Geranium with large flowers. Indoor geranium: types and varieties with photos and names

Geranium is an unpretentious plant that fits perfectly into the design of flower beds or window sills. All kinds of colors attract both landscape designers and ordinary housewives who dream of giving the room a special atmosphere. Consider the best views pelargonium.

There are many varieties of geraniums. Professional gardeners have about 45 of its species.

Modern landscape designers use the flower in question as in closed buildings so in gardens or parks. In addition to being attractive appearance and unpretentiousness in care, geranium has another significant plus: resistance to cold and the scorching sun.

The plant is often used to decorate outdoor areas.

Plant species are distinguished by growing conditions, flowering time and height. It is worth considering in more detail the most popular varietal types.

Zonal variety

Such a flower is the most sought-after plant on the windowsills of housewives. He unpretentious, often blooms and is not afraid of temperature changes. Flowers are usually bright color and grow in inflorescences. The leaves look rounded, slightly wavy at the edges and are colored dark red or brown.

may bloom all year round, but this requires suitable conditions for it. It is worth considering one point: the smaller the pot in which the plant is planted, the more abundant it will bloom.

The royal-looking kalachik has a large number of colors and rather large flowers with a diameter of up to 15 centimeters. The plant is different dark spots or stripes on terry, wavy or corrugated petals:

Variety Zonal Variety Royal Variety Fragrant

The name of the variety indicates that the plant has a large number of aromas - rose, strawberry, lemon. The aroma becomes audible at the slightest touch to the leaves.

inflorescences here too small, painted in pink or purple.

The oil, which is obtained from fragrant, is widely used in folk medicine, cosmetology and culinary arts.

The main difference of this type are peculiar flowers that resemble pansies. The plant is not demanding to care, grows as a bush and reaches 50 centimeters in height.

In that case when flower pruning done wrong or out of time, then the shape of the ball will become falling.

Blooms in summer. Flowering is so abundant that the flowers cover the entire foliage. The colors of the flowers are very bright.

The subspecies under consideration was bred by breeders by crossing several types of geraniums. The leaves of the unique are dissected and painted in dark color. From them comes aroma of cooking spices.

inflorescences of this ornamental plant red with a white center. Rarely seen white or pink coloration flowers. It is considered unique to have spotted flowers.

This plant has a branched and curved stem, lignified at the bottom.

Sometimes you can come across a geranium, the stem of which has thorns. Such a kalachik is ideal for creating various designs.

Flower growers call this plant non-flowering, because flowering is rare. Her leaves are unusual, dissected, so it very often grows on the windowsills of private sectors and apartments.

The flower grows up to 1 meter in height. If you touch its leaf, then it starts to smell like lemon.

Varieties plant in question so many, not to list them all. Each flower is unique, beautiful and requires individual care.

Variety Angel Variety Unique Variety Succulent Variety Lemon

Geranium Properties

The Geraniev family, which includes a large number of flowers from Europe, Asia and Africa, has been attracting people for many years. The beneficial properties of geranium were known even in ancient Greece.

What medicinal properties does

For the treatment of various diseases, it is customary for the people to use fragrant or pink geranium.

These plants are considered a real find, because have a positive effect on the body:

  1. Fights bacteria and viruses. Due to the fact that geranium secretes essential oil, it helps to kill harmful microorganisms. For example, staphylococcus aureus.
  2. It has an antiseptic effect.
  3. Stops the bleeding.
  4. Relieves pain.
  5. Heals wounds.
  6. Tones the skin.
  7. Removes puffiness.
  8. Helps manage diabetes.
  9. Supports the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
  10. Regulates the functioning of the liver and kidneys.
  11. Strengthens the heart.

All the described properties make geranium a unique plant. This natural storehouse is increasingly found in the apartments of housewives.

What is pelargonium oil for?

Experts have proven that geranium oil:

  • promotes brain activity
  • stimulates normal physical activity
  • restores the nervous system
  • relieves a person of unreasonable fear
  • lowers blood sugar
  • prevents the spread of tumor cells

In addition to all that is mentioned above, geranium oil has a few more useful properties . They are:

The oil is widely used in folk medicine, cosmetology, and cooking. On its basis, a large number of healing ointments, regenerating creams, and tonics have been created.


