Pelargonium or home geranium. Pelargonium or geranium care at home. Pelargonium and geranium: difference, home care, types and reviews

We used to call geranium indoor plant in a pot. Until recently, such flowers were grown in almost every home. Now the plant is no less popular. At the same time, a culture with the same name is found in dachas and city flower beds ...

And even today experienced growers often talk about geranium and pelargonium as one plant. Is it correct? It turns out not! Geranium and pelargonium are two different, albeit outwardly similar, plants. They belong to the same Geranium family, but these cultures have much more differences than similarities.

With Greek"pelargos" is translated as "stork", and "geranos" as "crane". Plants got such names because the fruits of pelargonium resemble a stork's beak, and geraniums resemble a crane. Hence the second name of geranium is crail.

Geranium and pelargonium - how to distinguish one plant from another?

In addition to names, plants have many other differences. Let's start with the fact that geranium and pelargonium do not interbreed, because they belong to different genera: Geranium and Pelargonium. AT real life it is not so easy to check this, we will take the word of breeders and advanced flower growers. But the rest of the differences can be studied on your own experience.

What do geraniums and pelargoniums look like?

Let's start with the appearance of plants and their structural features.

Geranium is a perennial herbaceous shrub with carved leaves and a scattering of flowers, each of which has 5-8 symmetrically arranged petals. Flowers may be solitary or collected in inflorescences. Popular varieties of white, pink, lilac and crimson shades, there are also black. But the scarlet flowers garden geranium can not be. root system the plant is strong, branched. Some varieties, such as Oxford geranium, are able to grow quickly and do not require autumn pruning. Geranium is undemanding to the soil.

Even after flowering, the garden geranium bush retains its decorative effect and decorates the site until the end of autumn.

Pelargonium- perennial herbaceous plant. Her leaves are palmate, i.e. leaf veins radiate. flowers irregular shape: The upper petals are slightly larger than the lower ones. Pelargonium blooms with neat lush inflorescences of white, pink, scarlet or dark red shades. But you will not find a blue or purple color in this plant. The root system is small, fibrous. Pelargonium loves loose fertile soil with good drainage and easily tolerates a slight drought. In general, the plant is unpretentious, but requires pruning and shaping. In indoor floriculture, zonal, royal and ivy ampelous pelargoniums are popular.

Where can you grow geraniums and pelargoniums?

The habitats of geraniums and pelargoniums also differ.

Geranium prefers shady or semi-shaded areas of the garden. It is frost-resistant, well winters without shelter. Thanks to strong roots, it can grow on slopes. Geranium bushes look beautiful in trunk circles and rockeries, or rocky gardens, along garden paths. The plant can safely fill the voids in the flower beds. It pairs well with sedum, thyme, and even rose. You can try planting a geranium bush as a tapeworm.

Pelargonium thermophilic and can grow only in an apartment or winter garden. In summer, he will agree to live on a balcony, a draft-free terrace or in a warm section of a flower bed. But for the winter the plant will have to be returned to indoor pot. Doesn't like bright colors sun rays and waterlogging. Sometimes it is grown in the garden as an annual.

Pelargonium has antibacterial properties and perfectly cleans the air. The aroma of the plant helps with headaches, insomnia, stress and cardiovascular diseases.

Since the plants are very different, they also need their own care.

How to care for garden geraniums

If you do not have much time to take care of garden flowers, geraniums - suitable option. She is resilient and resilient. Top dressing, pruning, shelter for the winter - and without all this, the plant will delight with its flowering for a long time. Landing is better in early spring or in autumn. Dig a deep hole, larger than the length of the roots of the seedling, and dig it into the ground by 5 cm. After planting, mulch the soil and water the plant regularly for the first time. If you plant several bushes, then leave a distance of at least 30 cm between them. Geranium grows quickly, so keep this in mind when planning a flower arrangement.

Garden geranium repels pests and weeds, is attractive to pollinating insects, so it can be planted directly on vegetable beds.

