Description
Pelargonium Lady Gertrude is a hybrid variety: the product of crossing ivy-leaved and zonal pelargoniums. As a result of breeding work, a very decorative, expressive variety was obtained, most reminiscent of a rose.
Lady Gertrude is a favorite among flower growers today. This amazing plant, being a pelargonium, can easily be confused with a rose. A spectacular decorative flower attracts attention at all exhibitions.
Pelargonium Rococo - what kind of decorative hybrid variety is it?
This hybrid pelargonium variety belongs to the Geraniaceae family. This family includes 11 genera and 800 species, each of which includes a huge number of varieties, including hybrids.
What does Pelargonium Rococo look like?
For your information! Since geranium is the most familiar and widespread indoor flower, breeders regularly work on developing new varieties. Their inflorescences are becoming more and more interesting, while remaining picky about growing conditions.
Brief description and origin story
Description of Pelargonium Rococo:
- growth form - bush;
- internodes are short, shoots are not elongated, quite compact;
- leaves are light green, rounded with wavy edges;
- The main feature is gorgeous flowers, reminiscent of small roses, collected in large inflorescences. Their color is light pink.
Geranium Rococo is a hybrid bred in 1981 in the USA. It was obtained by crossing ivy-leaved and zonal pelargoniums. Rococo owes its vertical growth to the ivy-leaved variety, and the leaves are borrowed from zonal varieties.
Zonal pelargonium
Both parent varieties are distinguished by a variety of colors. Their flowers can be white, red, purple, and the daughter variety has a stable pale pink shade of petals.
Ivy geranium
Appearance
Lady Gertrude boasts terry delicate petals of a light pink shade. As they bloom, the buds acquire a characteristic rose shape , which makes the blooming plant very impressive. The plant gives the impression of tenderness and airiness, but at the same time it is also quite life-loving and tolerates shortcomings of care and maintenance well.
On a note. The bush of the plant branches well and forms a compact, dense shape. The branches of this pelargonium try more to grow in width than in height, which allows you to form the desired shape of the bush without much difficulty.
Pelargonium Millfield Rose (Millfield Rose) - what kind of hybrid variety is it
Pelargonium Millfield Rose belongs to the Geraniaceae family. Its main difference is its unusual inflorescences, which look like small roses. By the way, the shade of the petals is also soft pink, which the owners really like.
Pelargoria has beautiful delicate inflorescences
Pelargonium Millfield Rose is characterized by double inflorescences. Many consider these plants to be the real first ladies among flowers, and admit that even a rose is not so beautiful.
Brief description, history of origin or selection, what it looks like
Pelargonium Millfield Rose combines the characteristics of a zonal and ivy-leaved culture. These features were reflected in the decorative properties of the culture.
- The color and shape of the leaves indicate that they belong to zonal varieties.
- At the same time, the development and shape of the shoots are more reminiscent of ivy-leaved crops.
The plant has large and voluminous inflorescences. They give the flower decorative properties. The heaviness of the flowers creates the need for garter and timely pruning. Otherwise, the culture is transformed into an ampelous plant. At the same time, its flowering will be less abundant and lush.
The description of Millfield Rose pelargonium says that the bushes have large and bright leaves. They look quite beautiful and decorative.
In intense light, you can see a brown stripe on the leaves, which confirms that the variety belongs to the zonal varieties.
For reference! In Russia, lovers of indoor flowers read the name differently: some call it Milfred rose pelargonium, others Milfield rose. Some even classify it as a different species, calling geranium Millfield rose.
Photo
Check out the photo of the flower.
What does bordered spurge look like, what family does it belong to?
Euphorbia bordered has many names that characterize its appearance and habitat - “early snow”, “mountain” or “rich bride”. The shrub belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family and grows no more than 80 centimeters in length.
Bordered spurge grows on mountain slopes
On a note! The length of the plant and the stem are the same, since it has erect shoots on which elongated oval leaves are located. They are painted in a beautiful green shade with blue tints, and its edges are bordered by a snow-white stripe.
Common varieties
The most popular varieties of milkweed Early Snow are:
- Summer Icicle - 40 centimeters in height, whorled leaves are light green and have a white edge along the entire edge;
- Early Snow - similar to the previous variety, but has more noticeable flowering with white buds.
Medicinal properties
Euphorbia tinctures have long been used in folk medicine to treat various ailments. The plant has healing properties:
- increases immunity;
- treats external inflammatory processes;
- reduces itching and other dermatological problems;
- starts the proper functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
- relieves stomach pain due to poisoning.
