Pelargonium zonal (Latin Pelargonium Zonale) is the most common group of ornamental geraniums. In common parlance, it is called a "kalachik". The name of the culture, both in Latin and in Russian, is due to the presence on the leaf of the plant of a semicircular color band in the form of a horseshoe or roll, dividing it into contrasting zones. This group of pelargoniums is quite extensive and diverse, including several hundred varieties.
Depending on the classifying features, zonal pelargoniums are usually divided into the following subgroups:
- In terms of growth:
- miniature. Flower growers lovingly call them "minks". Some varieties have the prefix "nano". These are graceful small bushes no more than 12 cm high;
- dwarf. They have a length of 12 to 25 cm. They are valued for their splendor and branching;
- undersized. Exceed dwarf ones by only 10 cm;
- medium height. Their range is from 30 cm to 50 cm;
- tall. Stems are expelled from a height of half a meter to one and a half meters.
- By the number of layers of petals in flowers:
- single(plain or non-terry). The petals are arranged in one row. Their number does not exceed five;
- semi-double. Usually consist of two layers of petals up to eight;
- terry. There are many petals, more than eight. They are nested one inside the other.
- Leaf color:
- regular green. They have a characteristic color spot-zone of a slightly darker or lighter shade;
- variegated or variegated. They differ in color heterogeneity in the form of inclusions, stains, “fantasy” patterns, “torn” borders. There are both bicolor variegation and multicolor. Moreover, colors can be very diverse: yellow, silver, red, chocolate and even pinkish.
- In the form of inflorescences:
- bouquet. They have simple flowers, long stems. Often used as horticultural crops, good for cutting;
- rosaceous. The subgroup combines the most beautiful varieties, which, thanks to the sophistication and pretentiousness of peduncles, are equated with real rosacea. Characterized by a full flower with wavy, rounded petals;
- tulip-shaped. Always closed dense buds have the shape of tulips;
- stellar or stellar(from the Latin "stellar" - stellar). The umbrellas of these pelargoniums resemble prickly hedgehogs. Pointed petals give the inflorescences a resemblance to dahlias.
- carnations. As the name suggests, these pelargoniums bear a resemblance to carnations in the shape of the flower, characterized by wavy serrated petals.
Care
Zonal pelargoniums are the most unpretentious and drought-resistant type of geraniums. Caring for them is simple and affordable, not requiring special knowledge and specific agricultural techniques. A native of the southern latitudes, geranium loves an abundance of light. In the warm season, she prefers open ground. With sufficient illumination, the plant produces large caps of peduncles, forms additional strong side shoots, the characteristic color belt is clearly manifested on the leaves.
Although under natural conditions, in native Africa, geraniums grow in rocky soil poor in organic matter, they respond gratefully to mineral supplements. Pelargoniums are watered complex fertilizers from spring to autumn. In winter, plants are given a rest.
reproduction
Pelargonium zonal is reproduced in two ways: by seed and cuttings. As for the second option, it is preferable for varietal plant species obtained as a result of complex breeding work, since the seeds of such geraniums are either sterile or do not carry all the qualities of a mother liquor. So, for example, it is known that the sign of a double flower is not transmitted when breeding pelargonium with seeds. The same rosaceous, tulip-flowering, cactus-shaped zonal pelargoniums can be reproduced exclusively by rooting the cuttings. Seed propagation is used for garden bouquet geraniums. It should be noted that if the variety allows the possibility of breeding a flower in both ways, it is better to choose growing from seeds. With this approach, the geranium turns out to be strong, stocky, ideally adapted to the conditions of a particular environment.
The very procedure of seed germination is extremely exciting. Particularly interesting from this point of view are varietal mixtures - flower growers with bated breath are waiting for the first buds to consider the color of the umbrella. Growing pelargonium from seeds is a simple matter. It is important to remember only a few rules:
- The best time to plant is late winter or early spring. If the procedure is carried out for some reason late autumn or in the middle of winter, the sprouts must be additionally illuminated with special lamps, otherwise they will grow frail and unviable. In fairness, it is worth noting that there is not much point in planting seeds in the autumn. Practice shows that pelargoniums planted in early spring bloom simultaneously with plants sown a few months earlier.
