Pelargonium
(from pelargos, a stork; in allusion to the beak of the fruit, which resembles a stork's bill--at least, as much as the Geranium does that of a crane). Stork's Bill. Including Campylia, Ciconium, Grenvillea, Hoarea, Jenkinsonia, Otidia, Phymatanthus and Seymouria. ORD. Geraniaceae. An extensive genus (about 170 species have been described) of, for the most part, greenhouse, glabrous or pubescent, perennial herbs, shrubs, or sub-shrubs, of variable habit, natives, for the most part, of the Cape of Good Hope. Flowers irregular; sepals five, imbricate, connate at base, the upper segment having a spur which is adnate to the pedicel; corolla of five petals (sometimes four or two); peduncles axillary, opposite the leaves, umbellately two to many-flowered, or rarely one-flowered. Leaves opposite or rarely alternate, entire, denate, lobed, or variously divided, stipular. But few of the species are now in general cultivation, having been, to a great extent, superseded by the numerous handsome hybrid forms. Except where otherwise stated, the species described are South African, and require greenhouse treatment.
It would be difficult to name a more popular plant for gardens of every description than the Pelargonium. The several sections into which the varieties are divided owe their origin principally to hybridising and cross-breeding some of the species indigenous to the Cape; and few, if any, subjects that have ever been taken in hand have so richly and liberally rewarded the hybridist's labour. Throughout the whole year, the Zonal section plays a most important part in furnishing cut flowers, and also decorative plants, for greenhouse, room, and window embellishment; in summer, this section is invaluable for bedding, and is largely represented in the flower garden, though not to the extent, in many places, that it was a few years since. Show, Decorative, and Fancy Pelargoniums are exceedingly floriferous and showy, their flowering season being spring and early summer. The Ivy-leaved sorts form an important and very useful section; many are of trailing habit, and may be used for vases, &c., with good effect. A collection of Cape species and hybrids is far too rarely seen, as the flowers of many, although small, are beautifully and delicately marked, and the habit of the plants is generally very compact. Wherever Pelargoniums for greenhouse decoration are grown, a selection from the species and hybrids should be included. Their leaves are frequently sweet-scented, and useful for mixing with flowers of many other genera; and the plants, when blossoming, afford much more than ordinary interest.
PROPAGATION. Pelargoniums of every description are readily raised from seeds, and the natural habit of the species and single-flowered varieties is generally that of bearing seeds somewhat freely. The seed vessels should be collected just before they burst, and put into a paper bag to ripen. Some cultivators sow at once, but the better plan is to preserve until spring, and sow thinly in pans of light, sifted soil, covering to a depth of 1/4in. If placed in a gentle heat, the seeds will soon germinate, and the young plants may be grown on under similar treatment to those previously established. They should be placed in pots not larger than 5in. until after they have flowered; any worthless ones should not be retained beyond this stage. In selecting plants from any section with a view to procuring seeds for raising new varieties, it is most important that only those which are very choice should be retained, the standard of excellence being already so high. There is, however, apparently still much room for improvement in one or another essential; and, with such a popular flower, that has already been so vastly improved by hybridising, selection, and seed raising, the work will probably continue to be pursued, and unlooked-for results may, and doubtless will, yet be obtained. The most general method of Pelargonium propagation adopted is that of cuttings, made either from the shoots, or from the roots. Cuttings from tolerably firm shoots will root easily, at almost any time of year, provided they are in a proper state, and placed under suitable conditions. Spring, and the latter part of summer, are the best seasons; and these are most convenient for raising or renewing a stock of plants. The species and hybrids are readily increased by cuttings, made from some of the strongest roots. They should be cut into lengths of 1in. or 2in., inserted in sand, so that the tops show just above the surface, and placed in a temperature of about 60 deg. But little water must be given until some leaves are formed, when the young plants may be potted off singly, and grown on in a cooler temperature.
CULTIVATION. It will be most convenient, in referring to cultural details, to deal with the several sections separately, as, although all will succeed under treatment differing but little in many respects, the purposes for which the plants are required, and their seasons of flowering, vary considerably. The principal sections of Pelargoniums, apart from species and their hybrids, are the Show, Decorative, Fancy, Zonal or Bedding, Variegated-leaved, and Ivy-leaved.
