Amateur gardeners use geranium, which is known for its unpretentious care, to decorate flower beds and window sills. Amazing coloring attracts landscape designers and housewives seeking to create a special atmosphere in the room. Geranium, whose varieties are striking in variety, has become a favorite of gardeners, because it was believed that this plant blooms in the house where true love lives.
In common people, the flower is usually called the "eagle's foot", "rake", "roadside needle." The word "geranium" itself came from the Greek geranos, which means "crane". In Europe, the plant arrived in Africa in the 17th century, conquering aristocrats with beauty and a peculiar aroma, and became an exquisite addition to luxury apartments. Over time, the flower migrated to the windowsills of representatives of other classes, acquiring a democratic status.
The beauty of gardens and window sills - geranium
It so happened that for a long time scientists could not decide whether to equate geranium and pelargonium, but in the minds of the average man these plants are identical. Today, landscape designers prefer to use an unpretentious plant to decorate not only enclosed spaces, but also garden and park areas. In our country, more than 40 types of garden geraniums are common. Deservingly tolerant features of the cold climate, as well as varieties of geranium (photos are presented in the article) of heat-loving varieties are deservedly popular. Plants differ in growing conditions, flowering time, height:
- tall (from 50 cm) - it is Georgian, meadow, red-brown, forest, flat-billed, magnificent, small stamen;
- stunted (below half a meter) - Dalmatian, Himalayan, ashen, large-rhizome.
Gardeners give preference to hardy plants when decorating flowerbeds and surrounding areas. Skillfully using varieties of geraniums that have proven themselves well in temperate climates, you can decorate the area without much hassle. Plants are able to please the owners with long flowering and lush greenery. Given the features of the site, its size and shading, it is easy to choose options that will justify the hopes placed on them.
Owners should take a closer look at the varieties of geraniums available on the site, which over time will demonstrate the best qualities and "prescribe" in conditions that are comfortable for them.
Winning Landscape Geraniums
The well-known Geranium pratense, otherwise meadow geranium, is today a frequent visitor to flower beds. This species was not in demand before, but now everything has changed. Lovers of unpretentious plants know what kind of geranium has. Today we will introduce you to photos and names of the most popular varieties, and you can pick up an interesting combination of green pets to your liking. Well-chosen options allow you to transform the territory, attract the eyes and delight even sophisticated landscape designers. For the background, as a rule, they use a strong and tall variety of Summer Skies, remarkable for pinkish with lavender shades of terry flowers. High in demand with original carved leaves of Splish-Splash, but after flowering it is recommended to cut the bush so as not to detract from the beauty of the new shoots. Amazes with the charm of Plenum Violaceum with navy baskets casting a purple hue. And although the terry flowers are small, this does not spoil the overall impression. But such a variety as Double Jewel does not cause much enthusiasm among flower growers because of the nondescript flowers and the huge size of a falling bush in the second year.
Of the shady options, Mrs Kendall Clark is ideal (for a complete view of the plot). This abundantly flowering plant of short stature (no more than 40 cm) fascinates with bright blue petals penetrated by delicate white veins. And lovers of white colors are attracted by their long flowering semi-double variety - graceful Laura.
Red-leaf meadow geranium will become a worthy decoration of terraces and flower beds. Such options will look good in the foreground. The purple shade of Midnight Reiter and Purple Heron leaves will add a twist to the flower garden. Carved dark greens and compact root system Hocus Pocus, Black Beauty, Okey Dokey will surely fall to the yard. And purple streaks on the leaves of Midnight Clouds and delicate pinkish flowers will be a winning touch in the formation of the territory.
Geranium macrorrhizum is a large-rhizome geranium worthy of admiration, because it perfectly takes root in the shade and under the scorching sun, growing and adapting in any corner of the garden plot.
Legends and amazing facts about geraniums
The plant owes its habitual to every florist species to the breeder from England George Tradescan, who was completely carried away with the process of its cultivation. And with the birth of each new variety, he gave him the original name, which was associated with an angel or butterfly. The varieties of geranium created by him struck not only with beauty, but also with healing properties. So, the Royal variety was named due to the fact that the plant saved the monarch from insomnia. There are legends associated with geraniums that have come down to our times.