- Geranium does not like excessive moisture. The same law applies to its seeds. They must be planted in soil that has been soaked, but not flooded to the state of puddles. If you overdo it with water, the seeds will turn black and rot.
- Pelargonium zonal prefers surface planting. Seeds close up to a depth of 1 cm. further watering they did not float, the dried soil is irrigated from a spray bottle.
- The germination of the plant in cotton pads has proven itself well. A cotton sponge is thoroughly moistened with water, a seed is placed in the middle, which is covered with another wet disk. The whole structure is placed in a container with a lid and placed in a warm place. Periodically, the lid is lifted to allow air to enter. Once a day, the sponges are carefully unrolled to see if the seeds have hatched. When a whitish sprout appears, the seed is carefully removed from the container and introduced into a loose substrate to a shallow depth. Fresh high-quality seeds usually germinate within 2-5 days.
- All the time from the moment of planting until the first shoots appear, geraniums are kept under film or glass, creating greenhouse conditions for it. Care for sprouts during this period includes regular ventilation of the greenhouse, moderate soil moisture, and additional lighting if necessary.
- After the appearance of the first three true leaves, the film is removed from the container, and the sprouts are seated in separate pots.
Subject to all the rules of seed breeding of geraniums, the plant blooms 4-5 months after planting.
To the credit of the zonal pelargonium, it must be said that it not only decorates the home, but also heals it. Phytoncides contained in the green mass of geraniums kill pathogenic microbes, and volatile aromatic substances released by the bush have a beneficial effect on the nervous system.
Modern varieties of pelargoniums are difficult to compare with the bushes of "grandmother's" geraniums, whose scarlet or pink umbrellas proudly flaunted on the windowsills of city apartments, in front gardens and on balconies. Despite the fact that the plants have not become more capricious, varieties are now available to flower growers that delight with long flowering of not simple, but densely double flowers, and the palette of inflorescences is unusually wide. This is evidenced by descriptions and photos of pelargonium varieties.
Terry, with a clarified center, pink-raspberry flowers of Pebbles pelargonium seem even larger, since the plant itself is not too large and rightfully belongs to the category of miniature ones.
Despite the emergence of new varieties of pelargoniums, a photo of this fluffy, easy-to-shape bush invariably attracts the attention of flower growers who will not be disappointed when growing it on or on a windowsill. Dense caps of inflorescences look even more voluminous due to the light, almost white reverse side petals.
Delicate dwarf pelargonium Shelk Moira is the first officially recognized creation of Russian breeders. The author of a spectacular plant with dense double flowers of an unusual light salmon shade and bright emerald foliage is Irina Kleimova, a resident of St. Petersburg.
The inflorescences of this variety of pelargonium, as in the photo, are dense, the flowers are densely double, with wavy petals clarified from the back.
Another terry plant of the Brookside Fantasy variety is a bright representative of zonal pelargoniums. Compact bushes with rich green leaves with a clearly visible dark stripe delight with inflorescences of a delicate pink-lilac hue.
At the stage when the buds are just opening, closer to the center, the petals have a slight green glow, then their reverse side acquires a pink-cream color, slightly lighter than the entire inflorescence. Flower caps are large, commensurate with inflorescences on standard bushes, although this pelargonium is a real miniature.
Red-crimson flowers, as in the photo, Bold Carmine pelargoniums can be classified as semi-double or double. The plant itself is compact, well perceives top dressing and willingly produces elongated peduncles with caps of carmine flowers.
The back side of the petals of this variety has a lighter color. The foliage is bright, with a noticeable concentric stripe in the middle of the leaf plate.
Zonal pelargoniums Saxdalens Selma form a large strong bush, which stands out not only with powerful shoots, but also with voluminous beautiful inflorescences consisting of pale pink flowers. Plants of this variety bloom beautifully and respond to care. The bush is small, easily branched.