Briefly about the history of appearance
The plant is native to the mountain slopes of Canada and the northern states of America. It has been grown as a garden ornamental plant relatively recently.
Necessary conditions for landing
Let's find out what requirements Lady Gertrude places on her habitat: what soil composition is important for her, the level of light, temperature and other nuances.
Location and lighting
Since the petals of this pelargonium are very delicate, direct sunlight should not affect them. And although Lady Gertrude needs good lighting, the pot with the plant should be shaded at midday. Note that with constant exposure to active sunlight on the leaves and petals, the latter become paler, the bush itself becomes smaller, looks sick, and inconspicuous.
Note! In order for the plant to bloom magnificently and develop safely, it needs about 4-8 hours of bright light per day.
It is recommended to place the container with this flower on western or eastern windowsills. The southern side with active sun and the dark northern side are not suitable for the plant. In winter, it is recommended to provide additional lighting for Gertrude so that the inflorescences form more actively.
Temperature
For the summer period, the plant is suitable for keeping at a temperature of +20-25 degrees. In winter, pelargonium needs coolness: +12-15 degrees would be the best option. Note that the plant cannot withstand heat and when the temperature rises to +30, flowering stops.
If the heat lasts for a long time, the plant may completely wither. When flowering, it is also important to prevent the petals from touching cold glass and to rid the plant of drafts. Otherwise, pelargonium will begin to drop flowers.
The soil
Pelargonium Lady Gertrude prefers to grow in loose, nutritious soil. It is necessary to avoid the presence of clay inclusions in the substrate, as they greatly weigh it down. Good drainage is important for the plant.
To ensure the outflow of water from the substrate to the bottom of the pot, be sure to place a layer of expanded clay pebbles or crushed bricks. The suitable substrate composition for this pelargonium is as follows:
- turf - 1 part;
- peat soil - 1 part;
- sand - 1 part.
In addition, the soil must have a neutral or slightly acidic reaction. Pelargonium will not grow in acidified soil.
Common diseases and pests
- In case of lack of nutrition, a yellowish tint begins to appear on the edges of the leaves of the plant. It is urgently necessary to fertilize it with mineral fertilizer with phosphorus and potassium. If the color turns red, this may mean that Pelargonium lacks magnesium or the temperature in the room where it is located is too low for it.
- If various swellings appear on the leaves, this means that it has been attacked by a spider mite; beige, white and yellow spots are left by aphids. Insecticidal preparations will help cope with this.
- A whitish coating on the leaves and stem indicates the presence of powdery mildew, against which fungicidal preparations are effective.
Care
Let us consider in detail the main points for caring for pelargonium Lady Gertrude.
Watering
- The plant requires moderate moisture: it is important to prevent the substrate from drying out and the formation of a swamp in the pot.
- Overwatering is especially dangerous for a flower, since its roots easily rot. It is recommended to water only when the top layer of soil becomes dry.
- In summer and spring, watering should be more frequent and abundant, and in winter and autumn the soil should be moistened less frequently.
- There is no need to spray the flowers, since it is able to accumulate moisture on its own. And drops that fall on the petals and leaves can leave unsightly stains on them, and at cool temperatures even lead to rotting.
- Water for irrigation should be settled and soft, its temperature should not be cool. When watering with cold water, the roots of the plant are much more likely to rot, especially if the temperature in the room is cool.
Top dressing
During the growing season, Lady Gertrude needs additional nutrition in the form of mineral complexes. It is important to know that during the flowering period it is necessary to apply only potassium-phosphorus compounds, avoiding nitrogen, since the latter component negatively affects the flowering of the plant.
The frequency of fertilization is approximately once every two weeks in summer; in winter, pelargonium does not need additional nutrition. In this case, it is better not to use organic matter for fertilizing: pelargonium Gertrude prefers mineral compositions. In rare cases, you can feed the plant with a weak solution of chicken manure.
Wintering
In winter, the plant somewhat loses its decorative effect, since the main decoration - flowers - are absent, and without them the bare stem looks lonely.
Important! In the cold season, Lady Gertrude pelargonium needs rest: it needs to be watered less, not fed, and kept at a temperature no higher than +15 degrees.
If the winter maintenance measures are followed, the plant will be able to form many flower stalks and will delight you with lush flowering in the summer.
Lighting
When growing pelargoniums, you must remember that these are light-loving plants. Planted in open ground or taken out into the open air for the summer, they tolerate direct sun well. The exception is royal pelargoniums, which are more picky about the effects of wind and rain, so it is preferable to grow them on terraces, balconies and window sills, in protected places. If pelargonium is located indoors (in a greenhouse, on a window), where light enters through glass, the plant may overheat, especially in conditions of poor ventilation. Then you will need protection from the scorching summer midday sun. Pelargonium will tolerate slight shading, but with a lack of light, the lower leaves will begin to turn yellow and die, the stem will become bare, and the plant will not bloom.
