A worthy decoration for any windowsill: peony geranium

Peony or terry geraniums are a wonderful representative of the pelargonium family.

Decorative flower allows you to decorate them with the most sophisticated interiors.
The long flowering period and the relative unpretentiousness in the care make it possible to grow this beauty even to an inexperienced grower.

In the article, we consider the features of pion-shaped geraniums, find out how to grow a flower, how to care for it.

Origin

Pion-shaped geranium - A variety of pelargonium, which has an artificial origin. All varieties of pion-shaped geraniums were bred empirically, and are intended for decorative decoration of rooms, terraces, balconies, garden plots.

In fact, pion-shaped geranium is a kind of species mutation obtained as a result of experiments by breeders. But due to its unsurpassed decorative qualities, the species has become widespread, and many varieties of it have already been created.

Plant photo

Here you can find a photo of pion-shaped geranium.

Appearance

It is impossible to confuse peony geranium with other varieties and species. The effectiveness and decorativeness of this flower is simply amazing: the plant is decorated with a lush flower hat, while the petals can have a variety of shades. The foliage is saturated green, and the size of the pion-shaped geranium is slightly larger than other varieties of pelargonium.

Petals of the plant can reach a length of five centimeters, while they are densely arranged in several rows. Actually, for this layering, geranium was called pion-shaped.

Varieties

Consider the most popular varieties of this decorative type of geranium.

Rebbels

Pelargonium has raspberry pink petals, and a rather small bush size. Caps of inflorescences in this variety look quite large, especially against the background of low growth of the bush itself.

Shelk moira

This is the brainchild of Russian selection: the author of the variety was the breeder from St. Petersburg I. Kleimova. Note that this variety was the first internationally recognized variety of Russian pelargonium. The species is dwarf, the shade of the petals is very delicate, light salmon. Inflorescences look especially beautiful in contrast with dark green saturated foliage.

Brookside fantasy

This pelargonium has a bright pink color petals and bright green foliage. Together, this combination is a very picturesque picture.

Bold carmine

This geranium has bright red saturated hue petals. and compact sizes. It well forms new peduncles, actively and gratefully responding to dressing.

Landing rules

Consider the main points regarding the competent rooting of peony geraniums.

Location and Lighting

Peony geraniums will grow best on window sills from the west or east. On the south side, the flower is better not to place, because it does not tolerate direct sunlight. If, however, there is a need to grow geraniums on the south side, the plant must be shaded in the afternoon.

It is best to shade the plant with translucent paper such as tracing paper or papyrus: such protection can pass enough light, and at the same time save the leaves of the plant from burns.

The soil

The substrate for the successful cultivation of pion-shaped geraniums should not be too light and nutritious. If the soil is light, it is recommended to “weight” it a little with clay and river sand.

Also, the soil should not be acidic. In addition, it is necessary to provide good soil drainage in the pot.. With independent production of the substrate, it is necessary to take in equal proportions sod, peat and humus, mixing the resulting land mass with river sand. The last component must be taken exactly half as much as any of the main ones.

Regularly loosen the soil in a pot of geraniums, since the roots of the plant need a constant supply of oxygen for better health.

Care

Let's get acquainted with the main points for caring for peony geraniums.

Watering

The plant needs regular watering. With this procedure, it is important that water does not get on the leaves: therefore, spraying for geraniums is undesirable. Water falling on foliage in the cold season can lead to decay of the latter, and in the warm - to a sunburn.

Excessive watering should also not be allowed: in this case, the roots of the plant may rot, which will inevitably lead to its death. If water is regularly lacking, small, underdeveloped inflorescences will form at the bush.

Pay attention to the lower surfaces of the leaves: if brown spots are visible on them, it means that the existing regime of watering geraniums is not suitable, moisture is not enough for it. In this case, it is necessary to increase watering and make them more plentiful.

Top dressing

The plant gratefully responds to additional nutrition, therefore, it is recommended that once a month in the fall-winter and twice a month in the spring-summer, the appropriate top dressing be applied to the soil.

Geranium needs phosphorus - this mineral will help the plant bloom profusely for a long time. Fertilizers with potassium-nitrogen composition are also needed: they are useful for the health of the plant as a whole.

Other points

1. The room where the pion-shaped geranium is contained, it is advisable to regularly ventilate, while avoiding the formation of drafts.
2. In winter, the plant, of course, is kept in the house, and in the summer you can take out the pots on the street, on the veranda, on the balcony. With the onset of the first frosts, the pots should be brought back into the heat.
3. It is best to winter pion-shaped geraniums in a cool room away from heat sources. The temperature for wintering is preferable in the region of +13 degrees. Watering in the winter should be rare (once a week), and there should not be any fertilizing at all.

Diseases and Pests

A plant may be affected by certain diseases as well as pests. So that you can avoid such a problem, then we will talk about the most common diseases of this ornamental shrub.

Gray rot

The disease appears when the flower is in a too cold and humid room. Rot first appears with a characteristic gray fluffy coating on the leaves and stems; over time, the coating darkens.

Rust

This viral disease manifests itself as stains of ugly brick color on the leaves.

Powdery mildew

The disease has the main symptom in the form of a whitish coating on the leaves and stems.

Aphid

This insect leads to wilting of the leaves, as it literally sucks out the juice from them.

Whitefly

The pest is very dangerous, since at first it leads to wilting, and if measures are not taken, then soon to the death of the plant.

Breeding

Peony geraniums are usually propagated by cuttings and seeds. The first option is suitable for use throughout the year, and the second in the spring. Note that most gardeners prefer the method of cuttings, not unreasonably considering it more simple, troublesome and effective.

1. It is best to cut the cuttings from the top of the mother plant: at least four leaves must remain on it.
2. After cutting, the stalk is placed in water to form roots.
3. After the roots appear, the stalk is placed in the prepared soil.
4. Take a pot not too big for the plant, because otherwise the young geranium will grow weak.
5. Tanks with cuttings need to be put immediately in a well-lit place: so they take root with a much greater probability.

   In general, the survival rate of cuttings of this plant is quite good.

Seed pion-shaped geranium reproduces much less frequently: more often, seed material is used among professional gardeners and breeders engaged in the cultivation of new varieties. Seeds are planted in spring in prepared, well-loosened sand-humus soil. It is recommended to pour soil with a weak solution of potassium permanganate before placing seeds in the ground. This measure will help protect the seedlings from the disease "black leg" affecting the root system of plants.

We met such a wonderful decorative plant as peony geraniums. As you can see, this flower boasts at the same time a magnificent appearance and unpretentiousness - a wonderful option for indoor breeding.

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