Species and Hybrids. Many of these may be propagated by all of the methods to which reference has been made. They are mostly slender-growing plants, and do not require very much root-space, 5in. or 6in. pots being sufficiently large for growing good-sized specimens. Any that are found to be of an evergreen nature should not be kept quite dry in winter, but should be treated as recommended below for the large-flowered Show section; the tuberous-rooted species, and those with succulent stems, require no water all the winter. In early spring, all should be introduced to a little warmth, and gradually watered, when growth will commence for the season, and a house or pit, where plenty of air is admitted, will be the most suitable position. Turfy loam, with a little leaf mould or decayed manure, and some charcoal or sand added, will be the best compost; the pots should be well drained, and the soil rendered tolerably firm. Full exposure to sun and air after flowering will be an essential, in order to thoroughly ripen the wood for the following year. Show and Decorative Pelargoniums. Large-flowered Show Pelargoniums represent a very extensive and important class of plants, useful for greenhouse decoration, and specially adapted for exhibition as specimens. Decorative sorts are, as their name indicates, more especially suited for ornamentation; their flowers are not so evenly formed, but they are produced in the greatest profusion; the habit is also extremely sturdy and compact. Cuttings should be procured, early in August, from the ripened shoots of plants that have been exposed to the sun until the current year's wood has become hardened. Every two firm joints, or even one, will, if required, from a short cutting, which, under proper treatment, will be almost certain to grow. Insert them, about 2in. apart, in pots or pans of sandy soil, and place in an ordinary frame, fully exposed to sun. When rooted, pot off singly, in about 3in. pots, and press or ram the soil quite firm; give only a little water, and return the plants to a close frame or house until re-established. If the points are soon afterwards pinched out, three or four new shoots will form, and these should be tied down, when large enough to handle, close on the rim of the pot. Keep near the glass, in a cool house, and apply sufficient fire-heat to maintain a night temperature of about 45 deg.; anything above freezing point will, however, suffice in very severe weather. About December, the final potting may be given, and if the plants are wanted in flower early, they should receive to further stopping; if late, pinch the points out again about the middle of January. Grow on near the glass, in a light, airy structure, and, when the flower-trusses appear, give some weak liquid manure. Show Pelargoniums require good drainage, and should be kept rather dry than otherwise, particularly in autumn and winter, when progress in growth is but slow. Good fibrous loam, torn up by hand, with about one-fourth decayed manure or dried cow-dung added, and sufficient sand to keep the whole open, will form an excellent compost. It is important that the soil should be rendered firm in potting; otherwise, the shoots are inclined to become sappy, and lengthen more than is desirable. A good plan is that of preparing the compost some time beforehand, and thoroughly mixing it occasionally.
When the plants are flowering, they should be shaded from sunshine, and be placed where plenty of air can be admitted; they are at all times most impatient of a close atmosphere. Decorative varieties are now very popular, and are extensively grown, because of their early flowering and compact habit. Young plants of these should not be stopped more than once; they should receive their final potting earlier, and be kept rather warmer in winter, than others which are intended for flowering later in spring. When the season of each is over, and the plants are removed from under glass, they should be placed out of doors, in full sunshine, for about a month, when they may be cut back, and again started into growth.
Large specimen Pelargoniums are obtained by growing plants for several years. They may receive the treatment already described for the first season. After being cut back, about August, they should be kept syringed, and moderately moist at the root, until beginning to break, when they should be shaken out, the roots partially pruned, and replaced, with new soil, in pots a size smaller than before. Grow on in a similar way to young plants, and transfer, about the end of the year, to the flowering pots, which, for very large plants, need not exceed 8in. or 9in. in diameter. Timely attention must be given to training and tying the growths, in order to equalise and balance the head. When grown in 5in. or 6in. pots, for ordinary decoration, a piece of matting may be tied round, beneath the rim; to this, other pieces may be temporarily attached for tying out the shoots. As the wood solidifies, it will usually remain in the position in which it has been placed, and the ties may be removed. Thus, established plants may be grown several years in pots of a similar size, the soil being annually renewed, and due attention given to feeding with manure water, or artificial manure, at the time the flowers are being formed, and when they are expanding.
Fancy Pelargoniums. These form a class of plants with an exceedingly compact habit; their flowers, though small, are prettily marked, and borne in the greatest profusion. They are tenderer than the large-flowered Show varieties, and are not quite so easily grown. Instead of propagating from ripened wood in autumn, early spring is found the best time, and new shoots are taken for the purpose of forming cuttings when they become tolerably firm. The general treatment regarding soil, potting, ripening in summer, &c., given above for the Show section, will also suit this, with the following exceptions: Watering must be even more carefully attended to in winter; a little higher temperature is also desirable, and over-potting must specially be avoided. It is better to err in keeping the roots somewhat dry rather than too wet. Plenty of room must be allowed each plant, or it will soon become drawn; light and air, whenever the latter can be admitted, are also essentials to success. Fancy Pelargoniums are much less vigorous than the Show varieties, and do not require so much tying out; yet sufficient should be done to them in this respect to prevent the numerous shoots overcrowding each other in the centre. The plants may be similarly grown on for several years in succession; but it is advisable to propagate new ones, to gradually replace the old ones. Zonal or Bedding Pelargoniums. Amongst popular garden plants, few are more widely cultivated than the varieties of Zonal Pelargoniums. They are supposed to have originally descended from P. inquinans and P. zonale, which were introduced early in the eighteenth century. Varieties of the present day show a remarkable contrast in comparison with them, and the vast improvement in the flower and habit of the plant which has been made, more particularly of late years. Zonal Pelargoniums may be had in flower the whole year round, by affording some little attention to the propagation and preparation of plants. Many of the varieties raised somewhat recently are exceedingly showy decorative subjects when grown in pots under glass, and they are more especially useful throughout the winter for the purpose of cutting. With this latter object in view, cuttings should be inserted in the previous autumn, or early in spring, and the plants obtained should be grown on throughout the summer, and not allowed to flower until, say, about September, when the season for those outside will begin to decline. A light, airy house or pit, with a warm, fairly dry atmosphere, will be the best situation from the time the plants are rooted until about midsummer, when they should be placed on a bed of coal ashes in the open air, or in a shallow pit with the sashes removed. This plan is adopted in order that the growths may be short-jointed and become well ripened by autumn. During winter, a light span-roofed house is best adapted for Zonal Pelargoniums in flower; it should be kept at from about 50 deg. to 55 deg. by day, and the atmosphere always on the dry side. An excellent and a most successful system of heating houses for the winter treatment of Zonal Pelargoniums in flower, is that of conducting the hot water through a small pipe fixed along the rafter, just above the flower trusses. This plan is not always practicable, or, perhaps, worth the trouble of adopting where only a comparatively few plants are grown; but the success attending it is suggestive as to what are the most suitable provisions to be aimed at under ordinary circumstances. Damp is the greatest enemy to be contended with in winter. In summer, either young or old plants may readily be had in flower at almost any time by leaving their trusses to expand. Young plants should be stopped once or twice, to encourage a compact habit, care being taken always to pinch to a joint at which is situated a growing bud. A system frequently--indeed, generally--practised is that of stopping indiscriminately at whatever joint seems best situated; this should not be adhered to with the Pelargonium unless where there is a growth or wood-bud present, and not a flower-truss. Cuttings that are not too sappy will root with the greatest ease in a warm house or pit during spring, and at almost any season, if young plants are required. The plants succeed best in a rich, loamy soil, with some manure; and they flower most profusely if allowed to become somewhat pot-bound, and fed with liquid manure.