After flowering, it is advisable to cut off the flower stalks, and in the fall, remove the aerial wilted part and mulch the bush with compost or tree bark.

Geranium rarely gets sick, but can still get infected powdery mildew or gray mold. In the first case, it is enough to spray the bush with 3% Bordeaux liquid. And in the second - it is better to remove the diseased plant and shed the soil with Trichodermin.

Geraniums can be propagated by seeds or by dividing an adult bush. If it is not possible to plant delenki in the fall, they can be stored until spring. To do this, sprinkle the rhizomes of plants with peat and place in a container or bag with holes. To prevent the roots from drying out, periodically moisten the substrate. The storage temperature should be between 1-4°C.

Back in the 17th century, the Dutch scientist Johannes Burman hypothesized that geranium and pelargonium are not the same plants, despite the fact that they appearance reminds each other. Their main similarity is that they come from the same family - geraniums. Their family includes 5 genera of plants and more than 800 species. The most numerous, famous and popular is pelargonium.

In fact, geranium and pelargonium are very similar in appearance and, at first glance, only a specialist can see the difference between them. According to the world-famous naturalist Carl Linnaeus, these plants can be attributed to the same family because of the similarity of the fruit box. After the pistil has been fertilized, it begins to stretch and thus resemble the beak of a crane.

Translated from Greek, "pelargos" means "stork", and "geranium" is translated as "crane".

Another similar feature of geraniums and pelargoniums is their flowers growing alternately, as well as erect stems that are covered with small hairs. It is also worth noting that the flowers of the geranium family have a rather unusual and special aroma. And most importantly, most representatives of these plants do not require special care, are quite tenacious and easily reproduce.

Geranium or Pelargonium? What is their difference?

1. First of all, it must be taken into account that these two plants cannot be crossed, since they are genetically different. Based on this, they will not be able to produce seeds.
2. If we turn to their origin, then the geranium is a native of the Northern Territories, which means that it perfectly tolerates frosts and any weather conditions. Meanwhile, pelargonium is a native of the Southern Territories. This confirms the fact that she requires warm weather conditions, and in winter period year, it must be transferred to a greenhouse or a house, since otherwise it will not be able to endure a period of frost and cold snaps.
3. Based on the foregoing, pelargonium is usually grown on balconies or in greenhouses, and is also used as decoration on summer veranda or flower beds, and for the wintering period they are transferred to warm room. As for the geranium, it can be safely grown in the garden or in any open space where it develops well and does not require shelter for the winter.

How to distinguish geranium from pelargonium?

In fact, there are a number of features in which geranium differs from pelargonium.

For example:

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1. Geraniums have flowers, each of which has 5 to 8 petals. Meanwhile, pelargonium has a whole corolla of flowers, each of which has a special shape - the first two or three leaves are larger, and the lower ones, on the contrary, are smaller.
2. The color range of geraniums is unlimited, flowers can be painted in any color, with the exception of scarlet. Pelargonium can also be painted in any color with the exception of blue and light blue shades.
3. And the main difference is their habitat. Geranium is considered one of the most favorite plants of summer residents and can be grown in a garden or alley. And most importantly, it does not require any special care. As for pelargonium, this plant is considered domestic, as it needs warmth and cannot tolerate frost. in spring and summer time it can be taken out into the garden or kept on the balcony, but with the onset of cold weather it is necessary to provide warm conditions.

Differences and features in care

Every gardener or just an amateur should know all the rules and features of caring for each of the species of plants available. As it has already become clear, plants from the geranium family do not require special and specific care. Moreover, most of their species do not even need to cut the leaves. In order for the flowers to grow and develop well, for this it is necessary to provide them with timely watering and, immediately before planting, prepare loose soil that can be fertilized with sand or clay.

Geraniums and pelargoniums equally love good lighting, but at the same time they must be protected from direct sunlight, it is better to grow in partial shade. But, nevertheless, geranium is more persistent in the period high temperature, and pelargonium requires more frequent watering and spraying with water.