Many flower growers pay attention to the unusual structure of spectacular pink flowers, more reminiscent of rosaceous varieties.
Light, airy and very large inflorescences of this variety of pelargonium, as in the photo, are easy to recognize by the amazingly beautiful pink-salmon shade of flowers.
But this is not the only advantage of the variety. Pelargonium foliage has a golden green color. Bushes are cast by slow growth and compactness.
Terry le Pirat impresses with the abundance and splendor of inflorescences. The flowers of this variety have a velvety deep red color and in shape, at the beginning of flowering, are very reminiscent of blossoming roses.
Pelargonium is different in that the flowers do not crumble for a long time, and the plants can be used as an ampel culture to decorate a veranda or garden.
Since the shape of the densely double flowers of Noel Gordon pelargonium is very reminiscent of roses, the plant can also be classified as a rosebud variety. The bushes of this zonal pelargonium are compact and densely covered with foliage.
Due to the abundance of large pink flowers with wavy petals, dense inflorescences of this variety are very decorative and do not crumble for a long time.
Pelargonium PAC Viva Maria, which has German roots, like its relatives, blooms profusely and for a long time, while the bushes are very compact, and the inflorescences are luxurious and large.
The flowers of this variety are easily recognizable among the mass of other inflorescences by their white color with a bright crimson spot at the base of each petal. As a result, simple or semi-double pelargonium flowers compare favorably with the general range, and plants of this variety are worthy of becoming a valuable specimen in the collections of both connoisseurs of the species and beginners.
The decorative effect of Powder Puff zonal pelargonium is achieved due to very dense salmon-colored inflorescences and beautiful leaves with a clearly defined contrasting stripe.
The petals on the back side are lighter than on top. The plants are small in size, which flower growers will appreciate, at whose disposal only indoor window sills.
The salmon coloration of the wavy petals of Lake Pelargonium becomes almost white towards the edge, and the color in full force appears only towards the center of large double flowers. Moreover, for brighter flowering, plants are recommended to be exposed to the sun, in the shade the colors fade noticeably.
The plant itself belongs to the standard zonal varieties and requires careful shaping. The leaves of this variety of pelargonium, as in the photo, are very elegant due to the wide contrasting border of a brownish-green hue.
The dwarf pelargonium Ludwigsburger Flair blooms willingly and profusely, but in order for the plant to really look like a miniature, careful work will be required from the grower when forming a bush.
Terry beautiful flowers of this variety have a pink color, which becomes brighter towards the center and becomes almost white or greenish towards the corrugated edge.
Gorgeous, unusually shaped flowers of the zonal pelargonium Mallorca make this variety a cactus. The peculiarity of the flowers is a lot of jagged petals, pointed along the edge, combining red, white and greenish stripes in color.
The plant is compact, easily and long forms new inflorescences. If the bush is in a lit place, the plant retains small size, and in the shade it begins to stretch to standard pelargoniums.
Leaves with a neat decorative border and barely pink flowers of Dowepoint Pelargonium distinguish this luxurious variety from the many double plants of this type that exist today.
The bushes are compact, rather squat, the inflorescences are dense and, compared to the size of the plant, are voluminous.
The incredibly beautiful Elmsett dwarf pelargonium belongs to the zonal variety. And flower growers who see the plant fall in love with bright leaves with a golden hue and double cream flowers, decorated with red spots and veins.
The bush color is long and plentiful, its shape is very neat, so the plant will easily decorate any window sill.
The flowers of the zonal pelargonium Lara Harmony, when fully opened, are incredibly similar to real roses, however, the variety belongs to terry. The size of the bush is standard, leaves with a classic color for the species, flowers are densely double, lush, with a spectacular pink color, which is somewhat weaker in the lower part of the corolla.
This variety of pelargonium, as in the photo, can be distinguished by strong shoots, rich green foliage, characteristic of zonal plants, and double peony flowers. Thanks to the lush inflorescences, Norrland pelargonium is well known to lovers of this culture and has earned sincere love flower growers.
To achieve high-quality flowering, the plant requires proper care, pruning and attention. And in this case, the bushes will surely please with pink densely double inflorescences.