We strongly recommend that you consult your doctor before embarking on self-medication.

What are the signs associated with geraniums

Walks among the people many signs, which are associated with the ball. It is worth considering each of them in more detail.

  1. If a geranium bloomed in the house, which has pink flowers, then someone in the family will definitely fall in love.
  2. Pink flower often saves broken families. It protects from love spells and quarrels that a rival can bring.
  3. White can help spouses who are unable to conceive a child. The plant is recommended to be placed near the matrimonial bed.
  4. red geranium protects the home from detractors.
  5. Dry flowers symbolize material wealth and attract money to the home. Experts advise putting a geranium herbarium in your wallet.
  6. In educational institutions, they put a ball in order to help build relationships between students and teachers. Besides, contributes to the high achievement of children.

Improving academic performance is a great reason to put a pet in school if no one has allergies
  1. In the workplace, the plant prevents the emergence of conflicts in the team. It is customary to put it in those places where management receives customers and business partners.

Similar signs have been tested for years. This suggests that the pet is useful not only in medicine, but also in everyday life.

Growing and transplanting a flower

If a pelargonium was planted in an apartment, then the hostess should take into account a few basic points for caring for the flower.

The plant needs proper lighting, timely watering, a certain temperature, pinching and pruning. It is forbidden to spray.

Growing order

Kalachik prefers to grow on a light and warm windowsill, to be at room temperature. With insufficient light the plant blooms poorly or dull and rare flowers appear on it.

Indoors, geraniums should not be exposed to direct sunlight, but outdoors, the flower tolerates sunny weather well.

Watering should be done when the soil in the pot dries out. Excessive moisture provokes rotting of the root system and weakening of the leaves.

IN winter period kalachik need water very infrequently. It is better to achieve a lack of water than its excess.

The soil in the pot should be nutritious, it should contain peat and sand. Drainage should be placed at the bottom of the pot and periodically loosen the ground.

Pinching is carried out in order to grow a lush and beautiful plant. During the procedure, which is performed in late February or early March, you need to remove the growth point.

During the growth of the ball, it should constantly feed. It is better to do this with the help of liquid fertilizers, which contain nitrogen and a lot of phosphorus.

How to transplant and propagate

Geranium propagation is usually carried out in two ways. They are:

cuttings

Specialists cut cuttings with 5 leaves from the upper shoots and leave them for a couple of hours in the air. After a certain time the cut is sprinkled with to accelerate the growth of the root system and plant cuttings in the soil.


Cuttings are considered a reliable method of propagation.

The plant takes root in 1-1.5 months, during which it is better to sprinkle the flower, rather than water it. When the kalachik is completely rooted, it is seated in pots.

seeds

This method is almost always used by breeders. Seeds are planted in small pots, and after the seedlings have come out, they are transplanted into larger containers. blooms such a flower after 12 months.

Geraniums are transplanted at any time of the year, because there is no specific deadline for this procedure. In order to transplant a kalachik, you need to prepare a pot, soil, drainage and garden watering can. Sequencing:

  • the plant is taken out of the old container along with the earth
  • carefully examine its roots
  • cut off that part of them where is decay or sickness
  • put the flower in a new pot, cover the gaps with soil, water
  • put in a dark place for a week
  • in 7 days put in the right place

The most common diseases and pests

Diseases of pelargonium are often found when it is improperly maintained. In order to prevent the death of the plant, treatment should be carried out.

Yellow leaves

At the slightest change in the appearance of the bun, it is worth consulting with a specialist and describing the problem.

If the flower leaves turn yellow then it lacks moisture. The plant completely withers when the soil is waterlogged.

If pelargonium freezes over, then the edges of its leaves turn red. In winter, the pot should not touch the glass on the window.

If you hit a flower blackleg, then his stem darkens. This happens due to excessive moisture in the soil. In this case, the plant will have to be disposed of.

