Geranium
Pelargonium is a beautiful and hardy plant that is suitable for those who want an easy-care and flowering plant outside or inside. Geraniums have a long and exciting cultural history. The plant originates from South Africa and has been cultivated in Europe since the 17th century. Geraniums are mainly known for their large and beautiful flowers. They can be red, pink, white, yellow or multicolored. Geraniums also come in many different shapes and sizes.
Geraniums have had several uses
Geraniums have been used as medicinal plants, as a spice and for their scent. The geranium varieties that are most common today are mainly grown as houseplants. They can also be used as cut flowers.
Geranium - care
Geraniums are easy to care for and can give pleasure for a long time. They are suitable for pots and flower boxes and in some cases also for flower beds. Here are some tips on how to make your geraniums thrive:
- Geraniums thrive in a sunny position but like shade when the day is at its hottest.
- A geranium should be watered regularly but the soil needs to dry out between waterings.
- Geraniums need nutrients to flower. Preferably every week during flowering.
- A geranium will flower longer if you regularly remove wilted parts.
If you want to plant a geranium in the garden, you should choose a spot with well-drained soil, otherwise the roots may rot. Check your geraniums often so you can spot any pests and diseases early on. Some varieties of geranium self-seed and can form stands - although it is an annual plant in our climate. If you want to plant geraniums from seed yourself, sow them in early spring and replant them in a larger pot once they have grown at least two leaves.
Overwintering geraniums
Geraniums cannot be overwintered outdoors. Nor should they be left at normal room temperature in winter. A geranium should preferably be kept in a bright but cool place inside. Use a plant lamp to supplement sunlight during the darkest months.
Taking cuttings of geraniums
Taking cuttings of geranium is an effective way to propagate the plant. Here's how you can go about it:
- Choose a healthy branch from the mother plant.
- Cut it off below a leaf attachment.
- Remove the lower leaves of the cuttings.
- Put it in a pot with seed soil.
- Water your geranium cutting.
- Place the pot in a bright and warm place.
The geranium cuttings usually root themselves in a few weeks. Once it has developed roots, you can replant it in a larger pot. Just like you do when you seed geranium.
Different varieties of geranium
If you want to plant geraniums, you can choose a variety that suits your taste. There is a wide range of geranium varieties on the market and they are usually divided into subgroups:
- Fuchsia-flowered geraniums - Large leaves, common varieties are 'Lilliput' and 'Minette'.
- Scented geraniums - Geraniums with a clear and appealing scent, 'Apfelblüt' and 'Chocolate Peppermint' are common varieties.
- Hanging geraniums - A group of geraniums with hanging branches that fit in hanging baskets. Common varieties are 'Lilliput' and 'Vilma'.
- Flap geraniums - Have leaves with a light edge. Popular varieties are 'Dolly' and 'Patricia Andrea'.
We would also like to mention "Calliope L'Soft Coral". A fuchsia-flowered geranium with coral-colored flowers that was named Geranium of the Year 2022. Another very popular geranium is the Mårbacka geranium, with patterned leaves and large flowers.
Author: Johanna Damm Fact checked by Erik HoekstraLast updated 2023-01-16