Very decorative terry flowers of Pelargonium Passat amaze with a light pink shade of corrugated petals and density, reminiscent of delicate fluffy pompoms. The variety has long been known to pelargonium lovers and enjoys well-deserved attention from both beginners and longtime adherents of the culture.
The bushes of this zonal pelargonium need to be shaped, but when good care long and high quality flowers.
Pelargonium Granny Barter flowers are similar in shape to the front bows of schoolgirls, their petals are so light and tender.
Hustomahrovye corollas of white-pink color form dense inflorescences that look great on the bushes standard height. The variety has established itself as trouble-free and very flexible.
Strong powerful pelargonium bushes of this variety are covered with dense foliage and luxurious inflorescences, consisting of rich red double flowers. The dark stripe along the outer side of the leaf plate adds decorativeness to the leaves.
Pelargonium Ainsdale Duke is very solemn and spectacular. Many other plants fade next to it, which must be taken into account when selecting collections of varieties.
Pale pink, very attractive flowers of Bold Ann pelargonium invariably attract the attention of flower growers to this terry cultivar of the zonal variety.
Pelargonium bushes are neat, inflorescences do not lose their beauty for a long time, and the plant is undemanding and willingly responds with flowering to easy care.
Zonal dwarf pelargonium Bold Pixie is sure to please flower growers who love double flowers of a raspberry-pink shade unusual for this culture.
At home, you can grow absolutely any, even the most exotic types of flowers from seeds that cannot grow on their own in our latitudes. However, this will require a lot of effort, especially at the first stage, which includes getting the first sprouts. But geraniums are quite easy to grow from seeds and do not require any special plant care in the future.
The flower, firmly established on tables and window sills, belongs to the geranium family and its species differ depending on the zonal affiliation. In addition, there is a special ampelous and ivy-leaved form of pelargonium, but the principles of growing and caring for them are almost the same.
Features of growing pelargonium from seeds
To grow geraniums without problems and quickly, you need to careful selection planting material. The seeds must have Brown color with a slight matte sheen and a moderate tint.
The shape of the seeds should be oblong, with small depressions on the sides, the shell should be leathery and dense, size is big enough.
If you come across flattened, small, deformed, as well as seeds that differ from the desired tonality and are covered with spots of different colors, set them aside. Planting such material will not be able to provide the desired result.
Seeds of some types of geranium, especially ivy, do not germinate for 2-3 months, which causes panic and frustration among novice gardeners. As a result, plant care is completely stopped.
To minimize the germination time, it is necessary carry out the procedure of scarification, that is, remove part of the shell in order to ensure unhindered access of nutrients directly to the seed.
This can be done independently using fine or medium-grained sandpaper, which will allow you to remove upper layer without forming breaks that are detrimental to the plant.
If you need to achieve the fastest germination of pelargonium - wipe the seed 2-3 times about sandpaper slow rotational movements.
Soil preparation for growing geraniums from seeds
The substrate can be purchased in a special flower shop, but at the same time there is a high probability that the soil will be oversaturated with minerals.
Such conditions for pelargonium are not very favorable - seedlings appear several times (2-3) slower, and the bushes have thick stems and low growth, flowering is poor.
soil for geraniums better to make your own. This will require:
- high quality peat (1 part);
- river sand (1 part);
- sod land (2 parts).
To avoid infection of the flower with various diseases (which is especially important for ampelous varieties), the substrate should be roast in the oven 2-3 minutes.
At the same time, one should not be afraid that the organic compounds and nutrients in the soil will be destroyed - pelargonium feels great even in unenriched soil and does not require the use of top dressing.
You can also use a high quality fungicide for soil treatment. Only in this case, before planting the seeds, you should wait 3-6 hours.
How can you grow pelargonium from seeds? Ideal for growing geraniums small compact pots or trays, 3 cm deep. You can buy containers in special stores or make your own.
How to grow a plant from seeds
After filling the pots with soil, lightly sprinkle the surface of the soil warm water and leave for one day to warm the earth to the required temperature (21-22 ° C).
