Content
- 1 History of appearance
- 2 Description of blood red geranium
- 3 When and how does blood red geranium bloom?
- 4 Medicinal properties and contraindications of blood-red geranium
- 5 Plant varieties and popular winter-hardy varieties
- 6 How to Plant Blood Red Geranium
- 7 Blood red geranium care
- 8 Propagation of blood red geranium
- 9 Diseases and pests
- 10 Blood red geranium in landscape design
- 11 Conclusion
- 12 Reviews of blood red geranium
Blood red geranium is one of the most striking representatives of the Geraniaceae. Thanks to its bright and lush flowering, the culture has become a welcome guest in gardens, parks, and public areas. The plant is not demanding, so even a beginner can take care of it.
History of appearance
Mentions of blood-red geranium appeared in the 16th century. But the characteristics of the species were not known. Only four centuries later did scientists begin to study culture in detail. Over time, geranium has spread to different parts of the world, including Europe, Russia, America, China, India and Japan.
Description of blood red geranium
Blood red geranium is a perennial plant. The gardener will be able to enjoy the beauty of the crop for 14-16 years.
The bush has a well-developed root system. This allows him to easily adapt to new conditions. The main thing is that the soil is loose enough for roots to grow.The crown has a pleasant appearance, the height ranges from 60 to 90 cm.
Blood red geranium prefers alkaline or moderately acidic soils
The stems can take a recumbent position or hang, looking down. They are densely located throughout the area. The same can be said about foliage. The leaf blade is a collection of green lobes, which are divided into smaller ones. If you look at the leaf from below, you will notice slight pubescence.
With the onset of cold weather, the foliage changes color from green to light red. When grown indoors, it has a constant color.
When and how does blood red geranium bloom?
Blood-red geranium gained decorative value thanks to its bright flowers. They are located in a small group, sometimes growing alone. The diameter of the bud is small - only 3.5 cm. This is explained by the average (5 pieces) number of petals.
The culture belongs to the terry varieties. Flowering patterns may vary depending on the variety, but all plants have common features. Flowering begins in the second decade of June and lasts until the end of summer. Flowers can be pink, red, blue, yellow, purple.
Medicinal properties and contraindications of blood-red geranium
The plant is used in medicine, as it has a rich composition. The leaves contain resins, essential oils, vitamins A, C, K, as well as a variety of alkaloids, salts and starches. But useful substances are found not only in the leaves. Scientists use every part of the blood-red geranium, including the stems, roots and flowers.
The plant helps with tachycardia and angina pectoris
Medicinal properties of the culture:
- prevents inflammation;
- slows down internal bleeding;
- stabilizes the stool;
- prevents spasms;
- cleanses the skin;
- accelerates wound healing.
The plant normalizes the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, removes toxins, and improves metabolic processes. However, the medicine must be taken carefully - there are certain dosages and contraindications.
Blood red geranium should not be consumed by people:
- taking medications for blood clotting;
- having an allergic reaction to the plant;
- those suffering from acute gastrointestinal diseases;
- susceptible to thrombophlebitis;
- pregnant women.
Plant varieties and popular winter-hardy varieties
In Russia, it is very important to choose a winter-hardy variety that does not require much care. In this regard, it is worth choosing:
- Alan Bloom. The plant is distinguished by pale pink petals, on which veins can be traced. Suitable for cultivation in both southern and northern countries. The variety is undemanding to soil and has average immunity.
Geranium is resistant to black spot
- Striatum. At the beginning of flowering, the bud has a beige or light pink hue, which becomes more saturated as it blooms. The variety is highly valued by designers.
The petals of the Striatum look a bit like crumpled paper.
- Max Fry. One of the most unpretentious varieties, which has become a treasure for Russian gardeners. The bush withstands heavy rainfall and is not afraid of the sun and insects.
Max Fry bush is very thick, likes dry conditions
- Ming Choklit. Unlike blood red geranium, it has a unique leaf shape. It's like it's divided in two.During flowering, you can smell the smell of mint.
The plant has good immunity
- Horizon. The buds bloom alternately, which has a positive effect on the duration of flowering. The period lasts all summer. In the southern regions longer.
Horizon is very sensitive to soil
- Tornado Tornado. Landscape designers use it to decorate upright structures. This is the fastest growing variety.
This variety is climbing
How to Plant Blood Red Geranium
Planting work is carried out in early autumn or mid-spring. Before this, the area is treated: the soil is carefully dug up, fertilized with ash and peat. If the soil is not very nutritious, mineral supplements are used. During the process, you can remove branches, stones, and construction debris so that the roots have room to grow.
Maintain a distance of 30 cm between the bushes. If the blood-red geranium does not need to be replanted, maintain a distance of 60 cm. The planting hole should be deep enough. In this case, the length of the seedling shoots is taken into account.
To prevent rotting processes, drainage is placed at the bottom. After planting, compact the soil with your hands and water it well. The root area is made of sawdust or straw.
Blood red geranium care
At first, the plant needs increased care. After adaptation, the blood red geranium will take care of itself. During periods of drought, soil moisture should be regular. In autumn and spring, watering is reduced to a minimum.
In the first half of spring, you need to monitor the development of weeds. Bare roots must be sprinkled with the same soil.The soil is fertilized three times a season. Immediately after planting, organic matter is added, and nitrogen is added in late spring and summer.
Blood red geranium needs pruning. This is especially true for tall varieties. Stumps 50 mm long are left on the plant.
The appearance of dryness on the foliage indicates the negative influence of the sun.
Propagation of blood red geranium
The plant is grown using seeds, cuttings or division. The first method is the most labor-intensive and is not suitable for hybrid varieties. Sowing is done in September or March. Sometimes blood red geraniums spread their seeds themselves. In this case, the flowers bloom in the second year.
More often, gardeners practice propagation by cuttings. The method is identical to all representatives of the Geranium family. Several buds are left on the cut, after which the cutting is placed in water. After 2-3 weeks, the blood-red geranium is planted in a permanent place and covered with a bottle.
The easiest way to grow the species is by division. This is done in March, while the buds have not yet opened, or in the fall - at the end of flowering. The root of the bush is dug up and a part is separated. The instrument must be sterilized.
Diseases and pests
Blood red geranium suffers from increased moisture. If the planting hole has not been drained, this can become a serious problem in the future. The main symptoms of waterlogging are leaf lethargy, root rot, and mold. Damaged parts must be removed and burned. If the geranium is completely affected, it is burned outside the garden.
Blood red geranium is not afraid of drought
The plant can be attacked by aphids and spider mites.If the site is near a forest, the leaves become food for whiteflies. To get rid of insects, you need to treat the bush with chamomile infusion. Particular attention is paid to the back side of the foliage. After this, the plant is irrigated to wash off the product. If the method does not help, insecticides are used.
Blood red geranium in landscape design
An example of an English garden design
The culture is used to decorate parks, recreation areas, and personal plots. Low-growing varieties are used for roof decoration. Flowers look spectacular in rock gardens and flower beds. Blood-red geranium is planted in a group with other plants (lilies, daisies, heucheras) or separately (for decorating borders, verandas).
Many gardeners plant the plant directly under the windows
Conclusion
Blood red geranium is a perennial crop with many interesting varieties. Each variety has its own interesting features: color, shape of the crown and leaves. The family is winter-hardy and therefore suitable for cultivation in Russia. Shelter for the winter is only necessary in areas with harsh climates.
Reviews of blood red geranium