It is known that geranium reproduces vegetatively and with the help of seeds. Also, after acquiring a dry root of this type of plant in a gardening store, it must be moistened and kept for several days at room temperature. You can start planting in the spring, after the earth warms up.

Pelargonium can also be planted in the same way. Since it home plants, then this can be done at any time of the year at home, but, despite this, more preferred time for planting, there is still spring and the first month of summer, when the temperature remains not very hot.

Pelargonium care features

Pelargonium belongs to house plants and requires more delicate care than geranium. It is known that this flower is famous for its thin and pleasant aroma and gentle color shades. Therefore, in order to grow this flower on your own, you must be guided by the following rules and take into account features, for example, such as:

• Carry out timely and regular watering and spraying during a hot period of time.
• Provide good lighting, but at the same time protect from direct sunlight.
• Make sure that the plant is at a temperature of at least 15, otherwise you need to bring it into the room in a warmer room.
• Trim the leaves regularly and cut off dried flowers.
• Both in summer and in winter, pelargoniums need to provide a favorable and spacious habitat with sufficient light and temperature conditions. Otherwise, she will begin to wither and give birth to very small flowers, the flowering of which will also last a short time.
• Constantly need to monitor the condition of the soil, which needs to be fed nutrients, such as peat, clay or sand, or purchase specially designed minerals from a specialized store. You also need to control the level of moisture, the earth should not dry out, but at the same time it should not be poured either, as this can lead to rotting of the roots.
• In order to ensure the supply of oxygen to the roots of pelargonium, it is necessary to loosen the ground at least once a month, and drainage stones can also be placed on the bottom of the pot.
• Moreover, the size of the pot itself should be suitable for the size of the plant. If it is actively growing and developing, then soon you need to be prepared for the fact that it will need to be transplanted into a more spacious pot. It all depends on the root system, but, as a rule, the geranium family does not require very large pots, medium sizes are quite suitable.

Popular types of decorative pelargonium

Pelargoniums are zonal

A distinctive feature of this species are the stripes on the flower, which run vertically, and also separate leaf blade sheet into different parts and color scheme, which may consist of white flowers, pink and red. In their form, the flowers differ as double, cactus, semi-double and simple.

Pelargonium ivy

The peculiarity of this species lies in the fact that the leaves of the ivy-leaved pelargonium are dense, dark green in color with a glossy sheen. The flowers of this species are the most different colors and shades.

Pelargonium fragrant

The main feature of this plant is its pleasant and delicate aroma. Various varieties of this pelargonium have been bred with aromas of lemon, cinnamon, rose, orange and nutmeg. The color of the flowers is also very diverse, from the most light shades to dark, even purple colors can be found.

Pelargonium with large leaves or "Royal"

This variety of pelargonium is very beautiful and attractive in appearance. No wonder she got her second name "royal", as it requires more delicate care. The flowers themselves are quite large compared to other plant species of the geranium family. Basically, they are all pleated and have darker shades, such as burgundy, red or purple. Also, the period of their flowering is longer than others and the flowers themselves emit a pleasant aroma.

Helpful Hints:

• plants with light flowers need plenty of light.
• should not be used as fertilizer and top dressing organic matter. It is better to fertilize the soil with peat sand or clay.
• with the onset of spring and heat, watering should be increased, but also make sure that the ground is not too wet. You need to water as needed and at the first obvious signs of dryness of the soil.

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REFERENCE! The name geranium has Greek roots, Geranium (crane), and is due to the fact that the ripe fruits of the plant are shaped much like the head and open beak of a crane. When ripe, the seed box of the fruit opens in an unusual way, splitting along the length from bottom to top.

Get to know the types of pelargonium:

As you can see, geranium and pelargonium are not the same thing. They are quite easy to distinguish from each other in the form of flowers and common inflorescences. The growing conditions they need are completely different, because geranium is from the North, and pelargonium is a southerner. Geranium is ideal for landscape design and gardens, and pelargonium is great for rooms, balconies and summer verandas.