Then with a finger or a suitable tool make small holes at a distance of two cm from each other. Sprinkle the seeds with a layer of soil 1 cm thick.
The soil needs to be slightly moistened again and cover containers with foil, in which small holes were previously made to provide air access.
At home, geraniums must be provided with optimal temperature regime and lighting, but never place pots of planted seeds on a windowsill.
When the first pale green sprouts appear, remove the shelter so as not to create conditions for the plant high humidity. Now it's time to put the pallets of pelargonium on the windowsill to provide for the plant. sunlight, otherwise it will take two to three times longer to grow a flower.
In order to obtain a healthy bush with strong stems, as well as to strengthen the root system, the soil must be periodically loosened. After the appearance of two true leaves, pelargonium should dive and transplant the bush into a narrow and high container.
After waiting for the fifth leaf to appear in the pelargonium, the seedlings should be pinched. This will ensure the growth of the most branched bush, otherwise you will get a plant with a long thin stem.
Pelargonium seed care at home
Pelargonium does not need to create any special conditions for further growth and development, but still requires some care.
Compliance with the basic rules of plant care guarantees its protection from pests and various diseases. In case of excessive moisture of the substrate, the likelihood of geranium damage by fungal diseases is high.
In addition, too hot and dry air can provoke the appearance of whiteflies. In these cases, to fix the problem special preparations are used.
This plant belongs to the semi-shrub, but there are also herbaceous species. The stems are straight, but they are branched and creeping. The structure of the leaves also varies from simple to palmately dissected.
Inflorescences come in a wide variety of colors, from white to dark red.. Flowers grow in umbrellas. Umbrellas are small and large, with a complex branch.
The bud, according to scientists, has its own peculiarity, since the opening of the sepals occurs from the bottom to the top.
This amazing creature originated in South Africa. In the 16th century, sailings began actively towards Africa, from where they brought not only animals, but also plants. Geraniums were among the treasures brought. Her beauty fascinated the Europeans. However, she was not adapted to the new climate.
Breeders soon adapted the flower, and it gained wide popularity in Europe.
Geranium was brought to Russia two centuries later. By the nineteenth century, it was in almost every wealthy home. It should be noted that some species remain wild, and having adapted to the harsh climate of Russia, developed in the open.
So what is it - zonal geranium? This is a rich looking creation. It is a shrub that grows upright with fluffy foliage. The top of the bush is decorated with bright small flowers. Most often red, white and pink.
Geranium has a characteristic smell. Moreover, it is not the flowers that smell, but the leaves. Before purchasing such a flower, smell it. Not everyone likes its smell.
Indoor geranium reaches a height of up to 90 cm. This perennial. At the same time, it needs to be renewed, since leaves fall out from below and bare stems do not quite have an aesthetic appearance. It grows quickly - up to 30 cm in 12 months.
Popular varieties
Zonal geranium is the most common type. It has more than 75 thousand varieties. Of course, in appearance, all these thousands are different. Some are not at all like their counterparts. They are united by only one thing, all of them have a zone painted in a different color on the leaves. Hence the name "zonal" was established. This famous zone on the leaves reflects very well the state of health of the plant. The zone disappears at the slightest lack of light and appears when the stimulus is removed.
There is a generally accepted division of geraniums depending on the number of petals. So, they distinguish:
- Non-terry- 5 petals.
- Semi-double- 6-8 petals.
- Terry- 8 petals.
Also, depending on the color and structure of the inflorescences, the following varieties of zonal geraniums are distinguished:
- Carnations.
- Star-shaped.
- Cactus.
- Deacons.
Below you can see the photo different types geranium zonal. 
Where and how to plant it?
The plant should be planted in the spring, since it is during this period that nature comes out of hibernation, and is set to develop.
You need to choose a small pot. In a large pot, roots will grow, but the flower itself will not. In addition, in a large pot, the likelihood of flowering drops to a minimum.
As for plants that are already a year old or more, they are transplanted as needed if the roots are already coming out through the holes for water to flow out. In this case, it is necessary to choose a pot not much larger.
