Extension Communications
Extension 4-H Youth Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3630
(515) 294-9915
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Extension Communications |
5/20/04
Contacts:
Linda Naeve, Reiman Gardens, (515) 294-8946, lnaeve@iastate.edu
Jean McGuire, Continuing Education and Communication Services, (515) 294-7033,
jmcguire@iastate.edu
Reiman's Pick for the week of May 17, 2004
Exotic Geraniums Attract Attention
By Linda Naeve
Extension Coordinator
Reiman Gardens
Geraniums are so commonly found in gardens that nearly anyone can identify these showy annuals. Geraniums grow well in containers, window boxes and gardens alike and are compatible with almost any plant plus add a bold, colorful accent. However, ask any veteran gardener about geraniums, and responses will likely include terms such as "respect and appreciation" right along side with "mundane and boring".
This week's Reiman's Pick, "exotic" geraniums, brings new excitement to a familiar plant. These new varieties give gardeners a different version of the same plant, similar to the effect when remodeling or redecorating an old house. The term "exotic" has nothing to do with their origin or rarity, but describes a group of geraniums that exhibit unique characteristics.
There are five basic types of annual geraniums that belong to the Pelargonium genus: zonal, fancy-leaved, ivy, scented, and Martha Washington or regal geraniums. Here is how the five types differ:
Zonal geraniums, Pelargonium hortorum, are named for the interesting "zoned" markings on their leaves. They are the most popular type of geranium with their round flower clusters that bloom in a wide variety of colors, ranging from white to orange to dark red and various shades in between. Some varieties are dwarf while others grow tall enough to be trained into 4-foot blooming pillars.
Fancy-leaved geraniums have beautiful patterned leaves or unusual leaf shapes.
Ivy geraniums, Pelargonium peltatum, are named for their ivy-shaped leaves and trailing growth habit. They have delicate, airy flower clusters that cover the plants like colorful clouds of smoke.
Scented geraniums, such as Pelargonium fragrans, P. graveolens, P. tomentasum, are grown for their fragrant leaves with such scents as lemon, peppermint, nutmeg, apple, and rose.
Martha Washington or regal geraniums, Pelargonium domesticum, make decorative houseplants with their large colorful flowers and may be mistaken as exotic varieties. Unfortunately, its need for cool growing conditions to bloom makes this geranium a poor choice for Iowa gardens.
Exotic geraniums are zonal and fancy-leaved varieties that have unique foliage and colorful flowers. Although not commonly found in nurseries and garden centers, a few plant companies specialize in breeding exotic geranium varieties. For example, 'Tricolor', developed by Fischer USA, has red, green, and yellow zonal bands encircling the round leaves and bright red flowers. Their 'Happy Orange', 'Happy Violet' and 'White Glitter' geraniums combine lobed, fan-shaped leaves with large clusters of star-shaped florets.
The variegated foliage on some of the exotic geraniums, such as 'Pink Happy Thought' (green margins with yellow centers), and 'Frank Headley' (green with irregular white margins), provide great color contrast and mounded form when combined with other annuals in pots and planters.
Although they are unusual and referred to as "exotic", these geraniums are not difficult to grow in your garden. They are durable in the landscape and have good heat tolerance. Plant them where they will receive 4 or more hours of sunlight per day and remove spent flowers for continuous bloom. Keep the soil moderately moist and fertilize with a soluble plant food once a month.
You can see the above-mentioned exotic geranium varieties and others as part of the summer display in the Conservatory at Reiman Gardens. There are all types, colors and forms on exhibit, some planted along side several tall-growing geranium pillars.
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Editors: Two color photos, suitable for publication, are available at right. Click on each thumbnail photo to go to the fullsized photo. The top picture's fullsize photo is 432K and the bottom picture's fullsize photo is 396K. Caption: 'Pink Happy Thought' is a beautiful exotic geranium with beautiful pink flower clusters over bold green and yellow variegated foliage. |
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| Caption: 'Tricolor' geranium combines colorful foliage with dark red flowers for a unique look that combines well with other annual flowers. |
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