If the stem becomes bare and the leaves fall off, then the kalachik does not have enough daylight.

If it appears on the leaves gray mold, this indicates the presence of a fungal disease. The flower must be treated with a fungicide.


According to statistics, pink, royal and zonal geraniums are more common among gardeners. This is due to the extraordinary beauty of the plant and its unpretentious care.

From early childhood, I remember that I was surrounded by flowers - in the house, in the front garden, there were many beautiful and bright plants. But the most favorite flower of my grandmother, who was the main florist in the family, was geranium.

This is not surprising, a spectacular and unpretentious inhabitant of our window sills, balconies, street flower beds, will not leave anyone indifferent.

When I had a child, it became noticeable that there was not enough money, and I decided, without really bothering myself, to earn a little money. Get serious about growing beautiful plants. The choice was stopped at geranium, or as it is also called, pelargonium.

  1. Firstly, by correctly and carefully selecting varieties (and even I can name them without hesitation from fifty), there are luxurious flowers in the house. Moreover, these flowers actively grow, and do not fade in vases with water;
  2. Secondly, you can always take a leaf or cutting to plant a new plant without the risk of harming the mother flower;
  3. Thirdly, crossing varieties in order to obtain new shades is an exciting activity that does not take much time. There is an opportunity to calmly manage household chores and play with the baby;
  4. Fourthly, there is always at hand an original bright gift for loved ones. It is also a real financial savings.

The list can be continued with many more points, but for me the passion for the plant has become the main hobby and a source of good income.

How to make money growing geraniums

I have not yet put the cultivation of flowers on a "big foot", in industrial scale. So far, there is enough trouble with the baby, and I do not have time to build greenhouses and hotbeds. In addition, we need forces, means, again the same time to draw up various legal documents.

You can sell plants already "ready" in the following ways:

  1. Carry or carry several pots to the market. This method is not convenient for everyone, and even unacceptable. Not everyone has the skill to trade;
  2. Geraniums will be bought by people who systematically sell flowers and have the appropriate documents, market places, etc. for this;
  3. A good way is to advertise in the city advertising newspaper, on the Internet. This brings a certain result, because a pot of flowering pelargonium costs at least 600 rubles;
  4. A very good option is to offer flowers to owners of cafes, restaurants, business leaders for decorating offices, exhibitions, and presentations of their products.

Pelargonium cultivation

Many fans of these flowers argue that geranium and pelargonium are different plants belonging to the same family - shrubs and herbs. Their homeland is warm southern countries. But let biologists worry about this issue of plant separation. My flowers grow successfully in the middle lane.

My pets feel good both on the windowsills and in open field, on the site, and even outside the gates of the house. Geranium is cold-resistant (although it belongs to the genus of heat-loving plants). It is perennial and beautifully flowering.

Despite these characteristics, my pet requires attention.

plant care

The flower does not require special conditions for growing, but you need to pay attention to such points: regular watering, good lighting and air temperature.

I live in a private house and keep flower pots in the house in winter. In the spring, I plant young plants in flower beds, in the front garden, “potted”, intended for sale, and take them out into the street. When there is a danger of frost, I cover the plants with a film at night.

reproduction

Geraniums are grown equally successfully from both cuttings and seeds. Proper drainage and fertilization of the soil is the key to success. This is especially important if the flowers grow in pots. Of course, that every weed is immediately removed even from the pot.

I would like to dwell on the issue of reproduction of geraniums. It can be done in two ways:

  1. Seed, not very popular among flower growers. However, if lovers of experimenting are engaged in breeding varieties, the most correct;
  2. Cuttings, which, in turn, are of two types.

Varieties

I never thought about what the flowers are called, of course, for the time being, when geraniums became my passion. I know that in the world there are more than two hundred species of these beautiful plants. At home, I grow several varieties - Angel, Terry, Pink. I do various experiments with these plants, they have taken root well in my house and in the garden.