GERANIUM GERANIUM

(Geranium), a genus of perennial, less often annual herbs of this family. geraniums. Leaves lobed or dissected, with stipules. Flowers usually with a large bright corolla. The long wings of the box-shaped fruit, when ripe, twist from the bottom upwards in an arcuate manner, scattering the seeds at the same time. OK. 400 species, Ch. arr. in the temperate zone of Sev. hemisphere. There are more than 50 species in the USSR. G. meadow (G. pratense) and G. forest (G. sylvatiс) grow on dry edges, meadows, among shrubs and in light forests; G. small (G. pusillum) - weed. The flowers of G. meadow and some other species are strictly protandric, pollinated by short-proboscis bees and flies; in G. small, the protandria is incomplete (often self-pollination). Propagated by seeds and rhizomes. G. sometimes called. plants of the genus Pelargonium. Mn. species in culture as decoration. plants.

.(Source: Biological encyclopedic Dictionary." Ch. ed. M. S. Gilyarov; Editorial: A. A. Babaev, G. G. Vinberg, G. A. Zavarzin and others - 2nd ed., corrected. - M.: Sov. Encyclopedia, 1986.)

(pelargonium), a genus of plants of the family. geraniums. Includes approx. 200 kinds. Homeland - South and South-West Africa. undersized shrubs and subshrubs, tuberous, perennial and annual plants. Stem erect or creeping. Leaves opposite or alternate, with petioles and two stipules, entire or dissected. Flowers of various colors, usually collected in umbellate or almost spherical inflorescence. how flower culture zonal pelargonium, large-flowered pelargonium, etc. are grown. Hybrid forms of zonal pelargonium were obtained in the 19th century. in England, then in France and other countries. A group of varieties of large-flowered pelargonium was first obtained through breeding work in England. These varieties (they are called English) are used in the landscape of Buckingham Palace in flower arrangements. Plants are grown in greenhouses (in containers), and during the flowering period they are planted in open ground or put in the right place. Faded inflorescences are cut regularly.

.(Source: "Biology. Modern Illustrated Encyclopedia." Editor-in-Chief A.P. Gorkin; Moscow: Rosmen, 2006.)

See what "GERANIUM" is in other dictionaries:

- (gr. geranos crane). A plant with fluffy multiform leaves and flowers and a special smell; their fruits look like a crane's beak, which is why the plant got its name. Dictionary of foreign words included in the Russian language. Chudinov ... ... Dictionary of foreign words of the Russian language

GERANIUM- (pelargonium) genus of perennials evergreens geranium family. motherland South Africa. Geranium is propagated by grassy cuttings in spring (March) and summer (August). Large-flowered geraniums are best cut in August. Chopped cuttings ... ... Brief Encyclopedia household

Geranium- forest. GERANIUM, a genus of perennial, less often annual herbs (Geranium family). About 400 species, mainly in the temperate zone of the Northern Hemisphere. Flowers with large, bright (red, purple, purple, etc.) petals. They grow in forests, on ... Illustrated Encyclopedic Dictionary

Pelargonium Dictionary of Russian synonyms. geranium n., number of synonyms: 13 geraniums (1) geranium ... Synonym dictionary

geranium- and, well. geranium m. one. herbaceous plant with red, white or pink flowers, bred as an ornamental or for obtaining essential oil; pelargonium. BAS 2. My bullshit, my bullshit, Nyushka sang in a rattling weak voice, You are on the window ... ... Historical Dictionary of Gallicisms of the Russian Language

GERANIUM, a genus of perennial, less often annual herbs (Geranium family). About 400 species, mainly in the temperate zone of the Northern Hemisphere. Flowers with large, bright (red, purple, purple, etc.) petals. They grow in forests, meadows and ... Modern Encyclopedia

A genus of perennial, rarely annual herbs of the geranium family. OK. 400 species, mainly in the temperate zone of the Northern Hemisphere. Many species are cultivated as ornamental and essential oil plants. Sometimes geraniums are called plants from the genus ... ... Big Encyclopedic Dictionary