Unfortunately, none of the single Pelargoniums are lasting in a cut state, as their petals drop readily. To prevent this with plants for exhibition, and with flower-trusses for market, it is customary to drop the smallest quantity of liquid gum into the centre of each flower, to render it more durable. Varieties with double or semi-double flowers have now become numerous, and are exceedingly useful in a cut state, as, unlike the single ones, they hold on persistently until becoming withered. The plants succeed under treatment similar to those which have single flowers, and are very compact and floriferous, especially the semi-double varieties, that are of a comparatively recent date, and mostly of Continental origin. It must be admitted they are not so showy as varieties with single flowers, but, notwithstanding this, they form a very attractive and useful addition.
Zonal Pelargoniums, used only for bedding, in summer, may be propagated in any quantity towards the end of August, by cuttings obtained from plants outside. These may be inserted rather close together, in either pots or boxes, as may be convenient, and placed on a bed of ashes, in the full sun. Here they may remain until housed up for the winter, about the end of September, in any structure kept a little warm and rather dry. Any dead leaves should be frequently looked for and removed, and but little water should be given. Pot off singly about February, and grow on, in preparation for transplanting outside, in May, or early in June.
Variegated-leaved Pelargoniums. A few varieties of these are invaluable as bedding plants, on account of their coloured foliage and distinct appearance in comparison with the ordinary Zonals. They are severally distinguished as Golden Tricolor, Silver Tricolor, Gold and Bronze or Bicolor, Silver-variegated, Golden-leaved, and Variegated Ivy-leaved. Tricolors, with few exceptions, are rather tender, and do not succeed properly in the open ground, unless under favourable conditions, and in a warm situation. They may be grown well in small pots, under glass. Cuttings from outside should be inserted in pots, early in August, and a warm, rather dry, place selected for them in winter. They may also be readily propagated in heat during spring. The Bronze, Silver-variegated, and Golden-leaved varieties are almost exclusively used for bedding, and may be treated in the same manner as recommended for bedding Zonals. In summer propagating, however, they should be attended to first of the two; and a little heat will be necessary all winter, to preserve the leaves from damping. Variegated Ivy-leaved Pelargoniums are only few in number; being of trailing habit, they are very useful for vases, hanging baskets, &c.
Ivy-leaved Pelargoniums. These have now become a very important class, by the addition of numerous varieties with semi-double flowers. They are more especially adapted for pot culture and greenhouse embellishment than for other purposes, and are most valuable in summer and autumn, when it is desirable that plants under glass should be different from those so plentiful outside, or superior, in point of perfection, if they are varieties of the same thing. Several of the single-flowered trailing sorts are well adapted for hanging over vases, &c., in summer; and such may also be grown in pots, and trained on pyramidal or balloon-shaped trellises. Ivy-leaved Pelargoniums are readily increased from cuttings, which may be inserted at any time when the plants are growing. The should be grown on throughout the summer, and be allowed to rest in a cool place all winter. Attend to repotting and typing those large enough for flowering early in spring, and provide them with a light house or pit, with a temperature of about 55 deg. Here they will soon grow rapidly, and timely attention must be given to typing the new growths to cover their trellis. Some of the sorts are not trailers; the habit will, of course, distinguish between them at once. Ivy-leaved Pelargoniums are much benefited by frequent syringings up to the time they come into flower; they also require plenty of water at the root.
INSECTS. Pelargoniums are not much injured by insects, with the exception of Aphides, particularly Green Fly. These invariably affect all the sections more or less, though not the Zonals, and those allied to them, so much as the others. Fumigating is the best remedy; it should be practised rather frequently in spring, for prevention as well as cure. It is specially important that the plants should be free from insects at the time they come into blossom, as many of the flowers would be destroyed by measures being afterwards taken to effect an eradication.
P. abrotanifolium (Southernwood-leaved).* fl. white or rosy, the two broader upper petals having a red spot; calyx tube much longer than the pedicels. May. l. powdery, fan-shaped, three-parted; lateral segments deeply two or three-lobed; terminal one multifid, with linear, channelled, blunt lobes. h. 3ft. 1791. A slender, canescent shrub. (SW. Ger. 351.) P. angulosum (angular). fl. purple, with dark streaks, panicled; pedicels and calyces densely hairy and rough; petals twice as long as the acuminate sepals. Summer. l. shortly stalked, truncate or broadly-cuneate at base, with three to five shallow, angular, acute, toothed lobes. 1724. A large bush. From this species, P. cucullatum, and P. grandiflorum, have originated those races of garden plants known as Show, Decorative, and Fancy Pelargoniums.
