Geranium, also known as Pelargonium, is a popular flowering plant usually grown in containers and window boxes. Although it is the common name for the genus Pelargonium, interestingly (and not the first time to happen), there is also another genus that goes by the botanic name of Geranium. This is because originally Geranium belonged to the genus Geranium, but was separated into the genus Pelargonium by the French botanist Charles L'Héritier de Brutelle in 1789. To avoid the confusion, many gardeners simply call this genus Pelargonium.
The first species of geranium to be cultivated is Pelargonium triste which comes from South Africa. It was introduced to English from France by the English gardener John Tradescant in 1631. The name Pelargonium was coined by Johannes Burman in 1738 from the Greek word meaning "stork", because the flower looked like stork's beak.
In addition to growing for its beauty, geraniums are also grown for the perfume industry. The geranium scent is often used as a subtitude for rose scent, and scented geranium oil is often used to supplement the more expensive rose oil.
Botanical Name
Pelargonium
Family
Geraniaceae
Type
Balcony / Garden Plant
Position
Most popularly grown on balconies, geraniums need full sun to flower profusely.
Watering
Water sparingly except during particularly hot and sunny days. Overwatering kills the plant. In winter they can be kept practically dry.
Feeding
Provide fertiliser in summer.
Repotting
Standard potting compost will do for geraniums. As previously mentioned, the plants do not like excess water, so make sure drainage is good. Succulent species of geraniums do well in cactus compost that are very porous.
Propagation
Geranium can be grown by stem cuttings. Cut and plant is enough for assured growth. Best time to do it is in mid August. If sowing from seed, sow in January to get the flowers in May.
Pests and diseases
Aphids and whitefly eat their leaves.
Geranium / Pelargonium Photo Album
Geranium/Pelargonium
Author: Andrew Bossi (cc-by-sa-2.5)
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