadow geranium is, perhaps, its high growth. Its few stems can stretch up to 120 cm. But the bush is not always stable, it can fall apart. There is a lot of basal foliage, it begins to appear early - in April. The leaf is hairy, seven-parted, the lobes are rhomboid.

As for flowering, it begins in mid-June and lasts no further than mid-July. Meadow geranium flowers with rounded petals have a delicate lilac-cornflower blue color. Seeds ripen by August.

In the landscape, her prerogative is mixed flower beds, especially those varieties that imitate a flowering meadow.

Varieties: Flore Pleno, Splish Splash, Mrs Kendall Clarc.

Geranium forest (Geranium sylvaticum)

This variety of geranium loves dark places, grows well on excessively moist and loose soils.

The flowers are pink-lilac-purple, depending on the variety, fully opened. During the flowering period, two flowers form on the peduncle, the flowering is short - about 20 days.

The rhizome of the forest geranium is long, several long stems (80 cm) depart from it, which break up in different directions. The leaves of the shrub are located on long hairy petioles, have rounded outlines, are divided into 7 parts. The edges are serrated. Of the minuses - the leaves die off very early - already in August, so the use in the landscape is possible only in the background in mixed flower beds.

Geranium magnificum (Geranium × magnificum)

This geranium has been known for a very long time. The appearance of the shrub is dense, large, 60 cm high. In addition, it grows quite quickly, conquering new areas. But large shrubs can also disintegrate. Geranium is magnificent - photophilous and demanding on fertility.

Flowering begins in July. The flowers are numerous, scattered throughout the bush, have a light purple, light lilac color, which fades to yellow-orange in autumn. The flower itself is beautiful, jagged, with five-parted petals.

A feature of the magnificent geranium is that it will not give birth to seeds.

Varieties: Mrs. Kendall Clark, Rosemoore, Lighter Schatten.

Basic requirements for the care of garden geraniums

Watering is the first part of care. It should be regular, but it is not worth "draining" the plant. He needs abundant watering only after planting, for rooting, and during the dry season. In principle, garden geraniums should only be monitored - if its leaves begin to fall, this indicates a lack of moisture, which means that it is urgent to water!

Loosening and mulching are perhaps the most necessary care components, since geraniums love just light and loose soils. You can plant ground cover plants next to it - they also “loose” the ground well. If the fertility of the soil on the site is still low, then so that after watering the earth next to the flower does not turn into a crust, it is better to walk nearby with a flat cutter.

Pruning of geraniums is carried out periodically, mainly - this is the removal of yellow, dry leaves, dead shoots, broken stems. This will be both a healthy bush and a growth activator. Pruning prolongs the flowering of the bush.

As such, geraniums do not need top dressing. Peat and compost when planting is enough for her. But if you really want to, you can use complex organomineral fertilizers, but do not abuse it. Geranium also has a negative attitude towards transplants.

Garden geraniums also have two misfortunes - bacterial rot and wilting. But if the agrotechnical process is fully observed, and the care is carried out correctly and regularly, then these diseases are not terrible for the shrub.

Garden geranium partners in landscape design

Garden geranium is a very plastic perennial, it can be used in almost any landscape composition. For example, they can knock out the lower tier of the rose garden:

Geranium is a good partner for any kind of peonies. In partial shade, it combines beautifully with hellebore and bitter gourd. In the sun - with sage, irises and veronica.

It looks great in the near-trunk circles of fruit trees, as well as the edge of shrubs.

We are sure that you have got a general idea of ​​​​what a perennial garden geranium is, and from the photo of its most popular species you will be able to choose interesting varieties for your site. In the next article, we will focus on the propagation methods of street geraniums.

In nature, there are more than two hundred species of geranium. Thanks to the selection, many varieties have been developed that can satisfy the taste of any even the most demanding grower. Geraniums today adorn houses, balconies, gazebos and terraces, gardens. Many varieties are decorative not only in color, but also in foliage.