It is important to regularly, once every few days, turn the plant at a small angle relative to the light source; this is necessary for uniform growth of the crown.
Possible problems
Almost all problems that arise when growing Lady Gertrude pelargonium arise from the lack of proper care for it. Next, we will consider the most common health and well-being problems with this plant. We will also tell you how to cope with diseases.
With leaves
If a yellow edging appears on the tips of the plant's leaves, this indicates a nutritional deficiency problem. If such a symptom is detected, be sure to feed the pelargonium with mineral compounds with phosphorus and potassium. If the color of the foliage changes to an uncharacteristic reddish color, this may indicate a lack of magnesium in the soil or that the air temperature is too cool.
Pests
When spider mites appear on pelargonium, the leaves become deformed : swellings, bumps, and dry areas appear on them. If spots of different shades appear on the leaves: yellowish, whitish, beige, this means that the plant has been occupied by aphids. Insecticidal preparations will help to cope with pests.
Diseases
Pelargonium Lady Gertrude, of all the diseases dangerous to these flowers, is more prone to bacterial varieties. Thus, a disease such as black rot often occurs. Pathology manifests itself as blackening of the root, stem, and then leaves.
As a result of this disease, the entire plant dies, and there is no cure for it. Rot can only be prevented by disinfecting the soil before planting and preventing it from becoming waterlogged. Powdery mildew is also dangerous for this pelargonium. The disease manifests itself as a whitish coating on the leaves, and systemic fungicidal preparations will help cope with the scourge.
Slow growth and development
In addition to the above, pelargonium may also experience growth problems. Such defects also have their own reasons - we will consider them further.
Note! Poor, slow flower growth is usually observed when the soil is infected with parasites, as well as when the acidity level of the latter is inappropriate.
If the plant grows very tall but does not bush, the problem is a lack of sunlight. Move the pot to a brighter place. Slow growth along with yellow foliage may indicate a lack of nitrogenous minerals. In this case, feed the pelargonium with appropriate fertilizers.
If the plant stretches too long, this indicates:
- excessive watering;
- excessive feeding;
- no pinching.
Features of the plant
The main feature of this Pelargonium variety is late flowering . In addition, as mentioned above, of all other species, this is the most attractive, according to almost all gardeners, many of whom really dream of getting it.
In addition, despite its extraordinary beauty, this plant is capable of pleasing the eye even when mistakes are made in caring for it, which is a definite plus for a beginner in this business.
Reproduction
This pelargonium can be propagated either by seed or by cuttings. At home, the second method is preferable, since it is simpler and its result is more predictable. With this method of reproduction, it is recommended to choose either spring or summer.
To get a full-fledged healthy cutting you need:
- Cut off the apical part of the mother shoot, approximately 6-7 cm long. The cutting should be strong and partially woody, and there should be three to four internodes on its trunk.
- Dry the cuttings a little and then root them in the prepared soil.
- After 2-4 weeks, the shoot takes root, and after that it can be carefully transplanted into a permanent pot.
The cutting must germinate in a well-lit and warm place, otherwise its roots may rot.
Do you want to know more about other popular varieties of pelargonium? On our portal you will find articles about such species as: Richard Hudson, Ludwigsburg Flyer, Rose Zonartik, PAK Viva Rosita, Prince Gustav, Angel, April Snow, Star, Denise, Rococo.
Rules for growing pelargonium Appleblossom Rosebud
Apple Blossom Rosebud needs conditions typical for zonal pelargoniums, that is, good lighting and warm conditions, a nutritious, but at the same time loose, permeable substrate.
Thus, growing pelargonium Apple Blossom Rosebud comes down to several points:
- Lighting. It is preferable to have well-lit window sills that are exposed to the sun for several hours a day. On the south side, it is advisable to shade the pots so that the leaves do not suffer from burns; it is better not to grow them on northern windows;
- Watering. It is necessary to moisten the soil constantly, as the top layer of the substrate dries, but always in moderation. The earthen lump should neither dry out nor become waterlogged;
- Trimming. To obtain a compact bush with a harmonious crown, pelargonium must be pruned. Strong shortening of shoots is carried out at the end of February, sanitary pruning is carried out as necessary. Pinching the apical and lateral cuttings is also required;
- Feeding. During the period of bud formation and flowering, Appleblossom Rosebud must be fed using fertilizers for Geraniums or compositions for flowering indoor plants.
