The “lilac geranium” is a popular plant known for its vibrant color and unique fragrance. Cherished for their abundant blooms and easy care, these plants are a favored choice for gardeners seeking to add charm to their spaces.
Understanding Lilac Geranium
The plant commonly known as “lilac geranium” is botanically a Pelargonium, not a true Geranium. Both belong to the Geraniaceae family, but Pelargoniums are native to Southern Africa and thrive in warmer climates, while true Geraniums (cranesbills) are hardy perennials found in temperate regions. This distinction is important for their care.
Lilac Pelargoniums display cup-shaped flowers in shades of violet, indigo, or blue, often with fine veins. Their foliage varies, sometimes deeply lobed or toothed, and many varieties release a scent when touched due to volatile oils. These plants generally grow upright or bushy, reaching 1 to 3 feet tall, making them suitable for various garden applications.
Caring for Lilac Geranium
Lilac Pelargoniums thrive in warm, sunny conditions, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for abundant blooms. In very hot climates, afternoon shade can protect them from scorching.
Well-draining soil is important, as Pelargoniums do not tolerate waterlogging. A fertile, slightly alkaline to neutral soil mix is ideal. For containers, use a mix of potting soil, perlite, and coarse sand, or a quality peat-free compost. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, and water deeply until it drains from the pot.
Pelargoniums prefer warm temperatures, ideally 70-85°F (21-29°C) during the day and 55-65°F (13-18°C) at night. They are sensitive to frost, so in cooler climates, they are often grown as annuals or brought indoors for winter. Consistent watering is important during the growing season.
During their active growing period from spring through summer, Pelargoniums benefit from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every two to four weeks. Once flowering begins, switch to a fertilizer with higher potassium, like a tomato feed, to encourage more blooms.
Pruning maintains a bushy shape and promotes continuous flowering. Pinching back young stems encourages branching. Regularly removing spent flowers (deadheading) directs the plant’s energy towards new blooms. When pruning, make clean cuts just above a leaf node or bud, and remove any dead or crossing stems.
Propagating Lilac Geranium
Propagating lilac Pelargoniums through stem cuttings is an effective way to create new plants identical to the parent. Cuttings can be taken in early spring or late summer, though they root throughout spring, summer, and early autumn.
To take a cutting, select a healthy, non-flowering shoot. Use a sharp, clean knife to cut a 3-4 inch (7.5-10 cm) section just above a leaf joint. Remove lower leaves or flower buds from the bottom half, leaving at least two leaves at the top. Rooting hormone can be used, but is not strictly necessary.
Prepare pots with a well-draining medium, such as peat-free compost and sharp sand. Insert cuttings around the pot’s edge, burying any bare leaf nodes. Water lightly, avoiding excessive moisture on leaves, and place pots in a warm, well-lit location away from direct sun. Roots typically form within weeks to two months, with new top growth signaling success.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Lilac Pelargoniums can encounter certain issues. Common pests include aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites, which feed on plant cells and lead to distorted growth. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Good air circulation also deters pests.
Diseases like root rot and fungal spots can occur, often exacerbated by overly damp conditions. Root rot results from overwatering or poorly draining soil, causing wilting and yellowing leaves. Fungal issues like botrytis (grey mold) and rust appear as shrivelled leaves with grey mold or brown spots on leaf undersides. Remove affected leaves and ensure proper air circulation to prevent and manage these diseases.
Environmental issues can also cause problems. Yellowing leaves may indicate overwatering, nutrient deficiency, or cold temperatures. Leggy growth, where stems become long and sparse, often points to insufficient light and can be corrected by pruning and providing more sun. A lack of blooms can be due to inadequate light or incorrect fertilization, especially too much nitrogen, which promotes foliage over flowers.
Beyond the Bloom: Uses and Enjoyment
Many Pelargonium varieties offer aromatic qualities. Their scented foliage, releasing fragrances like rose, lemon, mint, or orange when brushed, can naturally scent a home. Freshly cut leaves can be placed in bowls, or dried leaves incorporated into potpourri.
These versatile plants are suitable for various garden settings, performing well in beds, borders, rock gardens, containers, hanging baskets, or window box displays. Their compact, bushy growth makes them adaptable for different spaces, including indoor cultivation on sunny windowsills.
Lilac Pelargoniums enhance outdoor living areas with continuous blooms from spring through autumn. Their vibrant colors and often fragrant leaves contribute to a sensory garden experience, inviting touch and scent as much as sight.