GERANIUM, geraniums, wives. (from Greek geranos crane). A common cheap indoor flower. Dictionary Ushakov. D.N. Ushakov. 1935 1940 ... Explanatory Dictionary of Ushakov

GERANI, and, wives. A herbaceous plant with fragrant leaves, bred as an ornamental or as a commercial plant for essential oil. | adj. geranium, oh, oh and geranium, oh, oh. Geranium leaf. Geranium oil. Geranium family (n.) ... Explanatory dictionary of Ozhegov

GERANIUM- GERANIUM, Geranium, fam. geraniums (Ge gasaceae). In medicine, the following are used: the American species Geranium maculatum L. (North America) and the European species Geranium Robertianum L. (USSR, Finland, Poland, Lithuania, Bessarabia); there are 21 species. From… … Big Medical Encyclopedia

Once I had to get into the real kingdom of multi-colored geraniums in an ordinary city apartment. It turned out that the flowers are called pelargonium. Although everywhere we call pelargonium geranium. The hostess shared her secrets of lush colors, pleasing to the eye almost all year round.

Home care for geranium-pelargonium

First, about the difference between geranium and pelargonium. Geranium is a winter-hardy plant with blue flowers, which is widespread in middle lane Russia. But pelargonium, although belonging to the same family, is much more tender and capricious. She came to us from South America with all the ensuing consequences in the form of warm and sunny love.

pelargonium

• Will freeze under snow, and blooms best outdoors, in medium sized pots on sunny places. Does not love abundant watering, from which her petioles turn black. This is fatal for her.

It does not bloom for a long time in the ground. For some reason it feels better in a confined space flower pot. Even on the windowsill, even in the air. Therefore, to decorate the plots, it is better to expose it directly in what it grows at home in winter.

• You need to water it in hot weather every day, not very plentifully, making sure that earthen clod was neither dry nor wet. It is better to skip one watering than to fill a flower. In cool weather - watered every other day or even two.

It is necessary to bring geraniums into the room from a balcony or garden plot before the onset of autumn cold weather. As soon as the air temperature at night will be 4 5 degrees, it's time to move the flowers to winter apartment. Otherwise, it will stretch out, shed its leaves and will retreat and overdo it for a long time. As soon as you decide to transfer our geranium-pelargonium to rooms on winter time, it must be cut, leaving 5-6 cm plants with branches. From this, it will only become more magnificent and covered with many inflorescences.

• Plant the cut branches in another pot directly into the ground. It is rooting beautifully and by next spring you will have many more new flowering bushes. They decorate garden paths, balconies and verandas are no worse than capricious exotics.

It is very easy to select color combinations from geraniums. It gives you endless possibilities of choice: from pure white to dark scarlet. And in many shades. Indescribable beauty. And unpretentious.

• There are almost no diseases in geraniums. Only from excessive watering, rotting of the stems at the base. But this disaster can simply be avoided.

The hostess also told us that geranium pelargonium heals well. It was amazing.

Geranium is also a remedy

• Squeeze a few geranium leaves in gauze. Moisten a cotton swab with these drops of geranium juice and insert into the nostril if there is a sudden nosebleed. It turns out that geranium is an excellent hemostatic agent.
• A decoction of geranium is used to gargle with sore throat and treat sores in the mouth.
• Geranium repels insects. And in rooms where there are geraniums on the windowsills, and without mosquito nets no flies or mosquitoes.
• It is believed that if you apply geranium leaves to the wrist, it normalizes blood pressure. High goes down, low goes up.
• Mashed geranium leaves in the form of compresses are applied for back pain, sciatica, and osteochondrosis. Such a compress draws out inflammation and relieves pain.

Honestly, it doesn’t matter how to properly call our indoor geranium. Someone argues, foaming at the mouth, proving that we do not grow geraniums, but pelargonium. Not important. It's been the same thing for a long time. Let it bloom for our joy and, if everything is true about her medicinal properties, then let it heal us.

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