P. apiifolium (Parsley-leaved). fl. sub-sessile; calyx tube three or four times longer than the reflexed segments; petals dark, with a pale border, obovate, reflexed. June. l. pinnati-partite, pinnae petiolate, pinnatifid-pinnate; segments cuneate, flat, laciniate, glabrous and glaucous. Stem thick and fleshy; flowering branches slender, herbaceous. 1800.
P. ardens (glowing).* fl. bright scarlet, shaded with a darker colour; umbels many-flowered. Summer. l. hai dagger??, cordate at base, oblong, unequally lobed, sometimes ternate. Stem thick, suffruticose. h. 1ft. to 1 1/2ft. This very fine garden plant is a hybrid between P. fulgidum and P. lobatum. (L. B. C. 139; SW. Ger. 4.)
P. betulinum (Birch-like).* fl. purple, with dark streaks; pedicels and calyx silky; petals twice as long as the sepals; peduncles deflexed, three or four-flowered. July. l. seldom 1in. long, shortly petiolate, oval or ovate, obtuse, unequally toothed, sub-glabrous or scaberulous. h. 3ft. 1759. A rather slender, erect shrub. (B. M. 148.)
P. bicolor (two-coloured).* fl. nearly sessile; calyx segments reflexed; petals purple, with a pale border, obovate. July. l. on long petioles, cordate at base, pinnatifidly lobed, 3in. to 4in. long, and nearly as broad, softly pubescent, margins dentate; lateral segments broadly cuneate, bilobed and cut, the terminal one trifid and toothed. Stems shrubby, succulent, sparingly branched. h. 1ft. to 2ft. 1778. (B. M. 201; SW. Ger. 97.) P. Bowkeri (Bowker's).* fl., calyx tube 1 1/2in. long; petals bipartite, eight to ten lines long, purple at base, with yellow, capillary, fringe-like lobules; umbel many-flowered; scape 12in. to 14in. high. Summer. l., radical ones on petioles 5in. to 6in. long, decompound, linear-lanceolate, 5in. to 6in. long, each segment as finely divided as a Fennel-leaf. Stem short and succulent. 1864. Herb. (B. M. 5421.)
P. capitatum (capitate). fl. rosy-purple, in dense, many-flowered heads. Summer. l. long-stalked, cordate, three to five-lobed; lobes obtuse and rounded, toothed. 1790. A shrub with branches, in a wild state, generally trailing on the ground. This species is largely cultivated in the Mediterranean region for an essential oil distilled from the leaves, which is used as a perfume, and also for adulterating otto of roses. Probably, P. capitatum is one of the parents of the garden hybrid ROLLISSON'S UNIQUE, a handsome, free-flowering plant, with purplish-crimson flowers.
P. carnosum (fleshy). fl. generally white, small, on long, branched peduncles; pedicels patently setose; umbel many-flowered, with short bracts. May. l. 2in. to 4in. long, shortly petiolate, oblong, deeply pinnatifid, somewhat fleshy, cut nearly to the midrib; segments flat, sharply cut or pinnatifid. Stem 1ft. to 2ft. high, succulent, clumsy, not much branched. 1724. (SW. Ger. 98.)
P. comptum (decked).* fl. many in an umbel; calyx villous; petals nearly obcordate, the upper ones larger, bright pink, lighter at the base, and with a dark purple spot in the centre, and numerous stripes below it, the lower ones darker. Summer and autumn. l. kidney-shaped, rounded, slightly lobed, unequally and rather deeply notched; petioles slender. Stem erect, branched, shrubby, succulent. Hybrid. (SW. Ger. 255.)
P. cordatum (cordate-leaved). fl. purple, white; calyx and pedicels generally densely villous; petals twice as long as the sepals; peduncles branched or panicled, the partial ones short and many-flowered. May. l. long-petiolate, cordate, acute, denticulate, and sometimes repand-lobulate; stipules subulate from a broad base. h. 3ft. 1774. An erect, much-branched, villous or subglabrous shrub. (B. M. 165 under name of P. cordifolium.) P. crispum (curled-leaved).* fl. purple; sepals oblong, acuminate; petals narrow; peduncles short, two or three-flowered. September. l. 1/2in. to 1 1/2in. long, distichous, shortly petiolate, fan-shaped, truncate or cuneate at base, trilobulate or deeply three-lobed, coarsely toothed, rigid and rough, curled, strongly scented. h. 3ft. 1774. A slender, much-branched shrub. (SW. Ger. 383.)
P. cucullatum (hooded leaved). fl. purple; petals twice as long as the lanceolate-acuminate sepals; pedicels and calyx silky. Summer. l. long-stalked, reniform-cupped, denticulate, very soft. 1690. This species is the parent of a large number of garden hybrids: some of the double forms are very pretty.
P. denticulatum (toothed). fl. lilac or rosy-purple; upper petals emerginate or bifid. Summer. l. long-stalked palmati-partite, glabrous and viscid above, hispid beneath; lobes simple or pinnatifid, linear, flat, coarsely toothed. 1789. A slender, half-herbaceous species. (SW. Ger. 109.)
P. echinatum (bristly).* fl. mostly white, with a dark red spot on the upper petals, but sometimes deep purple; petals emarginate; pedicels very short; partial peduncles six to eight-flowered. June. l. long-petiolate, cordate-ovate, obtuse, somewhat three, five, or seven-lobed; lobes rounded, crenulate or bicrenulate, pubescent above, white-tomentose beneath. Stem fleshy, armed with persistent, spine-like stipules. h. 1ft. 1789. Shrub. (B. M. 309; SW. Ger. 54.)