Like other zonal pelargoniums, Apple Blossom Rosebud loves fresh air and ventilation, but reacts negatively to drafts. For this reason, with the onset of warm weather, the bush is taken out to the balcony, veranda or loggia, creating flower arrangements and always returning it to the apartment before the cold weather.
The optimal temperature for growing and flowering Apple Blossom Rosebud is between +17-+23 degrees. When the temperature drops below +12, the plant stops developing and often dies from hypothermia of the root system.
The Apple Blossom Rosebud variety will decorate your windowsill, delighting you with lush flowering if grown correctly.
Agricultural technology
Pelargonium Lara Harmony is considered unpretentious in care, but even this variety requires certain simple rules in cultivation. If they are not followed, the plant does not bloom, looks sickly, and later dies.
Soil requirements
Pelargonium Pink Rambler
Prefers slightly acidic or acidic soils. For the base, universal soil is most often purchased: vermiculite, river sand, perlite. Leaf soil from the site, peat (a mandatory mixture with neutral acidity), and turf are added to the soil for abundant fruiting.
Note! The flower grows well in loose and well-drained soil. If geraniums are grown on window sills, then clay or ceramic pots are used as containers. If it is plastic, then only white so that it does not get too hot in the sun and does not rot
If it is plastic, then only white so that it does not get too hot in the sun and does not rot
If geraniums are grown on window sills, then clay or ceramic pots are used as containers. If it is plastic, then only white, so that it does not get too hot in the sun and does not rot.
Pelargonium on the windowsill
Reproduction and planting
Pelargonium Lara Harmony propagates in 2 ways: cuttings and seeds.
The first option is a simple procedure:
Freshly cut cuttings are immediately sent to a container of water so that they form roots
It is important to maintain a high temperature (from 25 degrees Celsius) and change the water every 2-3 days. When the cutting gives good roots, it is removed from the container and allowed to dry for 3 hours to drain off excess moisture. The sprout is planted in soil treated with manganese. As soon as the first signs of growth appear, the top of the plant is pinched off. If the cuttings are planted in open ground, then the seedlings are prepared in March-April, when possible frosts have passed. Planting takes place in mid-April
Planting takes place in mid-April
If the cuttings are planted in open ground, then the seedlings are prepared in March-April, when possible frosts have passed. Planting takes place in mid-April.
Planting geranium cuttings
The second method is labor-intensive and time-consuming.
Most often, it is used by experienced gardeners and breeders who develop new varieties of pelargonium:
- Only loose soil with the addition of humus, sand, and peat is suitable for growing.
- Planting is carried out in March or earlier, subject to good lighting. In winter, the plant is illuminated with ultraviolet light.
- Seeds are slightly buried in the soil without sprinkling soil on top.
Care
Geranium requires space and good lighting, so choose the south side with a small number of seedlings. A crowded arrangement forces you to stretch out.
In summer, the plant requires much more moisture than in winter. In summer, watering is done once every 2-3 days as the soil dries.
Important! Stagnation of water leads to rotting of geraniums. Between waterings, the soil should dry to a depth of 1.8-2 cm. Organic fertilizers should never be used as fertilizer.
It is better to use enriching substances based on nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It is necessary to fertilize the plant 2 times: before flowering and after. Before feeding, pelargonium is fertilized abundantly
Organic fertilizers should never be used as fertilizer. It is better to use enriching substances based on nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It is necessary to fertilize the plant 2 times: before flowering and after. Before feeding, pelargonium is fertilized abundantly.
Feeding pelargonium
To form an even bush of pelargonium on the windowsill, it is recommended to rotate the plant once every 2 days.
When and how to replant
Geraniums are replanted when the root system grows strongly, the flower is flooded, or there is no flowering. It is advisable to carry out the procedure in the fall, when the plant is dormant.
For new soil, drainage is prepared, which occupies 1/5 of the soil. Lara Harmony is taken out so as not to damage the root system. The rotting parts are removed with sharp scissors. The plant is transferred to a pot and watered. Afterwards they put it in a dark place for a week.
Note! Fertilizing is applied 2 months after transplantation.
Where and how to plant it?
If you decide to plant this flower with seeds, then no one will give you clear recommendations on sowing. Experts advise sowing seeds in spring or summer, when there is a lot of heat and sunlight.
Experienced flower growers consider the best time for planting to be early March. Then the first buds can be seen already in July. Others say that sowing should be done in late November or early December, arguing that when germinating seeds, sunlight is not necessary, and when seedlings appear, lighting can be installed. Therefore, they are engaged in seedlings almost all year round. It is worth noting that geranium will grow to medium size in about 4-5 months.