- Eastern legend says that in ancient times, the prophet Mohammed, hanging down from the mountains, hung his wet clothes on a weed that did not attract people. The plant spread the fabric, so the cloak quickly dried out under the sun. For this, the prophet decorated the bush with marvelous flowers that exude a most delicate aroma.
- The legend of the crane, having fallen off the pack and falling from powerlessness in the field under the freezing rain, causes pity. Quietly freezing in solitude, the bird was covered with falling snow. Saying goodbye to life, the crane dropped a tear. In that place, in the spring, a marvelous plant grew with flowers reminiscent of the azure of the sky, about which the bird yearned.
- In Germany, they talked about a shoemaker who loved to drink and found a wonderful plant once after another party on the road. When he presented a flower to his wife, she, breathing in its aroma, changed her mind about confusing because of her husband's addiction to beer. She planted a flower in the water, and when the roots appeared, transplanted it into a pot, after which peace, tranquility and love settled in the house, and her husband stopped abusing alcohol.
- According to Slavic belief, the petals of geraniums attract the attention of a lover. They were sewn into a canvas bag and carried with them.
- In the East, it is customary to place flowerpots with white geraniums at the entrance to the house to scare away snakes.
Get to know closer - a magnificent geranium! Varieties and varieties
Not only in garden plots you can find a beautiful flower. For many centuries, geranium has been a worthy adornment of window-sills, the varieties of which flower growers are baffled, because the eyes scatter from their diversity. Breeders have bred new varieties that differ in shape and color of inflorescences and leaves. Indoor geraniums are classified into several groups:
- zonal;
- ampelous (ivy);
- fragrant;
- royal;
- succulent.
- In order not to make a mistake in the choice, you should carefully study the varieties of room geranium. Photos and names will help determine the future owners.
The most common is zoned geranium. This plant with a straight trunk and wavy leaves blooms profusely all year round, giving joy to households. The buds are simple, collected in five, semi-double - up to eight and double - over eight petals.
What are the types and varieties of zoned geranium? The photos (the room beauty is presented on them in all its splendor) used in the article demonstrate different options. The most popular among the people:
- Non-double variety Bravo Pastel, characterized by abundant flowering. This species has a flower with white petals and a pink center.
- Saturated red Rumba Fire belongs to non-terry and pleases the owner with sprawling ruby hats of flowers.
- Angelic pink geranium in appearance resembles pansies.
- Rosyudnaya red surprises with the similarity of its flowers with rosebuds.
- Royal salmon has large inflorescences, the middle of which is dark.
And how do you like this kind of geranium? Tulip-shaped
Among the huge assortment of colors, there is a view that recalls Holland. The novice gardener asks the question: "What other species and varieties of geranium have?" Photo (indoor beauty, depicted on them, striking exuberant flowering) of these flowers attract the admiring gaze of lovers of ornamental plants. One of the chic options related to zonal varieties is the original geranium, which has buds that look like tulips. Petals in the amount of 6-9 pcs. not fully disclosed. Breeders from America presented the world with this variety in 1966, which was obtained by mutating the Fiat geranium. Of particular value are species that have a large number of unopened buds and bloom in heap bouquets.
They grow in a bush, so they require the attention of the owner, who must properly form a crown. After rooting, the cuttings are trimmed to achieve beauty and the desired result. The elegance of this variety attracts people who are keen on what they love and who, if desired, grow real masterpieces. Tulip-shaped geraniums are especially popular among beauty lovers, the varieties of which amaze the imagination with the shape of flowers. These are Happy Bezdey and Patricia Andre, Red Pandora and Koni, Victoria Andre and Maria Louise.
Fragrant species
Geranium is very popular, which is explained not only by the magnificence of flowers, but also by the delicate aroma that exudes the plant. Fragrant geraniums create a favorable indoor climate, helping to cleanse the air. The aroma of leaves is in demand in the perfumery and food industries, and is actively used in the preparation of mixtures for tea compositions.
A fragrant variety of
room geranium, the photo of which is familiar to fans of this plant, is grown on window sills not for the sake of flowers, but for the sake of beautiful carved foliage, which is used by florists for the background. Also in medicine, a positive effect of the aroma of the plant is noted, which:
- has an antibacterial effect;
- helps with migraines;
- Helps protect the body in viral diseases;
- effective for edema in obese people;
- salvage with hypertensive crises.