P. Endlicherianum (Endlicher's).* fl. deep rose-coloured, large; sepals spreading; two larger petals marked with five deep purple nerves; peduncles long, terminal; umbel terminal, many-flowered. July. l. few; radical ones long-petiolate; cauline ones on shorter stalks; all cordate, plicate, with a deep sinus, obscurely five-lobed. Stems simple, erect, herbaceous. Rootstock large. h. 2ft. Taurus, 1855. Nearly hardy.(B. M. 4946; F. d. S. 2031; R. G. 311.) P. fissum (cleft).* fl. pale pink, not dotted or streaked; petals sub-equal, exceeding the calyx. Summer. l. roundish-reniform, with toothed lobes, hairy when young. h. 1ft. Herbaceous. (Ref. B. 149.)
P. fragrans (fragrant), of Sweet.* Nutmeg-scented Geranium. fl. white, marked with red lines on the upper petals; upper calyx segment erect, the others reflexed; two upper petals ligulate, slightly emarginate, the lower ones obovate or broadly spathulate. Summer. l. roundly cordate, generally three-lobed, bluntly toothed or crenate, strongly veined beneath, densely pubescent. Stem shrubby, erect, much-branched; branches spreading. h. 2ft. Hybrid. (SW. Ger. 172.)
P. gibbosum (swollen). Gouty Geranium. fl. greenish-yellow, on very short pedicels; calyx segments villous, pubescent; petals obovate. June. l. glaucous and nearly glabrous, pinnatipartite; segments one or two pairs, with a terminal one, the lowest petiolate, all broadly cuneate, cut or lobed; stipules small. Stem shrubby, succulent, much swollen at the distant nodes. h. 1 1/2ft. 1712. (SW. Ger. 61.)
P. glauciifolium (Horned Poppy-leaved).* fl. very dark, velvety, blackish-purple, edged with greenish-yellow, exquisitely fragrant; calyx segments obtuse; petals all obovate, the two upper ones rather larger. Summer. l. variable in form, ternate, pinnatifid, lobed, or sinuated, Jensely woolly beneath. Stem suffruticose, slightly branched. Root tuberous. Hybrid between P. gibbosum and P. lobatum. (SW. Ger. 179.)
P. grandiflorum (large-flowered). fl. large; petals nearly three times longer than the calyx, two upper obovate, white, marked with red branching lines at the base, lower ones broadly spathulate, white. l. long-stalked, palmately five to seven-nerved, deeply five to seven-lobed. 1794. Supposed to be one of the parents from which have originated the Show and Fancy Pelargoniums of florists. (A. B. R. 12; SW. Ger. 29.) P. heracleifolium (Heracleum-leaved). fl. greenish-yellow; calyx segments pubescent, half as long as the obovate petals; umbel ten to twelve-flowered. July. l. rather thick, softly villous above, tomentose beneath, oblong, deeply incised-pinnatifid or somewhat pinnate, serrated, the terminal segment very large. Stem short and deflexed, herbaceous. h. 6in. 1800. (L. B. C. 437; SW. Ger. 211.)
P. hirsutum melananthum (hairy, black-flowered). fl. blackish-purple; calyx softly pubescent, the sepals with membranous margins; umbels many-flowered. Summer. l. stalked, very variable, simple, pinnatifid, bipinnatifid, or almost pinnatipartite. h. 6in. to 12in. Herbaceous. (SW. Ger. 73.) SYNS. Hoarea atra (SW. Ger. 72), H. melanantha.
P. hybridum (hybrid). fl. pale scarlet; calyx segments spreading; petals five, or sometimes six, wedge-shaped, the two uppermost ones smallest, and converging at base. September. l. roundish-reniform, truncate at base, slightly lobed, unequally notched; petioles hairy. Stem shrubby, much-branched; branches short. h. 2ft. 1732. (SW. Ger. 63.)
P. ignescens (fiery-flowered).* fl. scarlet; nectariferous tube twice as long as the calyx; two upper petals obovate, the three lower ones ligulate. Summer. l. cordate, deeply three-lobed, in some cases nearly to the base; the side lobes slightly bilobed, the intermediate one trilobed. Stem shrubby, with a few succulent branches. h. 1 1/2ft. 1812. Hybrid. (L. B. C. 109; SW. Ger. 2.)
P. inquinans (stained-flowered).* fl. varying from intense scarlet to rose-colour and white; petals broadly obovate; pedicels very short; peduncles long, many-flowered. July, l. shortly petiolate, orbicular-reniform, velvety, and somewhat viscous-pubescent, crenate, almost undivided or obsoletely multi-lobulate. Younger branches succulent, velvety. h. 2ft. 1714. This shurb is the parent of most of the so-called "Scarlet Geraniums" of our gardens. It lacks the horseshoe mark of P. zonale, and has broader and shorter petals.
P. millefoliatum (Milfoil-leaved). A synonym of P. triste. P. oblongatum (oblong).* fl. cream-coloured, marked on the upper petals with purple veins; calyx tube and stamens very long; petals broadly obovate; umbels many flowered. Summer. l. glabrous, fleshy, on long or short petioles, broadly ovate, obtuse or sub-acute, pale green, paler below; margins lobulate and obscurely irregularly toothed, sometimes multifld. Root tuberous. h. 6in. 1872. (B. M. 5996.
