White geranium: a description of her appearance, popular flower varieties, where and how to plant and care properly at home, what pests and diseases she has

White geranium is a very popular plant among flower growers, which acts as an excellent decoration, both for a room and for lawns, park areas, flower beds, etc.

Geranium is appreciated by many gardeners for having easy care and quite easy to breed. However, in order for it to bloom, it must be properly looked after. If good conditions are created, then pelargonium will delight you with beautiful magnificent bouquets.

In this article we will try to illuminate the history of the origin of this flower, as well as some features of growth and care.

Botanical Description and History

First of all, it should be noted that South Africa and India are the original homeland of geraniums. This fact explains the high resistance of the plant to dry weather, as well as the ability to collect a large amount of moisture in the stems.

Geranium was brought to Europe by English sailors who regularly made visits to different parts of the globe, being interested in foreign culture, infrastructure, goods, and plants. Due to its amazing appearance, this flower could not go unnoticed, and foreigners had a desire to grow it in their homeland.

In Russia, this flower was introduced in the 18-19 century from the UK. Until now, certain species of this plant continue to grow in the wild. However, they are well adapted to the cold climate. However to a greater extent, this flower is used as a decoration for human housing.

Reference! Geranium has another name - the crane. Belongs to the geranium family. In total, there are about 400 different varieties of this flower that grow in different parts of the globe. Geranium is also found in the tropical zone, mainly on the mountains.

The foliage is located on the petioles and has a very different dissection. Leaves can be palmitate or palmate. Many types of geraniums have a soft-hairy structure.

Peduncles can have from one to 3 flowers. In this case, the flowers are of the correct form. They consist of 5 petals of the corolla and have 10 stamens with anthers.

Appearance

Geranium is famous for its amazing appearance. So, these plants can be found in a variety of colors. It can be pink flowers, red, purple, etc. In addition, there are separate varieties where several colors can be combined in one flower.

White geranium looks especially gently and elegantly. Due to the contrast that is created due to the advantageous selection of white flowers against a background of lush greenery, white geraniums can be a great decoration on any windowsill.

Since ancient times, white geranium has symbolized innocence, sincere feelings and purity of thoughts. In addition, it was previously believed that white geranium reliably protects the house from evil spirits, fires, and also from poverty.

Popular varieties

As noted above, geranium has many varieties. At the same time, the following varieties are especially popular, both in the Russian Federation and abroad:

Maverick - This species is characterized by the largest variety of different colors. Moreover, even two-tone flowers are found.
Bushes have a height of not more than 30 cm with very dense and large inflorescences (up to 15 cm). Maverick blooms throughout the summer, right down to frost. In indoor conditions, the rest period is 2 months.
Note! It should be noted high resistance to heat, as well as reducing air temperature to 5 degrees.
"Horizon" - It has a high flowering period. Ideal for decorating flower beds, lawns. This variety is very resistant to high humidity, drought and heavy rain.
The diameter of the flowers reaches 4 cm, while they are collected in numerous inflorescences. Another important feature of this variety is the accelerated germination process (no more than 5-7 days).
Bulls Eye - blooms profusely, unpretentious. It has a very amazing leaf color. They are painted in brownish-violet color with a light fringing.
Due to the unusual coloring of the leaves, this variety serves as a very good decoration for the windowsill, even in the resting stage.

Photo

Next, you can see a photo of white geranium:

Where and how to plant it: rules, tips, instructions

There are a lot of places where you can plant this flower. White geranium successfully used to decorate window sills, terraces, balconies, flower beds and lawns, as well as garden plots. We wrote about the diversity and care of indoor and garden varieties here, and how to care for varieties of indoor flowers, read here.

Geranium has a number of undeniable advantages, in the form of unpretentiousness, a wide variety of colors, as well as ease of reproduction.

