Angiosperms (Flowering Plants) • Earth.com

Garden geranium

(Pelargonium hortorum)

galery
en

Description

Pelargonium hortorum, commonly known as the garden or zonal geranium, is a popular flowering plant belonging to the Geraniaceae family. It is native to South Africa but is widely cultivated worldwide as an ornamental plant due to its attractive flowers, ease of cultivation, and wide range of colors and patterns. In this article, we will explore the key features of Pelargonium hortorum, its history, taxonomy, cultivation requirements, and uses. Taxonomy and History The genus Pelargonium comprises around 280 species and is part of the Geraniaceae family. Pelargonium hortorum was first described in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus, a Swedish botanist, and zoologist. The plant's name comes from the Greek word "pelargos," meaning stork, which refers to the long, slender fruit capsule's resemblance to a stork's beak. Pelargonium hortorum is commonly known as the garden or zonal geranium due to the distinctive zonal banding pattern on the leaves. The plant's other common names include storksbill, horseshoe geranium, and scarlet ivy. Features Pelargonium hortorum is a compact, herbaceous perennial plant that typically grows to a height of 30-60 cm and spreads to about 30-40 cm. The plant has succulent stems that are upright or trailing, depending on the cultivar. The leaves are simple, lobed, and succulent, with a distinctive zonal banding pattern. The zonal pattern is caused by the presence of a darker band of tissue around the leaf's margin, which contrasts with the lighter green center. The flowers of Pelargonium hortorum are borne in clusters on upright stems and are typically 2-5 cm in diameter. The flowers come in a range of colors, including red, pink, white, salmon, and orange. They have five petals that are fused at the base to form a characteristic floral tube. The flowers also have five sepals, which are green and pointed and are located at the base of the petals. Cultivation Pelargonium hortorum is a popular plant for home gardeners due to its ease of cultivation and wide range of colors and patterns. The plant prefers well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0-6.5 and full sun to partial shade. It is tolerant of a range of temperatures and can be grown both indoors and outdoors. Pelargonium hortorum is propagated by stem cuttings, which can be taken in the spring or summer. The cuttings should be about 10 cm long and should be taken from healthy, mature stems. The cuttings can be rooted in a potting mix of perlite and peat moss and should be kept moist until roots develop. Once established, Pelargonium hortorum requires regular watering and fertilization to maintain healthy growth and abundant flowering. The plant should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry, and fertilizer should be applied every two to three weeks during the growing season. Deadheading the spent flowers will encourage the plant to produce more blooms. Propagation Pelargonium hortorum can be propagated from cuttings, seeds, or division. Propagation from cuttings is the most common and easiest method. Cuttings are usually taken in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. The stem cuttings should be about 10-15 cm long and include at least three to four nodes. Remove the leaves from the lower part of the stem, leaving only two or three leaves at the top. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and insert it into a well-draining rooting medium. Water thoroughly and place the cutting in a warm, bright, and humid location. Keep the medium moist and wait for the cutting to root and start growing. Propagation from seeds is another method but it is less commonly used. The seeds can be sown in late winter or early spring. Sow the seeds in a well-draining, sterile soil mix and cover them lightly with soil. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and place the container in a warm and bright location. The seeds should germinate within 10-14 days. Once the seedlings have grown big enough, they can be transplanted into individual pots or the garden. Division is the third method, but it is only recommended for mature plants. To divide a plant, carefully dig up the plant and separate the root clumps into smaller sections. Replant the smaller sections in a new pot or in the garden, making sure that they are at the same depth as they were before. Overall, Pelargonium hortorum is an easy-to-propagate plant that can be propagated by cuttings, seeds, or division. Uses Pelargonium hortorum is primarily grown for its ornamental value. Its bright, colorful blooms make it a popular choice for container gardening, window boxes, and borders. It is also commonly used in municipal landscaping, public gardens, and park settings. In addition to its aesthetic value, Pelargonium hortorum has also been used for medicinal purposes in traditional medicine. Its leaves and flowers are commonly used to make teas and tinctures for treating wounds, infections, and digestive issues. The plant is believed to have anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and astringent properties, and has been used to treat conditions such as coughs, colds, sore throats, and skin irritations. However, it is important to note that more scientific research is needed to confirm the efficacy of these traditional uses. Pelargonium hortorum has also been used in the fragrance industry, particularly for its sweet and citrusy scent. Its essential oil is used in perfumes, soaps, and other cosmetic products. Overall, Pelargonium hortorum is a versatile plant with a range of uses and benefits, from its beautiful blooms to its potential medicinal properties. Conservation Status Pelargonium hortorum is not currently listed as a threatened or endangered species by any major conservation organizations, such as the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This is likely due to its widespread cultivation and popularity as an ornamental plant, which has led to its establishment in many parts of the world outside of its native range in South Africa. However, like all species, Pelargonium hortorum could potentially be impacted by habitat loss, invasive species, or other environmental factors, and it is important to continue monitoring its status and conserving its natural habitat. Conclusion Pelargonium hortorum is a beautiful and versatile plant that is beloved by gardeners around the world. Its ease of care, long-lasting blooms, and wide range of colors make it a popular choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. With proper cultivation and care, Pelargonium hortorum can provide years of enjoyment and beauty to any garden or landscape.

Taxonomic tree:

Domain:
Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order:Geraniales
Family:Geraniaceae
Genus:Pelargonium
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