Experienced housewives strive to establish a pot with such geraniums in every room, because the smell repels insects (flies, moths, mosquitoes). Rubbing the leaves, you can feel the aroma of mint, fresh apple, rose or lemon. Varieties:
- Chocolate Peppermint (or Felt Geranium) is a stunted plant with dangling shoots, velvety leaves, in the center of which there is a chocolate stain exuding the aroma of mint. The pinkish flower petals have purple feathers.
- Cy's Sunburst, or Curly Geranium, which has small, corrugated paper-like motley green foliage with a golden border that has a lemon smell.
- Attar of Roses, or Capitate - grows up to 45 cm, has large leaves that give a rich aroma of roses. Light flowers with a lilac shimmer and burgundy center.
- Ffragrans - geranium with a nutmeg smell. Despite the unpretentiousness of the plant, gardeners have to make some efforts to grow beautiful geraniums at home.
Varieties (with photos and names), care and growing features - these are the main points that interest beginner amateur gardeners. The widest assortment will allow an inexperienced housewife to acquire such a charm plant in the house. The small thing is to learn how to care for a green pet.
Features of cultivation and care: temperature, reproduction
In summer, geranium feels comfortable at a temperature of +20 ... +28 ° C, and +30 ° C is not critical for it. In winter, when the plant does not bloom, it is enough for 11-15 ° C, but it is undesirable to allow drops to 8 ° C or more.
Geranium is propagated by cuttings and seeds. An adult plant with a coarse trunk must be rejuvenated. The apical stalk with five leaves is cut just below the knot at a slight angle. After processing the dried section with humate or charcoal, the process is placed in a container with soil (a mixture of equal parts of turf, sand and peat). Soil is regularly sprayed in which cuttings take root after three weeks, which are then transplanted into pots. Young plants (regardless of the type of geranium), the care of which is correct, delight after seven months with the first flowers.
Seeds are planted in moist soil, preventing the drying of an earthen coma. The temperature is maintained +22 ... +24 ° C. After 14 days, the first shoots appear. The picking of seedlings is recommended in pots with a diameter of up to 9 cm.
Lighting
Today, any hostess will effortlessly grow geraniums, the varieties of which are not distinguished by a capricious disposition. Colors are suitable for rooms with good and moderate lighting. She feels comfortable on any windowsill for long summer days, and in winter it is preferable to place it on the southern windows. Tempering with drafts or leaving the plant under the scorching sun is not recommended. The photophilous flower, placed in the shade, has small leaves, thin stems and is unlikely to bloom.
We take care correctly: watering, humidity, top dressing
Geranium prefers fresh air and moderate humidity. She is not afraid of either dry or humid air. The plant does not require spraying. In summer, abundant watering is necessary, but do not overdo it in this matter, so it is better to drain the water from the pan. In winter, it is not necessary to fill the flower, it is necessary to ensure that the earthen lump is not overdried, and excessive moisture will cause rotting of the roots. For irrigation it is recommended to use rain, melt or settled water.
The plant needs a universal soil mixture (deciduous land or humus, turf, river sand). For top dressing, fertilizers containing nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus (for violent flowering) should be used, with the addition of trace elements iron, magnesium, boron, copper, manganese, calcium and zinc, which prevent the root system from decaying. In winter, green pets need to be fed once a month, and in the spring-summer period, after two weeks.
In the fall, the plant is pruned annually, removing yellowed leaves, leaving only a few nodes on the shoots. Sprinkle slices with charcoal or activated carbon.
Pests
Like any plant, geranium has pests that can affect the external condition of the flower. Among them is the whitefly, which settles on the back of the leaves, where it multiplies rapidly, feeding on the sap of the plant. Small moths drain the plant. If uninvited guests are found, spraying the crown of the flower with insecticides is required. Small insects of greenish-gray color settle on the leaves of geranium from the lower side. This is an aphid that feeds on the sap of the plant, which leads to the appearance of small spots and wilting of the flower. To get rid of such a parasite is the same as for whiteflies. With proper care, the flower will give joy to the owners for many years.
So, to summarize briefly. We discussed what types of geranium has. Photos, the beauty of the room on which is represented in all its diversity, indicate that she deserves to decorate any room: a house, an apartment, an office, a child care facility, a cafe terrace or a summer cottage. Pick up a couple of species, you will see - you will not regret it!