P. peltatum (peltate-leaved).* Ivy-leaved Pelargonium. fl. varying from white to red, large or small; petals twice as long as the calyx; peduncles elongated, four to eight-flowered. July. l. glabrous or pubescent, fleshy, peltate, radiately five-nerved below, bluntly five-angled or lobed, with very entire margins. Stem shrubby; branches angular, weak and straggling. h. 2ft. 1701.(B. M. 20; SW. Ger. 95.)
P. pulchellum (pretty).* fl. umbellate, outer ones pedicellate, inner ones sub-sessile; petals white, each with a large, deep red spot; scapes branched, pilose. April. l. on short, hairy petioles, oblong, silky, incised-pinnatifid; lobes oblong, acute; stipules broadly ear-shaped, rigid. Stem short and succulent, scarcely branched, sometimes obsolete. 1795. (B. M. 524; SW. Ger. 31.)
P. quercifolium (Oak-leaved).* Oak-leaf Geranium. fl. purple or pink, shortly pedicellate; sepals elliptic, mucronate, half as long as the petals; peduncles deflexed, three to five-flowered. May. l. shortly petiolate, cordate at base, sinuato-pinnatifid, hairy, strongly scented; lobes and sinuses rounded; margins wavy and crenated. Stem much-branched. h. 3ft. 1774. A well-known shrub.
P. Radula (Radula).* fl. pale purple, with dark streaks, small, pedicellate; calyx densely setose and glandular, the tube short; peduncles short, hispid, four or five-flowered. June. l. on rather long petioles, palmati-partite, roughly hispid above, softly pubescent beneath; lobes narrow-linear, pinnatifid, with revolute margins. h. 3ft. 1774. A much-branched, balsamic-scented shrub.
P. sanguineum (bloody). fl. scarlet, pedicellate; calyx tube long or short, with reflexed segments; petals narrow-obovate. July. l. pinnati-partite, glabrous, rather thick; pinnae sessile, decurrent, laciniately pinnatifid, with obtuse lobes. Stem shrubby, fleshy, nodose, glabrous; flowering branches herbaceous. h. 1ft. Probably a hybrid. (SW. Ger. 76.)
P. schizopetalum (cut-petaled). fl., petals five, nearly equal, two-parted, the divisions multifidly laciniate, or divided into numerous branching segments, the two upper ones pale yellow, the lower ones brownish-purple; umbel several-flowered, spreading. Summer. l. about 6in. long, ternate or deeply trifid, obtuse, oblong-oval, undulate, hairy on both sides, unequally round-toothed; terminal leaflet very large, eleven to thirteen-lobed. Stem short, suffruticose, rather succulent. Root tuberous. h. 1ft. 1821. (SW. Ger. 232.)
P. Schottii (Schott's).* fl. 1 1/4in. to 1 1/2in. in diameter; calyx tube 1in. long; petals crimson, with black, elongated, broken blotches running into the nerves on the disk; umbel six to ten-flowered; peduncle 4in. to 10in. long, simple or branched. l. scattered, on petioles 4in. to 10in. long, pinnately three to seven-foliolate; lobes or pinnules all much cut and lobulate, with waved and crisped, toothed margins. Stem succulent, branched, 1ft. to 1 1/2ft. high, somewhat shrubby at base. Plant hairy. Garden hybrid. (B. M. 5777.)
P. tricolor (three-coloured).* fl. on long pedicels; sepals villous; two upper petals generally very dark red, the three lower ones white, but sometimes the upper ones are coloured at the base only, where there is always a darker spot; partial peduncles two or three-flowered. July. l. on long, slender petioles, villouscanescent, lanceolate or oblong, incised-toothed or lobed. Stem shrubby, short, branching, diffuse. h. 1 1/2ft. 1791. (B. M. 240; SW. Ger. 43.) P. triste (dull-flowered). fl. dull brownish-yellow, with dark spots, or partly dark-brown, with a pale border, very sweetly aromatic at night; petals twice as long as the calyx segments; peduncles long; umbel many-flowered. July. l. 8in. to 12in. long; radical and lower ones bi-tripinnately decompound; segments decurrent, toothed and laciniated, the teeth gland-tipped. Stem short or scarcely any, deflexed, succulent. 1632. Herb. (B. M. 1641.) SYN. P. millefoliatum (SW. Ger. 230).
P. t. filipendulifolium (Dropwort-leaved). l. sub-bipinnatifid; segments broader than in the type. Plant caulescent. (SW. Ger. 85, under name of P. filipendulifolium.)
P. vitifolium (Vine-leaved). fl. purple, small, sessile, in densely many-flowered heads; petals short. July. l. on long petioles, cordate at base, three-lobed; lobes shallow, very obtuse and rounded, toothed; stipules broadly cordate. h. 1 1/2ft. 1724. Plant suffruticose, erect, densely hairy and villous.
P. zonale (zonal). "Horseshoe Geranium." fl. varying from scarlet and crimson through all shades of red to pure white, subsessile; calyx tube four or five times longer than the segments; petals narrow-cuneate or spathulate; peduncles long, many-flowered. August. l. on long petioles, roundish-cordate, glabrous or pubescent, mostly with a dark horseshoe mark above (whence the common name), crenate-toothed, obsoletely many-lobed. Younger branches succulent. h. 2ft. 1710. A well-known shrub. tenopetalum is a variety with very narrow-linear petals. Of P. zonale there are innumerable garden forms, of which a selection is subjoined. Now and then, seedlings develop only proliferous flowers, like those shown VARIETIES. Pelargoniums are exceedingly numerous in varieties, a circumstance not to be wondered at when it is remembered how readily seedlings may be raised, and how successful have been the results attending the hybridising and improvement of these plants as systematically carried out by English and Continental raisers. Subjoined is a selection of varieties representing the several sections that have been referred to in the foregoing cultural instructions. Doubtless, many others which have necessarily to be omitted here are equally meritorious with those included; this is unavoidable where there is such a vast quantity to select from, and where only a limited number can be referred to.