So, imagine step by step instructions for planting geraniums at home:

First of all, you should choose a method of planting a flower. There are 3 options:
- seeds;
- the use of processes from the mother plant;
- purchased seedlings.
The best options for planting geraniums are the last two ways.
In this instruction, we will consider the algorithm of actions when planting geraniums through processes or seedlings.
Having decided on the method of planting, you need to purchase a flower pot and make small holes in it where water will drain.
IMPORTANT. If the geranium roots are constantly in the water, then they can rot.
Next, you should thoroughly wash the pot, as various bacteria and pest larvae can be on its walls, which are difficult to notice at first glance.
Choose a soil rich in organic trace elements. You should not take cheap land, as often it holds moisture for a long time, which can harm the geranium root system.
Getting to the landing. Plant sprouts or seedlings of geraniums should after frosts. The pot should be filled with earth, but you should not ram it. It is important that the flower can breathe.
We dig a small hole where the geranium roots should completely fit. It should be planted at the same depth at which the geranium sprout was originally planted when buying seedlings.
After planting, the earth around the flower should be slightly tamped. It is important not to damage the stems and shoots.

Lighting and location

Geranium is a very photophilous plant, so it should provide a bright place on the windowsill. It is important to protect the flower from direct sunlight. The south window is best suited.

In winter, geraniums may lack lighting, so it is recommended to leave it for a while under a fluorescent lamp.

The optimum air temperature is from 10 to 15 degrees. It is very important to regularly ventilate the room.

In the summer, geraniums can be taken out to the balcony or to the courtyard.

Soil requirements

When planting geraniums, certain soil requirements should be observed. Geranium grows well in loose soil rich in turf.

Land can be purchased at a special store. Many flower lovers buy universal primer and supplement it with all the necessary components. So, Additionally, you must add:

clean river sand;
vermiculitis;
perlite.

When buying land for geraniums, you should check for mold and insects.

How to care?

White geranium, like its other species, is notable for its unpretentiousness. When caring for her, the following basic rules should be followed:

in the summer, it is necessary to regularly water and spray the flower;
in winter, water 1 time in 10 days;
plant nutrition is carried out from March to August 1 time in 14 days. Fertilizers should only be potash;
pruning should be done in autumn, leaving 2 lower leaves on the stem;
TIP. It is strongly discouraged to trim and propagate geraniums in December and January.
when growing geraniums in a box, the distance between the bushes should be at least 20 cm.

Common Diseases and Pests

One of the most common diseases of white geranium is rotting of the root system. As a rule, this problem is caused by excessive watering of the flower. This can destroy the plant.

Among the pests, the appearance of gray mold on the leaves of geraniums can be distinguished. Mold does not pose a particular danger to the flower, however, in order to get rid of it, it is recommended to temporarily stop watering, cut off all affected leaves, spray the flower with an antimicrobial agent and take it out to the sun.

In addition, sometimes white geraniums are adversely affected by aphids and whiteflies. However, these pests can be easily dealt with. In the first case, geranium should be sprayed with a special preparation, and in the second case, it is necessary to regularly inspect the plant and remove insects.

Propagation Features

There are 2 ways to propagate white geraniums:

With the help of cuttings - they can be made all year round by cutting branches of 5 cm in size from the side and upper shoots. Next, the stalk should be dried, the cut should be covered with crushed charcoal and put in a pot.
The capacity in which the stalk is planted should not be very large, since the geranium will bloom only when the roots fill the entire space.
Through the seeds - this method is more expensive, however, white geranium seeds germinate very quickly, and also give a lot of seedlings. As a result, neat bushes grow, which, if desired, can be planted. Geranium seeds should be planted in moist soil, to a depth of 2-5 mm.
ATTENTION. It is recommended to process the earth with a solution of potassium permanganate, as seedlings of white geranium are often subjected to the harmful effects of the "black leg".
In addition, the ground in which the seeds are planted should be covered with glass and ensure regular watering and ventilation. After emergence, the glass should be removed, and the container with the flower should be placed in a bright place.

Thus, white geranium can be an excellent decoration both inside the house and on the plot (you will learn about other types of garden geranium here). The most important thing is to adhere to the basic rules for caring for her, and then she will delight you with her beautiful appearance for a long time.