How to care for ampelous geraniums at home
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Geranium is called among the common people the favorite plant of our grandmothers - a large family of Pelargonium. Real geraniums are cold-resistant, grow in central Russia and are used both for landscape design and for medical purposes. Those Pelargoniums that are grown on the windowsill in the Russian Federation come from warm countries. The homeland of the ampelous geranium is South Africa.
Ampel geranium - types, description
Outwardly, ampelous geranium flowers resemble peonies. Flowering lasts a long time, from spring to late autumn. The flowers have a rich color gamut, there is only blue and bright yellow, you can often find:
- Scarlet;
- White;
- Lilac;
- Pink;
- Red.
The flower should always be located in a well-lit room, otherwise it will have sluggish stems with pale leaves
This species is rarely seen in vertical gardening. Pelargonium ampelous is more suitable for hanging gardens. Where did the name curly ampelous geranium come from. The main feature of ampelous geraniums is in flexible shoots, which can reach a length of 90 cm. They can hang and curl beautifully. In nature, geranium is a perennial shrub that grows in mountainous areas. In addition to its attractive appearance, the plant is distinguished by its endurance.
This type of pelargonium is called ivy, due to the special structure of the leaves, whose shape resembles ivy leaves. The leaves are very hard to the touch, which even some take for artificial, but this is not so.
The ampelous geranium does not need special care at home, since in nature it grows in mountainous regions. A well-lit loggia or window sill is enough. When growing seedlings, do not get too carried away with watering, otherwise the plant may die. In the summer, it is recommended to water, feed and pinch geraniums.
The variety of geranium-pelargonium species
All geraniums are divided into several groups, namely:
- Unique. It is a hybrid of brilliant and royal pelargonium. The leaves are heavily dissected and have a characteristic spicy aroma. The flowers resemble those of a royal geranium. Used for decorative purposes.
- Royal. The second name is English large-flowered or domestic, royal and noble. She has many varieties that differ in shape and color. The main feature of this type of geranium is the presence of dark stripes or dark spots along the veins on the lower petals. It reaches a height of 50 cm. The flowering period is 3-4 months. A very capricious plant to care for, which requires mandatory wintering.
- Angels. It has a second name, Viola. The flowers resemble pansies. The plant is obtained by crossing with wild species. The bush is small, reaching up to 30 cm in height. Flowering occurs throughout the summer months with plush hanging plant caps.
- Zonal.The most popular type of geranium, with more than a thousand varieties. The plant is hardy and is presented in the form of an upright bush. The leaves are wavy and covered with small hairs, there is a characteristic aroma. If you take care of the flowers correctly, they form inflorescences all summer, and in a room with optimal conditions for the plant - for a whole year. Leaves are two-colored, when the middle of the leaf and the edges have a different color, and these zones are clearly separated, hence the name of the plant, as well as three-colored. They can reach a height of up to 60 cm, but there are also microminiature varieties up to 10 cm in height.
- Succulent. Their main feature is considered to be the unusual shape of the silhouettes of the stems, reminiscent of a mini copy of baobabs. They are very valuable for those who love something exotic in the interior, and are also used to create bonsai-style compositions. There is a plant with or without thorns. In the dry season, they begin to shed their leaves.
- Fragrant. They have small flowers of a purple or pinkish hue. The leaves are called cut or scattered in connection with the pinnately incised 5-7 parts, it is because of this that they look like terry. The leaves contain an essential oil, which, when touched, is very easy to feel, hence the name fragrant geranium. It is used for cosmetic, medical, perfumery and food purposes.
- Ivy-leaved. More about this view later.
The most important thing in a plant is, of course, flowers. It is from them that the future owners of any of the groups of geranium-pelargoniums are repelled when choosing
Ivy or ampelous
Often ampelous geranium is called ivy. In most cases, they are simply simply confused because of the consonant name.
Some people, who have no idea what ivy geranium looks like, confuse it even with an ordinary one, believing that there is no difference between them. This is a very gross mistake - related varieties can be very different from each other.
What is ampel ivy pelargonium or cascading geranium
Cascading ampelous geranium is understood as an improved version of the old ivy-leaved pelargonium, which has a large number of colors and shades. Her petals are very narrow, but there are so many flowers, especially when grown in a hanging planter and a window box, that you cannot see the leaves behind them. An excellent plant for growing in the sun, while others can die from such unbearable conditions.
The formation of inflorescences occurs from July to September
Varieties of ampelous or ivy-shaped pelargonium
It is very difficult to choose one variety from a large number. I even want to take everything at once. But since this is unrealistic, it is worthwhile to study each of the species in more detail and choose the one that suits your liking.
Table of varieties and descriptions of ampelous geranium species
| Variety | Description |
| Amethyst | A common species that is characterized by volumetric branching and rapid development. The flowers are presented in the form of large baskets of the color of May roses. In the summertime, pelargonium is put out on the street, and in the winter it is brought back into a warm room. |
| Crocodile | It has an unusual leaf color - bright yellow veins on a green background are clearly visible. The flowers have a coral or purple hue. |
| Dacora Pink | It has light green or variegated leaves that resemble plastics. The petals, which taper towards the base, form a beautiful, delicate bud. The surface is strewn with clearly delineated red veins. |
| Jagky gauld | This shrub develops very quickly, it is characterized by splendor and branching. Terry flowers, white, under the influence of ultraviolet radiation can turn pink or purple. |
| Pelfi Barock | Terry flowers of a dark red hue, which are collected in large inflorescences-caps. |
Pelfi Barock is suitable for lovers of exquisite types of inflorescences
Characteristics and description of popular varieties of pelargonium
The following are examples of the most popular varieties from gardeners.
Pelargonium ampelous "Summer rain"
The flower has thin, but at the same time strong cascading shoots, whose size is 80-100 cm.The leaves are smooth and shiny, from 5 to 8 cm wide, resembling ivy leaves. Pelargonium ampelous "Summer rain" has ordinary flowers, which are collected in 5 pieces of umbrella-shaped inflorescences. Flowering begins in late May and continues throughout the summer.
Pelargonium ampelous "Butterfly"
Officially named Tornado Fushsia. The shrub has a green crown of rich color, it is characterized by splendor and branching. The shade of the flowers resembles fuchsia with dark veins and a few specks.
The main feature of the Butterfly variety is the shape of the petals, which resemble a butterfly.
With proper care for any of the varieties of ampelous geranium, the plant will delight the eye of its owner with beautiful flowers and an unusual crown shape for a long time.