IMPORTANT! If the flower has reached a height of 25 cm, then it no longer needs to be transplanted. The plant is considered mature. He only needs food. Frequent repotting can lead to a lack of flowering.
So, in order to plant a flower, we need:
- Choose a small pot.
- Lay drainage.
- Dial up to half a pot of prepared soil (a description of the proportions is given below).
- Insert the cutting with roots, and holding it with your hand, add the earth.
- Pour with settled water, you can add a tool to improve root growth.
- The pot must be placed in a bright place.
- After 15-20 days, you need to feed fertilizers rich in phosphorus and potassium.
If you are transplanting perennial flower, then you need to cut off the branches stretched out after the winter, pick up a larger pot, and repeat the above steps.
Lighting and location
Geranium loves bright light. Without it, it withers and does not bloom at all. However, it should not be placed in direct sunlight, otherwise there will be burns on the leaves.
The south window is suitable if a tree grows nearby on the street or there is another structure that sets off direct rays. Windows from the west or east are also suitable. The main thing is that the light lasts at least 16 hours.
Fits ready ground general purpose. For homemade soil, you need to take: 2 parts of peat for 2 parts of garden soil and 1 part of coarse sand.
Another version of the mixture: 2 parts of sod land, 2 parts of humus, 2 parts of peat, 1 part of sand. The pH should be 6.0-6.5.
Requires good drainage. Excess peat can lead to moisture stagnation, which is harmful for geraniums. In too fertile soil, flowering slows down.
Home care
Zonal geranium is not a supporter of temperature changes. In summer, 20-25 degrees Celsius is enough for her, in winter 13-16 degrees Celsius. Does not tolerate dry air. You can sprinkle the leaves with soft water. You need to water often: every other day in summer, once a week in winter. The remaining liquid that has leaked into the plate must be drained. Top dressing is very important, especially during the flowering period. It should start in the spring and end in August.
IMPORTANT! In winter, top dressing is not needed. The flower needs rest. During this period, future buds are born.
Many take flowers to the garden for the summer. This is good for general condition plants. They love the air. In the spring, you need to cut it off. Stretched and weak shoots will not bring any benefit. Pinching allows you to increase bushiness, give a good appearance and stimulate flowering. Geranium can't stand drafts.
Also learn about proper fit and caring for zonal geraniums in this video:
Like all organisms on the planet, zonal geranium can get sick.
Geranium can be affected:
- whitefly;
- tick;
- mealy worm;
- aphids;
- rust;
- gray rot;
- gray mold.
Processing can help. chemicals. You can buy them at the flower shop. They will tell you the order of application and dosage.
Also, geraniums may have the following problems:
- blackleg if the flower is poured;
- foliage reddening if the temperature is low;
- lack of flowering if the flower is reapproved;
- foliage yellowing if there is not enough light.
These problems are easy to fix if you eliminate the source of their occurrence. Of course, there are situations when the plant is running, and it can no longer be saved. Be vigilant and do not bring your pets to such a state.
Reproduction features
This plant is very easy to propagate. It can be propagated:
- CUTTINGS. Its cuttings take root quickly. Virtually no rot. Reproduction can be done in spring, late summer or early autumn. Grow fast.
- SEEDS. To increase the level of seedling, the husks must be removed from the seeds. Seeds are sown in a special mixture consisting of peat and sand. This mixture should be damp but not wet.
It is possible to spray with a spray gun to dose better watering. Cover with foil. When sprouts appear on the surface, you need to put in a bright place. After the cotyledons grow, the seedlings are planted in permanent pots.
Geranium zonal, on the one hand an easy-to-care flower, and on the other beautiful queen on the windowsill. The history of its origin is rich in various events. In other words, the zonal geranium has done everything to be a worthy resident of our homes.
Pelargoniums from the Geranium family belong to different groups of the genus Pelargonium. Beautifully flowering perennials are the closest relatives of the true geranium, or crail (Geranium genus). In terms of large size and unusual color of petals, royal pelargonium stands out among plants of the family and genus. Home care for this indoor plant is not burdensome, but pleasant and useful for a person, family comfort and well-being.