Large-flowered Show Pelargoniums.
ADVENTURER, maroon spot, lower petals rose, white centre; fine form. AMBASSADOR, upper petals deep, lower petals rosy-pink, clear white eye. AMETHYST, rich purple, top petals deep maroon; dwarf and free-flowering habit, fine. BEACON, crimson, very free; excellent habit. CHIEF SECRETARY, rosy-crimson, shaded with maroon and orange, white centre; very free and effective. CLARIBEL, pure white, with small, bright carmine spot on top petals; extra good. CONFESSOR, black top, narrow rose margin, lower petals rose, white centre; large and fine. DEMOCRACY, lower petals purple, suffused with lilac, dark upper petals, white centre. DESDEMONA, white; early, very free-flowering. DESPOT, deep crimson, maroon spot on upper petals. DUKE OF CONNAUGHT, crimson-scarlet, suffused with purple. FLORENCE, rich crimson, light centre; very free. FORTITUDE, orange, with black spot on top petals, rose edge, lower petals pink, clear white centre; large and very fine. ILLUMINATOR, bright vermilion-scarlet, rich and glossy, clear white centre; extra fine. INVINCIBLE, rich crimson-maroon top petals, lighter centre; dwarf habit. JOE, upper petals dark maroon, with narrow purple margin, lower rosy-purple, white centre; dwarf and free habit. LORD CLYDE, scarlet, dark maroon blotch on upper petals. MAGNATE, top petals black, narrow flery edge, white centre, shaded; large and fine. MAID OF HONOUR, pink, small dark maroon blotch on upper petals, large white centre; of great size. MAN-AT-ARMS, rich dark top petals, lower petals shaded crimson; a large flower of fine form; extra. MANDARIN, dark rich crimson, with broad, bright margin; free and dwarf habit. MARGARET, top petals dark maroon, rosy-purple margin, white centre; fine large flower. MARTIAL, deep rich crimson, maroon top, narrow flery edge; free, robust habit, extra fine. MARY HOYLE, orange-rose, white centre. MONARCH, petals crimson-purple, black top, with crimson edge, white centre NEGRESS, very dark maroon, pure white eye. OUTLAW, black top petals, narrow margin of bright crimson, white centre; large and fine. PURPLE GEM, deep purple, top petals black maroon, purple margin. PURPUREA, rich purple-edged lilac, clear white centre; good habit. RETREAT, deep rose, maroon spot, white centre; free. ROYAL REVIEW, lower petals richly painted crimson, very dark top petals, narrow crimson edge; dwarf and very free; extra fine. SAPPHO, cherry-rose, suffused purple, small maroon spot on top petals, white centre; dwarf and very floriferous. SCOTTISH CHIEFTAIN, painted crimson, top petals dark maroon. SEYLA, pale rose, maroon top petals, clear white centre. STATESMAN, pale rose, lower petals maroon, top margined with rose, white centre; large. THE BARON, lower petals rosy-crimson, shot with purple, black top petals, white centre; very distinct. THE CZAR, rich deep crimson, of great substance and good quality; free habit. VETERAN, lower petals rose, upper ones maroon, white centre; fine large flower. VIRGIN QUEEN, pure white, with purplish-carmine spots on the top petals; dwarf, sturdy habit. Decorative Pelargoniums. Spotted, Fringed, and Semi-double.
ANNIE HEMSLEY, bright rosy-crimson, tinted orange, pure white centre and margin, maroon blotch on upper petals; good habit, extra fine. CAPTAIN RAIKES, bright crimson, dark blotch on upper petals; double. CARL KLEIN, orange-scarlet, black spot on each petal, semi-double, beautifully fimbriated. DECORATOR, crimson, with maroon spots; free and effective. DIGBY GRAND, white, with dark blotch on upper petals, heavily fringed. DRESDEN CHINA, white, striped carmine; a great novelty. DR. MASTERS, dark maroon, crimson edges, much fringed. DUCHESS OF BEDFORD, fringed white, carmine spot; very free. DUCHESS OF EDINBURGH, fringed white purple blotch; dwarf free habit. FAIRY QUEEN, pale pink, small spots, very free and effective. GOLD MINE, orange-scarlet, white centre; free and fine. GRAND LILAS, French white, purple spot; free. INTEGRITY, bright scarlet-crimson, small black spot; dwarf, free habit. KINGSTON BEAUTY, white, dark blotch; very free and good. LADY BLANCHE, white, with small crimson spots. LUCIE LEMOINE, pure self-white; novel. MADAME C. KOLNIG, white; free and fine. MADAME THIBAUT, white, richly blotched and marbled with rose, large white centre; petals fimbriated; extra fine. MAID OF KENT, fringed white, rose-coloured spot; free, dwarf habit. MARIE LEMOINE, white, with small purple spots; large, stout flower; dwarf habit. MERMERUS, bright red, maroon spots. MR. ASHBY, dark rose, maroon spot, light centre; dwarf habit. MR. JOHN HAYES, shaded rosy-pink, white edges; free. MRS. ASHBY, rosy-crimson, maroon spot, white centre. PRINCE OF NOVELTIES, crimson and maroon, white margin; semi-double. QUEEN VICTORIA, bright orange-carmine, white edges; semi-double. ROSETTA, purple, maroon spots; very free and effective. ROSY MORN, pink, with carmine spots on all the petals; free and good. TRIOMPHE DE ST. MANDE, deep crimson; immense trusses; extra fine. TRIUMPHANS, rich purplish-crimson; dwarf and free; very distinct. VENUS DE MILO, white, semi-double; useful for bouquets. VOLONTE NATIONALE, light, with rosy-carmine spots and stripes, fringed.