You should not start a lot of varieties, it is better to engage in selection, create your own varieties, provide yourself with high-quality seed material. To this I want to add that geranium seeds are easy to sell if you really seriously devote yourself to such a hobby.

When I began to seriously engage in floriculture, I asked what benefits and harms my favorite plant could bring. This was prompted by the care of my little son.

A beautiful large-flowered geranium, red, pink or purple, after some time inhaling its fragrance, will remove headache. If you roll the leaves into tubules, lay them in your ears, the effect of the action will increase significantly. Pelargonium of bright red color works most effectively.

Harmful properties

Despite the many magical, magical qualities, not all people can use or keep geraniums in the house. Preparations prepared from the plant are contraindicated in such cases:

  1. With diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
  2. With liver diseases;
  3. Sometimes the smell of geranium is not perceived during pregnancy;
  4. Geraniums should be handled with care by the elderly.

Conclusion

In general, since ancient times it was believed that the presence of this plant in the house helped to solve many everyday problems, it prolongs the life of a sick family member. Geranium serves as a kind of indicator and warning that someone in the house will soon fall ill - the flower begins to wither, fade.

In nature, there are more than two hundred species of geranium. Thanks to the selection, many varieties have been developed that can satisfy the taste of any even the most demanding grower. Geraniums today adorn houses, balconies, gazebos and terraces, gardens. Many varieties are decorative not only in color, but also in foliage.


Pelargonium zonal is the most numerous type of geranium. Indoor zonal geraniums have a straight, strong stem with lush foliage. The leaves of these plants are often bordered with a reddish stripe, and emit a fragrance. The name of the variety comes from the spots on the leaves of geraniums, the spots on the leaf plates are randomly arranged, irregular and unequal in shape. Leaf plates are covered with pile, velvety to the touch. Pelargonium zonal is represented by many tall and miniature plants, differing in the shape of the leaves, the shape of the flowers and their color. Geranium is zonal, all types and varieties are well grown and differ abundant flowering. One of the most popular strains to grow is Happy Thought. The plant has variegated juicy green leaves, in the center of the leaf plate of an irregular shape there is a spot of bright yellow color. The petals of a regular flower are bright scarlet. Unusual blue geranium: the five-petalled flower of the Blue Blood variety is violet in color, the petals are literally pierced with red-burgundy veins.

Important! When fertilizing domestic plants with purchased fertilizers, pay attention to the composition and amount of nitrogen in it. An excess of this element stimulates the growth of foliage in geraniums at the expense of flowering.

Zonal Pelargonium clove

A popular variety with flower growers. The flowers of this pelargonium resemble carnations, the same carved, fluffy petals. Carnation pelargonium has a large range of colors - from pastel colors to bright carmine, from pale pink to purple, there are two-color petals. The following varieties are popular in home cultivation:

  • Pat Hannam- the color of the petals - from pale pink to deep lilac;
  • Graffiti Violet- lilac-purple flowers;
  • Freshwater- pale pink petals.

Zonal Pelargonium stellata

This variety of room geranium is distinguished by an unusual shape of leaves and petals: the edge of the leaves seems to be written out with clear large teeth. The petals are large with torn edges, the lower petals in some varieties are distinguished by two sharp tips. The first to start breeding star pelargonium were the Australians. Some interesting varieties:

  • Peppermint Star- petals are pale closer to the center, at the tips - crimson;
  • Star Flair- against a bright crimson background, a white spot at the base of the petal clearly stands out, the shape of the petals is narrow;
  • Swiss Star- two-color, on a pale lilac background, bright coral-colored stripes are visible along the petal.

Did you know? Geranium was revered in family magic: girls wore amulets with oil or flower petals, attracting the groom, married women believed that geranium protects their family and prolongs their youth and attractiveness for their husband.

Zonal Pelargonium cactus

Pelargonium cactus looks like a disheveled: it has large flowers with very narrow, sometimes needle-shaped petals. These plants became popular at the end of the 19th century. Popular varieties:

  • Fascination- carmine-colored petals, long, nail-like, the edges of the petal are tucked down, which makes the shape more pointed;
  • Noel- the petals are white, twisted, bright pink anthers rise above the stamen.