Pelargonium - so familiar and mysterious
Pelargonium cultivars are so numerous that even botanists and experienced growers sometimes it is difficult to determine the phylogenetic affiliation of plants. It is known that the entire list of species of the genus Pelargonium includes over 250 names. The confusion arose because of the prescription of many varieties and hybrids, which have been mistaken for separate species in recent decades.
We will take a closer look at the features of the beautifully flowering geranium, one of the names of which is large-flowered pelargonium. Home care for all major groups of the Pelargonium genus has much in common. There are more similarities in the requirements for light, moisture, soils of home and zonal geraniums. The main differences are in the structure of the flower, the shape and color of the leaf blade. Specific aromas characteristic of representatives of the zonal and fragrant groups are practically absent in large-flowered pelargonium.
flower of kings
An evergreen houseplant pleases the eye with the richness and beauty of its dense umbellate inflorescences. The petals of the royal pelargonium delight with fantastic transitions between white, pink, lilac, red, burgundy and purple hues. The flowers are large, showy, their diameter is 10-15 cm. The central spot of a darker color is like a seal of a monarch, which makes it possible to distinguish royal pelargonium from zonal and other groups of geraniums. Through the efforts of breeders, new cultivars differ significantly in color and shape of the dark spot from more early varieties which is clearly visible in the photo below.
Leaves flowering plant painted light green or green, no zoning. The diameter of the rounded lobed, partially toothed plate is about 7.5 cm. The structural features of the flower and leaves, as well as genetic analysis, made it possible to find natural look, from which the Pelargonium x domesticum group originated. This is pelargonium clobuche (P. Cucullatum). The petals of a native plant of the South African tropics in natural conditions are pink and light purple in color.
The first hybrids of large-flowered pelargonium appeared about 150 years ago, hybridization is being intensively carried out at the present time. Breeders managed to create forms with very large corollas (simple, double or terry). There are varieties and hybrids that do not stretch and do not take up much space.
Royal pelargonium: home care
All geraniums from time to time need to limit growth upwards to form a compact bush and accelerate flowering. They pinch the apical bud in the summer, and in the spring this technique is not used so that the plant gains strength to form buds.
Flowering time is from spring to mid-summer. To increase the duration of this period, wilted corollas are pinched. Home pelargonium will bloom longer when adding liquid fertilizer with high content potassium in water for irrigation (1 time per week). When the formation of buds stops, pruning is carried out to improve the shape of the bush.
Conditions for growing pelargonium
The life form of the plant is a semi-shrub, reaching a height of 25-60 cm. Lighting at home should be sufficient, because geraniums are light-loving plants. The best option placement - windows of southern, eastern or western orientation. But with an excess of sunlight and temperatures above 25 ° C, it will suffer decorative look for which pelargonium is so valued. Home care for this royal plant is to create optimal light, temperature and water conditions.
Watering in spring and summer should be regular. Feeding twice a month liquid fertilizers. The dormant period of geraniums is forced, it is due to the fact that from October to February in the temperate zone low level natural lighting. Conditions for the winter dormancy of the plant:
- temperature from +8 to +15 °C;
- watering is rare;
- air humidity is moderate.
The lack of light leads to the fact that the internodes on the stem are stretched, the plants lose their decorative effect and do not bloom. Excessive watering during flowering or lack of moisture can cause yellowing of the leaves and fall of the inflorescences.
Plant transplant
Young royal pelargonium needs an annual transplant. The mixture for growing should contain the following types of substrates: soddy soil, leafy soil, washed river sand in a ratio of 1:3:1. The pot is taken in medium size, otherwise the plant will not bloom. When transplanting, cut off rotten or damaged roots. If the plant looks healthy, and there are no roots in the drainage hole, then transshipment can be carried out 1 time in 2 years. Old plant bushes usually stretch out, the stems below are exposed. For reproduction, renewal and rejuvenation of different types and cultivars of pelargonium, two main methods are more often used - cuttings and sowing seeds.
