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Himalayan geranium is a variety that produces very large flowers, the diameter of which reaches 5 cm. By type, they are terry - they consist of petals arranged in rows. Thanks to this, the inflorescences look lush and graceful. The basic rules for planting and caring for this interesting plant are described in detail in the presented article.
History of origin
Himalayan geranium (pelargonium) was bred in England. Here breeders obtained the first varieties based on natural (wild) species. Then specialists from the Netherlands began breeding. Largely thanks to their work, pelargonium spread throughout the world.
Himalayan geranium is not included in the Russian register of breeding achievements. Nevertheless, it is quite well known to many summer residents - both more experienced and beginners. The variety has a second name - large-flowered, which reflects the size of the inflorescences.
Description of Himalayan geranium
Himalayan geranium is a perennial plant with low, well-branched shoots, reaching a height of only 20-30, individual representatives stretch up to 60 cm. The leaves have a five-lobed shape, reaching 10 cm in diameter. The color is rich green, the surface is matte, and does not shine in the sun. .
Himalayan geranium produces lush, double flowers of very large sizes. Depending on the variety, the diameter can reach 5 cm, which is really a lot for pelargonium. The color is purple and soft blue, with reddish veins. Peduncles produce two buds.
The flowering period begins in late May and continues throughout the summer, often until mid-September. Although some varieties bloom for only a month - from the end of June to the last ten days of July. A characteristic feature of all varieties is that the flowers give off a pleasant smell.
The best varieties with photos
Based on the Himalayan geranium, breeders have managed to develop quite a lot of varieties. They differ from each other in their flowering period, color, and height. The most popular among summer residents are the following representatives:
- Baby blue is a variety of Himalayan geranium with low bushes (20-30 cm). Produces deep purple flowers.
- Gravetye is distinguished by lighter colors with tints of purple and blue. The veins are clearly visible; they have a red and burgundy tint.
- Irish Blue is a variety of Himalayan geranium with very light, sky blue, lilac flowers. Suitable for decorating paths.
- Plenum - the most famous variety, produces flowers of rich violet, lilac color with shades of pink and blue. The bushes reach a height of 30 cm.
- Summer Skies is a variety with high winter hardiness.It is distinguished by light lilac flowers of double type. Flowering is long, from June to early September.
Advantages and disadvantages
Himalayan geranium is one of the most beautiful plants to decorate the garden. Produces many flowers that look attractive against the background of delicate greenery. Despite the fact that the crop requires regular watering and fertilizing, the invested effort always pays off.
Himalayan geranium produces lush, double-type flowers
Pros:
- long flowering period;
- attractive coloring;
- large, numerous and fragrant inflorescences;
- attract bees to the site;
- many varieties are winter-hardy;
- easy to propagate by cuttings or dividing the bush.
Minuses:
- Regular watering is required;
- it is necessary to periodically apply fertilizing;
- every 3-4 years a transplant will be required.
How to plant Himalayan geranium correctly
In general, the process of planting Himalayan geraniums is no different from other species. The optimal time is mid-May, and if, according to the forecast, return frosts are still possible, it is better to postpone the work for 1-1.5 weeks. This is especially true for the regions of the Urals, Siberia and the Far East.
To plant Himalayan geraniums, you should choose a well-lit place located on a slight hill. Lowlands are excluded because rain and melt water accumulates here, which can damage the root system.
Site preparation begins 1-2 months before planting. First, it is cleaned, then the soil is dug up and fertilizers are applied. If the soil is depleted, fertilizing should be plentiful. For example, you can add 5-7 kg of humus or compost per 1 m2.
The landing process itself looks like this:
- Several shallow holes are formed at a distance of at least 30 cm.
- Small stones are placed at the bottom for drainage.
- The seedlings are placed in the center and sprinkled with a fertile mixture.
- Tamp down a little so that the root collar remains flush with the surface.
- Water with warm, settled water.
Caring for Himalayan geraniums
Himalayan geranium is unpretentious and can grow even without fertilizing. But in order for the flowering to be abundant and long, it is very important to periodically water the plants, apply fertilizers, and loosen the soil. The basic rules of care are as follows:
- Moisturize Himalayan geranium quite often and abundantly. It is necessary to maintain a constant level of soil moisture, for which it is recommended to mulch the plantings. At the same time, you shouldn’t flood the plants either. In hot weather, it is enough to give water twice a week.
- Himalayan geraniums are fed quite often. In the spring, she is given urea or ammonium nitrate - 15-20 g per 10 liters. From the stage of bud formation until the end of summer, complex mineral fertilizer is applied every three weeks. Instead, you can use a mixture of potassium sulfate (30 g per 10 l) and superphosphate (40 g per 10 l).
- Periodically loosen the soil to prevent the formation of a dense crust. Weeds are removed as necessary.
- Himalayan geranium is a perennial plant and therefore requires periodic pruning. As a rule, it is done in August. At this time, remove old flower stalks and remove shoots up to a height of 10 cm. It is better to work with gloves, since geranium contains substances that can cause allergies.
- For the winter, it is advisable to prune, leaving low stems. The top of the Himalayan geranium is covered with spruce branches, straw or hay. In the south of Russia it is not necessary to make a shelter.
Himalayan geranium needs regular feeding and watering
Diseases and pests
With proper care, the plant rarely suffers from diseases. But with a lack of fertilizers, as well as against a background of high humidity, Himalayan geranium can get sick:
- rust;
- bacterial burn;
- powdery mildew;
- late blight;
- dropsy.
For prevention, it is necessary to monitor the amount of watering, as well as the weather forecast, so as not to give excess water on the eve of rains. When signs of disease appear, all plantings (both infected and healthy) are treated with a fungicide:
- "Maksim";
- "Abiga Peak";
- "HOM";
- "Fundazol".
In summer, there may be an invasion of spider mites, mealyworms, slugs, aphids, whiteflies and other pests. To combat them, it is recommended to use proven insecticides, for example:
- "Decis";
- "Fitoverm";
- "Colorado";
- "Spark".
Reproduction methods
Himalayan geranium can be propagated by dividing the bush, seeds and cuttings. In the first case, they act like this:
- At the end of September, the bush is dug up and a part with at least one bud is separated.
- It is necessary to remove damaged roots and shoots.
- Plant in a new place and water.
- Cover thoroughly for the winter when the first frost occurs in October-November.
Seeds can be planted in a flowerbed either in late autumn (before winter) or in mid-April. They are placed at a shallow depth (up to 0.5 cm) in pre-formed grooves. They are covered with straw for the winter, and the shelter is removed in early spring. After the sprouts appear, thinning is done to leave strong shoots. Continue to water and feed regularly.
There is also a method of propagating Himalayan geraniums, such as cuttings. In this case, work begins at the very end of May or at the beginning of June. The instructions are as follows:
- Cut several young green shoots 10 cm long.
- Make an oblique lower cut and place it overnight in a solution of Epin or another growth stimulant.
- Plant in fertile, moist soil, cover with a transparent jar.
- Periodically remove the shelter for ventilation and water constantly.
- In the fall, transplant Himalayan geranium seedlings to a permanent place and carefully cover them for the winter.
The crop can be propagated by seeds and vegetative methods
Conclusion
Himalayan geranium requires some care, although the rules are simple, and even a novice gardener can cope with them. It is advisable to plant flowers in open areas with plenty of sun. In the summer, especially during drought, they need to be constantly watered and covered for the winter. Thanks to this, the geranium will remain healthy and will delight you with lush flowering.
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