Content
Large-rhizome geranium is a crop without which the garden will look empty and expressionless. The plant gets along well in open ground and is suitable for indoor cultivation. Caring for the species is not problematic.
Description and photo of large-rhizome geranium
Every gardener knows what geranium looks like. In addition to numerous flowers, the crop has a characteristic aroma. In some species it is stronger, in others weaker, but each has common features. The Balkan variety, known as large-rhizome, receives special attention.
Usually the plant is bought in the form of a rhizome; experts advise doing this in February and storing it in the cellar until spring
This plant got its name for a reason. It is distinguished by a massive rhizome that occupies a large area. Thanks to the formation of lateral processes with shoots, the geranium turns into a thicket.
The culture can be described as medium-sized. Large-rhizome geranium reaches a height of 55-65 cm. The buds are collected in groups.They are held in place by a strong peduncle that does not require garters.
The basis of large-rhizomatous geranium is made up of thick stems. There are leaves on them, depending on the variety they can have different colors. The same goes for the shape of the plate. The most common is rounded or lobed foliage. The side shoots of large-rhizome geranium reach 12 cm in length. They have a glossy surface.
The culture has a variety of different colors. In the natural environment you can find blue, red, yellow, cream, purple, pink buds. Peduncles proudly rise above the bush. Painted flowers can form a three-dimensional composition or be placed separately.
Geranium macrorhizome produces fruits that look like bird's feet
Although the buds are small (average diameter is 4 cm), there are a lot of them. The number of petals is 3-5 pcs. Flowering does not last long, from June to early August. However, through the efforts of breeders, it was possible to develop varieties with a longer lifespan. The fruits ripen in August.
Garden large-rhizome geranium is interesting for the expressive color of its petals. If in summer the plant looks harmonious due to the abundance of flowers, then in autumn it is covered with golden foliage. By the time frost arrives, the shoots become almost red. This feature can be used when creating rock gardens.
The culture is used not only in landscape design, but also in folk medicine. Some gardeners call geranium "toast". Every part of the plant can be useful.An aromatic tea is prepared from the leaves, and the root is used to prevent cardiovascular diseases.
The best varieties of large-rhizome geranium
The culture is low-demanding, which allows it to be cultivated in Russia. Science knows more than 40 varieties of large-rhizome geranium. The following are widespread among gardeners:
Bevan's Variety
The Bevan variety is characterized by winter hardiness, therefore it is highly valued in Siberia. The culture is unpretentious. The buds are small, purple or red in color. The leaf blade has slight pubescence on the inside. The leaf shape is oval.
Small inclusions can sometimes be seen on the petals of geraniums
Ingwersen's Variety
Variety Ingwersen grows well in both shady and sunny areas. During the growing season, the bush is covered with numerous buds. The petals are light pink in color. The foliage is dense, rich, and the cuts are clearly visible.
The crown of the bush is quite spreading and takes up a lot of space.
Czacor
Culture is assessed by designers as decorative. It is great as a background for other plants, but looks no less impressive in the very center. The abundance of violet-scarlet flowers is increasingly forcing gardeners to choose this variety.
The Chakor plant has very light leaf blades
Variegatum
The Variegatum variety has almost no odor. However, it withstands the cold season and does not require care from the owner.The outer side of the foliage has a light green color, while the inner side is dotted with small fibers that have a darker shade. The buds, characterized by a soft pink color, attract no less attention.
The plant is easier to grow in moderately acidic soils
Planting and caring for large-rhizome geranium
The crop can be propagated by dividing the rhizomes or directly by seeds. The latter method is usually practiced by experienced gardeners. Seeds require special care and agricultural technology. When planting, it is important to study the varietal characteristics of geranium.
In order for large-rhizome geranium to please with flowering, regular watering is necessary. Nitrogen fertilizers are applied during the growing season, and potassium-phosphorus supplements are used by the end of summer. Before planting, a mixture of peat and compost should be placed in the hole. Substances are used in equal proportions.
Large-rhizome geranium does not tolerate stagnant moisture, so you will have to take care of the drainage system. The plant adapts well to different conditions, thanks to which it grows in many regions of the country.
After each moistening, gardeners recommend loosening the soil. This is necessary so that air can penetrate to the roots. During the procedure, you can do weeding. Pruning is done twice a year - in spring and autumn. In March, frozen shoots are removed, and dry parts are removed in October.
Diseases and pests
Large-rhizome geranium has a strong immune system. If poorly cared for, the leaves may become covered with dark spots. This is a sign of putrefactive diseases.It is necessary to burn the affected areas and treat the bush with fungicides.
The plant is attacked by aphids and caterpillars. You can get rid of insects using insecticides. Gardeners recommend Iskra.
Large-rhizome geranium in landscape design
Even the planting process can be done “tastefully”
When grown correctly, the plant becomes a decoration for any garden. Designers use it in rock gardens and flower beds. The bushes look great as a backdrop for large flowers.
Large-rhizome geranium as a porch decoration
Conclusion
Large-rhizome geranium is a plant that every gardener can handle. In mid-latitudes it does not require shelter for the winter. Some varieties can grow in both sun and shade. This makes the culture truly unique.