Pelargonium zonal is the most numerous type of geranium. Indoor zonal geraniums have a straight, strong stem with lush foliage. The leaves of these plants are often bordered with a reddish stripe, and emit a fragrance. The name of the variety comes from the spots on the leaves of geraniums, the spots on the leaf plates are randomly arranged, irregular and unequal in shape. Leaf plates are covered with pile, velvety to the touch. Pelargonium zonal is represented by many tall and miniature plants, differing in the shape of the leaves, the shape of the flowers and their color. Geranium is zonal, all species and varieties are well grown and have abundant flowering. One of the most popular strains to grow is Happy Thought. The plant has variegated juicy green leaves, in the center of the leaf plate of an irregular shape there is a spot of bright yellow color. The petals of a regular flower are bright scarlet. Unusual blue geranium: the five-petalled flower of the Blue Blood variety is violet in color, the petals are literally pierced with red-burgundy veins.

Important! When fertilizing domestic plants with purchased fertilizers, pay attention to the composition and amount of nitrogen in it. An excess of this element stimulates the growth of foliage in geraniums at the expense of flowering.

Zonal Pelargonium clove

A popular variety with flower growers. The flowers of this pelargonium resemble carnations, the same carved, fluffy petals. Carnation pelargonium has a wide range of colors - from pastel to bright carmine, from pale pink to lilac, there are bicolor petals. The following varieties are popular in home cultivation:

• Pat Hannam- the color of the petals - from pale pink to deep lilac;
• Graffiti Violet- lilac-purple flowers;
• Freshwater- pale pink petals.

Zonal Pelargonium stellata

This variety of room geranium is distinguished by an unusual shape of leaves and petals: the edge of the leaves seems to be written out with clear large teeth. The petals are large with torn edges, the lower petals in some varieties are distinguished by two sharp tips. The first to start breeding star pelargonium were the Australians. Some interesting varieties:

• Peppermint Star- petals are pale closer to the center, at the tips - crimson;
• Star Flair- against a bright crimson background, a white spot at the base of the petal clearly stands out, the shape of the petals is narrow;
• Swiss Star- two-color, on a pale lilac background, bright coral-colored stripes are visible along the petal.

Did you know? Geranium was revered in family magic: girls wore amulets with oil or flower petals, attracting the groom, married women believed that geranium protects their family and prolongs their youth and attractiveness for their husband.

Zonal Pelargonium cactus

Pelargonium cactus looks like a disheveled: it has large flowers with very narrow, sometimes needle-shaped petals. These plants became popular at the end of the 19th century. Popular varieties:

• Fascination- carmine-colored petals, long, nail-like, the edges of the petal are tucked down, which makes the shape more pointed;
• Noel- the petals are white, twisted, bright pink anthers rise above the stamen.

Zonal pelargonium non-double, or simple

Pelargonium non-double has simple flowers, five semicircular petals, flowers can be both large and small. The brightest varieties:

• Moulin Rouge- bright red geranium, large spherical inflorescences are formed by small flowers up to 15 pieces;
• Santa Maria- carmine petals, from eight to twelve flowers in a round inflorescence;
• Happy of New Life- two-tone, uneven spots of white and coral, scattered randomly over the petals, clear veins are visible on a white background.

Zonal pelargonium semi-double

Semi-double indoor geranium - a little more magnificent than a simple one, it has up to eight petals, a large palette of colors. Varieties in demand in indoor cultivation:

• Peppermint Twist- Pelargonium variegated raspberry-white with a red stripe;
• Georgia Peach- bright yellow flowers with rounded petals;
• Calais- a soft pink main background, in the middle is a petal of a coral shade.

Zonal pelargonium terry

Terry pelargoniums are distinguished by a large number of openwork petals and seem fluffy due to the lighter underside of the petal. The flowers are collected in dense rounded caps. The homeland of room pelargonium is South Africa, the plant is accustomed to warmth and lighting, if it does not have enough light, provide additional lighting, otherwise the flowers will be faded. Interesting varieties:

• Pebbles- crimson petals with a light almost white center, a miniature variety;
• Shelk Moiraс- a densely double flower of a coral pale tone, bright green foliage;
• Brookside Fantasy- petals are two-color: a strip of a darker color stands out against a lilac background.