Zonal pelargonium non-double, or simple

Pelargonium non-double has simple flowers, five semicircular petals, flowers can be both large and small. The brightest varieties:

  • Moulin Rouge- bright red geranium, large spherical inflorescences are formed by small flowers up to 15 pieces;
  • Santa Maria- carmine petals, from eight to twelve flowers in a round inflorescence;
  • Happy of New Life- two-tone, uneven spots of white and coral, scattered randomly over the petals, clear veins are visible on a white background.

Zonal pelargonium semi-double

Semi-double indoor geranium - a little more magnificent than a simple one, it has up to eight petals, a large palette of colors. Demanded in indoor cultivation varieties:

  • Peppermint Twist- Pelargonium variegated raspberry-white with a red stripe;
  • Georgia Peach- bright yellow flowers with rounded petals;
  • Calais- a soft pink main background, in the middle is a petal of a coral shade.

Zonal pelargonium terry

Terry pelargoniums are different big amount openwork petals and seem fluffy due to the lighter underside of the petal. Flowers are collected in dense rounded caps. The homeland of room pelargonium is South Africa, the plant is accustomed to warmth and lighting, if it does not have enough light, provide additional lighting, otherwise the flowers will be faded. Interesting varieties:

  • Pebbles- crimson petals with a light almost white center, a miniature variety;
  • Shelk Moiraс- a densely double flower of a coral pale tone, bright green foliage;
  • Brookside Fantasy- petals are two-color: a strip of a darker color stands out against a lilac background.

Zonal pelargonium rosacea

Geranium with double flowers, similar to miniature roses. A large number of petals, tightly adjacent to each other, are collected in a stuffed bud. Numerous buds form a dense ball of inflorescence. Rosaceous pelargoniums are distinguished by a variety of tones. The most popular of the varieties:

  • Apple Blossom- white petals with pale pink tips are collected around a pale green stamen;
  • Magda- lush buds of carmine tone, with a lighter underside of the petal.

Zonal tulip-shaped pelargonium

Tulip geranium flowers look like an unopened tulip. Simple non-double petals are tightly collected in buds, which, in turn, form lush inflorescences-bouquets.

A variety of tulip-shaped pelargonium was bred by American breeders from Boston, Massachusetts. One of the parents of the new variety was the pelargonium variety Fiat.

Popular varieties:

  • red pandora- bright carmine buds, veins of the same color are clearly visible on the petals, but half a ton darker;
  • Patricia Andrea- bright dark pink buds, the variety has carved large leaves;
  • Linea Andrea- attracts the attention of a pedicel covered with stiff bristles, holding a large lilac-colored bud.

Zonal Pelargonium Deacon

Deacons are miniature plants, compact in shape. This species is characterized by lush and abundant flowering. The color of the petals is pink, red and orange shades. The variety was first introduced in 1970 in the city of Chelsea at a flower fair. The author of the variety of this pelargonium, Stanley Stringer, indicated the parental varieties in the description: the zonal variety Orion and the ivy-leaved pelargonium Blue Peter. The most unusual variety - Deakon Birthday, the color of the petal is creamy pink with a coral center.

Pelargonium royal

The royal pelargonium is called the most attractive species, its height is from 16 to 40 cm and about 16 cm in diameter. Pelargonium has a wide variety of shades of flowers from white to dark purple. Flowers can be simple and double, the petals are wavy or corrugated, they are interspersed in the form of spots or stripes on the main background of the flower. The uppermost petals are velvety to the touch and larger than the rest. The royal variety is the most capricious of all, requiring increased attention when growing. Common varieties of royal pelargonium:

  • Ann Hoystead- high up to 40 cm, flowers are large, petals are dark red with large dark spots;
  • Askham Fringed Aztec- 30 cm high, double white geranium, with bright blueberry stripes along the petal;
  • Black Prince- A 40-centimeter beauty, a thick plum shade, with a thin silvery stripe along the edge of the petal.