Reproduction by cuttings
Large-flowered pelargonium at home reproduces vegetatively and by seeds. Rooting of cuttings is carried out in the spring or shoots obtained by pruning in August are planted. It is important that the air temperature is not higher than +25 °C (optimum +18 °C). It is necessary to grow cuttings in one of the light substrates:
- soddy soil and sand (1:1);
- high-moor peat with the addition of sand and perlite (1:1:1);
- peat and sand (1:1).
Disinfection of the earth is carried out with a dark solution of potassium permanganate. Cutting tools must be clean. From one shoot, several sections of the stem with 2-3 internodes can be cut. Only the bottom sheet on the handle is cut off, and the rest is saved. In water, homemade pelargonium can give roots, shoot care in this case is a little easier. Another way to get quality planting material:
- dry the cuttings for 2.5 hours;
- plant in a substrate and do not water;
- a pot with an earthen mixture and cuttings does not need to be covered with a glass jar on top;
- water rarely, spray daily with warm water.
After 3 weeks, when rooting is completed, pinch the central bud of a young plant, which will ensure its branching. Top dressing can be started after another 2 weeks.
seed propagation
During flowering, for fruit set, it is necessary to carry out artificial pollination of domestic pelargonium. The seeds develop inside a pointed capsule, which cracks when ripe. For workpiece seed choose and leave to completely fade the most beautiful buds. The inflorescences cut together with the stalk should still ripen in a dry place. When the seeds are completely dry, choose the largest. Then you have to leave collected material in a weak solution of potassium permanganate for 4 hours, sow in a shallow container filled with a light, moist substrate.
Zonal geranium - everyone's favorite
Pelargonium zonale is one of the best known groups of the genus Pelargonium. Even 50 years ago it was hard to imagine a Soviet man's house without densely leafy geranium bushes on the windows. Bright red, delicate pink and elegant white inflorescences beckoned like lights. For its wide distribution, geraniums were even called the "petty-bourgeois flower."
Gradually new species indoor plants replaced the familiar and slightly annoying pelargoniums. All the more pleasant was their triumphant return at the beginning of the 21st century. After the breeding of new varieties, zonal pelargonium again won its place under the sun and attracted the attention of even those who previously considered the flower to be philistine, artless.
Description of zonal pelargonium
Succulent green geranium stems bring palmately lobed leaves up to the light. A brown-red rim is clearly visible on the surface of the plate. Breeders have bred varieties and hybrids that differ in width, color and alternation of zones on the leaves. Traditional shades of inflorescences are red, white, pink, purple. Corollas can be double or single.
Care for an adult plant of zonal geranium consists of pinching and pruning in spring, abundant watering in summer. In winter, the amount of moisture should be reduced, keep the plants in a cool place. Old specimens can be rejuvenated by cutting to a stump. But top scores are obtained by rooting the apical shoots. When cutting geraniums, the cut shoot is first dried, then planted in the soil, not sprayed, only occasionally watered. In the warm season, it is useful to take pots with pelargoniums to the terrace, balcony.
Pelargonium: royal, zonal, fragrant
The first flowering pelargoniums began to be cultivated in their homeland in South Africa, and they were brought to Europe in the 17th century. Other geraniums - zonal, fragrant, thyroid - quickly gained popularity in the Old World.
By outward signs and the characteristics of growing flower growers traditionally distinguish 6 groups of cultivated pelargoniums:
- Royal (home, large-flowered, family).
- Zonal.
- Fragrant (fragrant)
- Angel.
- Ivy (thyroid).
- Unique.
Modern cultivars created in each group have the most spectacular appearance. Angel Geranium is a small compact pelargonium. home care for fragrant geranium it is simple, but in some people its smell, touching the hairs of pubescence on leaves and stems can cause allergies. Pelargonium thyroid, or ivy, - ampelous plant with hanging green densely leafy shoots, showy red or pink flowers. The group of unique geraniums combines species, varieties and hybrids that are not included in any of the above groups.