Zonal pelargonium rosacea

Geranium with double flowers, similar to miniature roses. A large number of petals, tightly adjacent to each other, are collected in a stuffed bud. Numerous buds form a dense ball of inflorescence. Rosaceous pelargoniums are distinguished by a variety of tones. The most popular of the varieties:

• Apple Blossom- white petals with pale pink tips are collected around a pale green stamen;
• Magda- lush buds of carmine tone, with a lighter underside of the petal.

Zonal tulip-shaped pelargonium

Tulip geranium flowers look like an unopened tulip. Simple non-double petals are tightly collected in buds, which, in turn, form lush inflorescences-bouquets.

A variety of tulip-shaped pelargonium was bred by American breeders from Boston, Massachusetts. One of the parents of the new variety was the pelargonium variety Fiat.

Popular varieties:

• red pandora- bright carmine buds, veins of the same color are clearly visible on the petals, but half a ton darker;
• Patricia Andrea- bright dark pink buds, the variety has carved large leaves;
• Linea Andrea- attracts the attention of a pedicel covered with stiff bristles, holding a large lilac-colored bud.

Zonal Pelargonium Deacon

Deacons are miniature plants, compact in shape. This species is characterized by lush and abundant flowering. The color of the petals is pink, red and orange shades. The variety was first introduced in 1970 in the city of Chelsea at a flower fair. The author of the variety of this pelargonium, Stanley Stringer, indicated the parental varieties in the description: the zonal variety Orion and the ivy pelargonium Blue Peter. The most unusual variety - Deakon Birthday, the color of the petal is creamy pink with a coral center.

Pelargonium royal

The royal pelargonium is called the most attractive species, its height is from 16 to 40 cm and about 16 cm in diameter. Pelargonium has a wide variety of shades of flowers from white to dark purple. Flowers can be simple and double, the petals are wavy or corrugated, they are interspersed in the form of spots or stripes on the main background of the flower. The uppermost petals are velvety to the touch and larger than the rest. The royal variety is the most capricious of all, requiring increased attention when growing. Common varieties of royal pelargonium:

• Ann Hoystead- high up to 40 cm, flowers are large, petals are dark red with large dark spots;
• Askham Fringed Aztec- 30 cm high, double white geranium, with bright blueberry stripes along the petal;
• Black Prince- A 40-centimeter beauty, a thick plum shade, with a thin silvery stripe along the edge of the petal.

Interesting fact! White geranium is considered a symbol of procreation, so it is customary to give it to couples who do not have children. White geranium is also considered a talisman against ruin.

Pelargonium fragrant

This variety of geranium is called fragrant because of the pleasant subtle aroma, it is enough to press the leaf of the plant with your fingers, and a gentle smell will fill the space around. The aroma of the flower combines the smells inherent in other plants: mint, ginger, lemon and others. Hybrids have been bred that smell of exotic fruits and spices: pineapple, nutmeg, kiwi. The flowers of this species are small, pink and purple shades of petals predominate. The carved leaves of the plant are beautiful, seeming terry.

The following varieties are considered in demand:

• - up to 30 cm in height and 16 cm in diameter, the leaves are divided into three parts in the form of a blade, edged with teeth, petals are white with red dots on the upper petals, pine aroma with a slight hint of camphor;
• Ardwick Cinnamon- not large leaves of dark green color, velvety to the touch, white flowers, raspberry spots on the upper petals, smells of cinnamon.

Pelargonium ivy, or ampelous

Pelargonium ivy is named so for the similarity of the shape of the leaves with ivy foliage, the plant is herbaceous, the branches grow up to a meter long. Most often used in decorating loggias, open terraces in hanging pots. A variety of colors - from snow-white to dark blue. Ampelous pelargonium flowers are large, up to 5 cm in diameter, rounded in shape, can be double, semi-double and simple. The most beautiful varieties.