Interesting fact! White geranium is considered a symbol of procreation, so it is customary to give it to couples who do not have children. Geranium white color considered also a talisman from ruin.

Pelargonium fragrant

This variety of geranium is called fragrant because of the pleasant subtle aroma, it is enough to press the leaf of the plant with your fingers, and the gentle smell will fill the space around. The aroma of the flower combines the smells inherent in other plants: mint, ginger, lemon and others. Hybrids have been bred that smell of exotic fruits and spices: pineapple, nutmeg, kiwi. The flowers of this species are small, pink and purple shades of petals predominate. The carved leaves of the plant are beautiful, seeming terry.

The following varieties are considered in demand:

  • - up to 30 cm in height and 16 cm in diameter, the leaves are divided into three parts in the form of a blade, edged with teeth, petals are white with red dots on the upper petals, pine aroma with a slight hint of camphor;
  • Ardwick Cinnamon- not large leaves of dark green color, velvety to the touch, white flowers, raspberry spots on the upper petals, smells of cinnamon.

Pelargonium ivy, or ampelous

Pelargonium ivy is named so for the similarity of the shape of the leaves with ivy foliage, the plant is herbaceous, the branches grow up to a meter long. Most often used in decorating loggias, open terraces in hanging pots. A variety of colors - from snow-white to dark blue. Ampelous pelargonium flowers are large, up to 5 cm in diameter, rounded in shape, can be double, semi-double and simple. The most beautiful varieties.

It is a plant of herbaceous and semi-shrub type. Types of geraniums are a huge number of variations with different shapes, sizes. The second name of the plant is crail. This beautiful name she received thanks to the Greeks, who compared her fruits with a crane's beak. It originally grew in South Africa. Its decorative value was recognized only in the 17th century. Initially, the crail adorned the houses of the aristocracy. In the 18th century, he became famous in Russia. Literally a century later, geranium has become an adornment of many homes. Its demand is explained by aesthetics, unpretentiousness and intensive growth. There are over 250 varieties of the flower. Most of them are man-made. The species differ in the color of the inflorescences, the shape of the leaves.

Zonal geranium

The zonal crane is the most popular for growing at home. He has a lot of varieties. Each variety has its own differences. However, there are common features: durability, intensive flowering. They are distinguished by a straightened trunk, which is covered with wavy and lowered leaf plates. The leaves have a red-brown border. They emit a specific smell.

There are the following forms:

  • Ordinary with five petals;
  • Half double with 8 petals;
  • Terry with petals exceeding eight pieces.

The zonal crail also differs in the shape of the flowers:

  • Flowers of a red and pink shade, similar to roses;
  • Similar to tulip buds;
  • reminiscent of a star;
  • Narrow swirling petals, reminiscent of a chrysanthemum;
  • Small flowers grouped in bouquets;
  • Star-shaped.

Coloring of flowers can be as follows:

  • One tone;
  • two tone;
  • Many tones;
  • Flowers with a border;
  • With spots;
  • With intermingled stripes and dots.

The height of a geranium bush can be up to 60 cm if it is a standard plant, up to 10 cm for miniature types. Irenes can grow up to 80 cm.

The zonal crane got its name not by chance. The leaves of the plant are distinguished by zones of different colors. Often they have a border of purple, white. In the middle you can see places with a golden, bronze tint.

royal geranium

If we consider all varieties, the royal crail will be the most beautiful of them. It is distinguished by large flowers of white, burgundy, pink, purple hues. The height is up to 15 cm. Geraniums can grow to a similar size. It appeared in the 19th century. Since then, it has been a sought-after indoor geranium decorating the room. Flowers distinguish her:

  • Big size;
  • Standard or terry form;
  • Petals of corrugated or wavy type;
  • On the petals you can see a dark spot or stripes;
  • The first two petals are distinguished by velvety, increased size, dark tones.

The leaves of the flower are distinguished by:

  • A jagged appearance and roughness that makes them look like maple leaves;
  • One tone or many tones for coloring.