Lighting and location
Like all pelargoniums, Norland needs to be sanctified; there should be a lot of light, but direct sunlight can leave burns on the leaves and flowers. Therefore, at noon you need to arrange shading; the rest of the time the light should be good and diffused.
Both direct sunlight and lack of light have the same effect on pelargonium - it refuses to bloom. At the same time, lush greenery is formed.
Norland is a variety that does not tolerate stuffiness; the optimal temperature for good growth and rapid flowering is + 18-23 degrees in summer, while +12 is enough in winter. Open air has a beneficial effect on geraniums, which is why they are placed on a terrace, balcony or in the garden for the summer.
Soil requirements
The soil for zonal pelargoniums needs to be very nutritious, fertile, and rich in microelements. You can buy it in a store or make it yourself. The composition of the soil is as follows:
- 2 parts peat;
- 2 parts leaf soil;
- 1 part coarse sand.
Drainage is very important to the plant. Pelargonium does not like stagnation of water in the pot, as the roots rot and the plant dies. Expanded clay, fine pebbles, crushed brick, fine gravel, and so on are used as drainage. The roots of the plant need oxygen, so the earthen ball must be constantly loosened.
Advice. You should not add a lot of peat to the soil, it retains moisture - the soil will be constantly waterlogged.
Growing pelargonium Lady Gertrude, how to properly care for it
In order for the culture to develop normally and delight with lush flowering for as long as possible, you need to carefully study lady Gertrude pelargonium description of the variety and ensure optimal conditions.
Illumination and temperature conditions
It is not recommended to place a flower pot in direct sunlight, as this may cause the crop to burn. It is best to place it on the east window. If necessary, you can use phytolamps.
Important! The plant should receive the main part of the light in the first half of the day. With too much sun, the plant becomes weak and stunted in growth.
After lunch, the pot is moved to partial shade.
Pelargonium can develop on a western window. The duration of daylight should not be longer than 8 hours. In summer, it is worth keeping the temperature at +25 ℃. For winter, +15 ℃ is suitable. In this case, the temperature should not fall below +10 ℃. Geranium cannot withstand extreme heat. An increase in temperature parameters to +30 ℃ can cause the death of the crop.
Watering rules and humidity
The culture needs moderate humidity. The substrate should not dry out. It is recommended not to over-moisten the soil in the pot, as this can lead to rotting of the root system.
The plant should be watered as the top layer of soil dries. In spring and summer, the bush is watered more often and abundantly. In winter and autumn, the amount of moisture is reduced.
There is no need to spray pelargonium; it can accumulate moisture on its own. Drops that fall on foliage and flowers can cause unattractive stains and even cause rot.
Important! For irrigation, soft and settled water is recommended. The liquid should be at room temperature
Fertilizing and soil quality
During the growing season, the plant needs the use of mineral products. During flowering, compositions based on potassium and phosphorus are used. However, nitrogen substances are contraindicated because they negatively affect the formation of buds.
In summer, it is recommended to apply fertilizer once every 2 weeks. In winter, it is not necessary to feed Lady Gertrude pelargonium.
The plant does not require the addition of organic products. Flower growers advise using only mineral preparations. In rare cases, chicken droppings are acceptable.
For abundant flowering, the crop must be properly fertilized.
Flower container size
Small containers are chosen for the plant. The pot should be 1-1.5 cm larger than the size of the earthen ball. Otherwise, the bush will actively grow roots, which will create difficulties with flowering.
Pruning and replanting
The crop is pruned in the fall. During this period, shoots are shortened by a third. This helps to activate the formation of shoots. Trimmed fragments are used for rooting.
Important! Young crops are replanted annually. Pelargonium older than five years of age is moved to a new place with an interval of 2-3 years
Why doesn't it bloom?
When buying ivy-leaved pelargonium in a store, they are often assured that it blooms profusely and pleases the eye every season. Believing the sellers' words, you bring the flower home and soon notice that the flower does not bloom, but only climbs up.
One of the reasons may be incorrect soil composition. Sandy soil is good for growing this type of plant. Pelargonium will not bloom in peat soil due to poor air permeability. If your ivy pelargonium is in peat soil, then it should be replanted. If the passage of moisture and air is poor, the root system can rot and lead to the loss of the flower.
Another reason could be improper placement of the plant. If a flower lacks abundant light and sunlight, then what kind of flowering can we even talk about? Help pelargonium “live” and give it some warmth.