This is one of the most capricious representatives of the family. Its flowering does not last long at all - up to 4 months. Crail begins to bloom only after two years of cultivation.

This plant also got its name not by chance. It emits a whole bunch of aromas. It is enough to touch the leaf, and you will smell mint, strawberry, rose. Modern artificial views include geraniums with the aroma of apple, pineapple, pine needles. Description:

  • The flowers of the plant are quite miniature;
  • They are distinguished different shape, pink or purple hue;
  • The leaf part has a pinnately incised shape and is subdivided into 5-7 zones;
  • Visually, the leaves look terry.

Among the popular varieties of this type, it is worth noting Chocolate Mint, Lime, Citrus. This variety is very versatile. It is used both in medicine and in cooking. Has medicinal properties.

Thyroid or ampelous

Distinctive characteristics:

  • Long shoots reaching a meter;
  • The leaves are asterisk-shaped, dark green in color;
  • Flowers are grouped in racemes;
  • The flower part can be regular, half-double and terry. It reaches 4 cm, is distinguished by a variety of colors: white to the darkest.

Flowering of the plant begins in late spring and continues until early autumn. It is used for decorating loggias, balconies.

Angel

Distinctive features:

  • Flowers resembling pansies in their appearance, white lilac, pink hue;
  • Length up to 40 cm;
  • Intensive branching;
  • Easy care;
  • Small dark green leaves.

Flowering continues all summer. It is very intense.

This is a relatively old look. Its age reaches 150 century. Bred by crossing royal and brilliant crails. They have high aesthetic qualities. Their differences:

  • Foliage of a dark green shade of the dissected type;
  • It has a characteristic aroma;
  • The flower part is similar to miniature royal geraniums;
  • Red petals with a light center.

It is a great success to buy Unicums in white and pink color, as they are very rare.

One of the most unusual varieties. Its characteristics:

  • Branched and curved stems;
  • Bushes of an unusual shape, immediately attracting attention;
  • Stems, in some varieties, have spines.

This variety will require constant monitoring of the level of soil moisture, since if this parameter is violated, it begins to shed its leaves. This is a rather exotic plant that will suit original design interior.

Lemon

This variety does not flower. But it is distinguished by leaves of saturated green color. The pubescent parts of the plant are complex shape. The growth of such a crail can reach 1.5 meters. It is a fragrant species that has a lemon scent. Sometimes the plant begins to bloom, but its flowers are very small and not suitable for decorative purposes.

All species are ideal for growing at home. Some of them are standard. They require routine care. They are also easy to purchase. Other species are truly exotic.

Geranium came to Europe from South Africa in the 17th century and quickly gained popularity. Thanks to the work of breeders, new varieties appeared. It is not surprising that today the number goes into the thousands. Let's look at the main types of geraniums that combine different varieties.

Geranium got its name because of the shape of the fruit, resembling a crane's beak (translated from Greek geranios - "crane"). In total, the family has more than 400 species. IN wild nature it is represented by herbs and shrubs.

Cultivars are very diverse, among them are miniature (less than 12.5 cm in height) and vigorous (up to 1 m). They are used both for outdoor gardening and landscaping, as well as for home cultivation.

In many varieties, flowers are collected in lush inflorescences located on vertical peduncles. Flowers can be single or double.

The leaves have a characteristic aroma reminiscent of lemon or mint.

Video "Feeding with iodine for geraniums"

From this video you will learn how to feed pelargonium with iodized fertilizer.

Main types

Home geraniums are divided into two main groups: flowering and.

The former are more popular due to their spectacular appearance. They are represented by several varieties, often not isolated, but intersecting with each other. In fact, in this case, a species is understood as a characteristic feature inherent in a plant: it can relate to the characteristics of leaves or flowers, the height of a bush, etc. Many varieties have 2–3 such features at once, which means they belong to all relevant groups.

To begin with, consider the beautifully flowering types of geraniums.

Zonal

most popular and large group. Its feature is the presence of a red or brown patch on the leaves. It usually has the shape of an uneven circle. The more light a flower receives, the more pronounced the contrast.

The leaves themselves are rounded, slightly wavy, often slightly pubescent, with a characteristic odor. The stem is erect, usually needs shaping. Without proper pinching, some varieties can grow up to 1 m in height.

The flowers of this variety are simple (5 petals), semi-double (6-8 petals) and double (more than 8 petals).

Rosaceae

As the name implies, the flowers of such geraniums resemble miniature roses. Usually they are terry or densely double. May have a smooth or wavy edge. Petals are both monochromatic and two-color, with a lighter outer side or a smooth gradient from edge to base. Inflorescences are lush, up to 20 pcs.

Tulip-shaped

The flowers of this variety remain half-closed throughout the entire flowering period, which is why they resemble. They themselves are small, up to 1.5 cm in diameter, but they form very lush inflorescences, sometimes up to 40 pieces. Most often red or pink, but there are a few white varieties. It is believed that the latter are more difficult to care for and are less amenable to shaping.

Sometimes the flowers can "spoil", that is, open completely.

unique

The first representatives of this group appeared in the first half of the 19th century.

A kind of royal geraniums in miniature - the height of the bush in this species does not exceed 35 cm. The flowering is plentiful. The flowers are round and rather small. They can be purple, white, pink, orange. There is usually a spot on the petal, giving these flowers a resemblance to pansies. The upper petals are wide. The lower ones are narrower, often forming a "fan".

The stems are thin, becoming woody over time. The leaves are small, with a crenate edge and a pronounced smell.

Despite the external fragility, the variety is very hardy. In partial shade it becomes ampelous, in the sun it forms a strong upright bush. It blooms so profusely that sometimes the leaves are not visible under the flowers.

Like the royal geranium, the "angels" are often affected by the whitefly.

Variegated

Varieties of this group are most valued for their decorative leaves. It can be expressed in different ways: white spots, a wide border, contrasting veins, etc. In some varieties, the leaves are rounded, in others they are openwork. Three-color varieties are very beautiful, for example Golden Brilliantisum - the inner part of the leaf is green, there is a wide yellow border around it, and a bright orange circle, as if encircling the center, is layered on both parts.

However, in order to maintain their decorative effect, these geraniums must receive abundant lighting: in winter, even with additional illumination, the leaves may completely or partially lose their decorative effect. A number blooms rarely or does not bloom at all.

cactus

The variety is distinguished by long, elongated (sometimes up to needles) and often twisted petals, which makes the inflorescences look shaggy. Flowers can be single or bicolor. The peak of popularity of this group came at the end of the 19th century, now it is quite rare.

ivy

The group is so named because of the shape of the leaves, reminiscent of ivy or star. Also called thyroid. This variety includes the majority, that is, those in which the stems creep or fall. They are often grown in hanging baskets and used for outdoor gardening. IN landscape design such geranium is sometimes grown as a ground cover. The length of the shoots can reach 1 m.

The leaves are without pubescence, dense, smooth, glossy and very even, which is why they are sometimes even confused with artificial ones.

Ivy varieties are often variegated. Flowers can be simple and double, up to 5 cm in diameter.

Dwarf

This group includes plants with a height of 12.5 to 30 cm. Flowering is most often plentiful, long and lush, in some varieties the caps even look disproportionately large compared to the bush.

Now let's get acquainted with the second large group of geraniums. Although it is not as popular as the flowering plant, it also has many fans.

The main feature inherent in this species is the presence on the stems and leaves of tiny glands that exude aroma at the slightest touch or fluctuation of air. If the breeding work on the beautifully flowering geraniums concerned precisely the appearance, then in this case the work was mainly on the smell.

At the moment, there are more than 150 varieties, each with its own special aroma, such as rose, lemon, strawberry, apple, nutmeg, cinnamon, etc.

Where the climate permits, this plant is grown on plantations for industrial production. essential oil. It is used in cosmetology, cooking and medicine.

The flowers are small, solitary, most often pink or purple. Some varieties bloom profusely, others bloom rarely and little. The leaves are most often carved, quite beautiful.