Fancy Pelargoniums.
ACME, purple-maroon, white throat and margin; good form and habit. ATLANTIC, rich crimson, suffused with purple. BRIDESMAID, delicate pale lavender, edged white. CLOTH OF SILVER, white, with delicate rose blotch. COUNTESS OF DUDLEY, rosy crimson, light throat, lower petals rose; fine. DUCHESS OF EDINBURGH, white, carmine spot on each petal. EAST LYNNE, crimson-purple; large, good shape. ELLEN BECK, lilac-carmine, bright edges; dwarf, free habit. FANNY GAIR, rosy-lake, suffused with purple, white centre and edges; fine. FORMOSA, lake, shaded lilac, white centre and edges; fine form: GODFREY TURNER, crimson, lower petals light crimson, lilac margin. JANNETTE, rich purple, clear white centre and edges; smooth and free. LADY CARINGTON, soft pale peach, top petals suffused pale pink. LORD OF THE ISLES, deep rosy-purple, white centre and edges. LUCY, crimson-lake, shaded violet; robust habit. MISS GODARD, rich crimson, white centre and edge; smooth and fine form. MISS-IN-HER-TEENS, cerise upper petals, lower petals mottled crimson. MRS. ALFRED WIGAN, pink, clear white centre and edges. MRS. DORLING, mottled lilac, white throat and edges; fine form. MRS. DOUGLAS, rose, suffused purple, light centre and edges. MRS. FOSTER, rosy-purple, light edges and centre; large. MRS. GAIR, crimson-purple, white centre and edges; dwarf habit. MRS. HART, rosy crimson-purple, white margin, clear white eye; fine. MRS. MILNE HOME, rosy-lilac, white centre, narrow white margin; free. PRINCESS TECK, white, with carmine spots; very smooth and floriferous. ROI DES FANTAISIES, rosy-crimson, white centre. ROSY MORN, rose, clear white throat and edges; excellent. SILVER CLOUD, pale pink, large white centre; fine shape and substance. THOMAS KING, carmine, suffused violet, lilac edges, white centre; fine. THURIO, carmine, shaded purple, white centre and edges, smooth finely-formed flower. VICTOR HUGO, crimson, large light centre; free.
Zonal and Nosegay Pelargoniums.
Single-flowered Varieties adapted for Pot Culture. AJAX, reddish-scarlet, good form and size, fine bold trusses. CELIA, rich crimson, broad overlapping petals; attractive. CHARLES SCHWIND, dark crimson, large truss; vigorous habit. COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF, rich scarlet, free-flowering, compact; a fine variety. CONSTANCE, rich rose; very free. DR. ORTON, rich dark crimson, large trusses; compact habit, extra fine. EDITH GEORGE, reddish-pink, trusses very large and globular. EVENING STAR, white, with large pink eye, very compact. FANNY CATLIN, soft rosy-salmon, large white eye, good flower and truss. FERDINAND DE LESSEPS, fine scarlet; dwarf habit. HENRY JACOBY, rich dark crimson, trusses extra fine; dwarf, compact habit. HERMIA, rosy-red, flowers and trusses large; good. HETTIE, rosy-magenta, fine form and substance, compact. IANTHE, crimson-magenta, compact. IMOGEN, soft salmon, well-formed flowers. JEANNE D'ARC, white, good shape. J. MCINTOSH, crimson-scarlet; free, dwarf habit. JOHN GIBBONS, bright orange-scarlet, pips and trusses very large; extra fine. KATE GREENAWAY, rosy-pink, large round flowers; very free. LADY BAILEY, rosy-pink, large truss; fine. LADY CHESTERFIELD, deep salmon, fine form. LADY REED, pure white, with scarlet centre; one of the finest oculated varieties. LENO, magenta; very dwarf and free. LIZZIE BROOKS, salmon-scarlet, fine shape. LORD ROSEBERY, cerisered. LUCY BOSWORTH, bright rose-pink, with white on upper petals, fine round pips, large truss. M. CHEVREUL, rich magenta, suffused purple; a fine variety. MISS SKIPWORTH, bright pink, white blotch on upper petals. MRS. HUISH, magenta-scarlet, very floriferous; dwarf habit. MRS. JOHNSON, rosy-magenta, pleasing shade; free. MRS. NORRIS, fiery-scarlet; very dwarf and free. MRS. STRUTT, pink, with purple shade, flowers and trusses large, well formed. MRS. WHITELEY, bright scarlet, white eye, of fine form; dwarf habit. NIPHETOS, white; dwarf, and free flowering. NORAH, soft blush, large. PLUTARCH, bright scarlet, small white eye, of great substance and size. QUEEN OF THE BELGIANS, white; compact, floriferous habit; one of the best white varieties. SCARLET CLOTH, rich scarlet, large flowers and trusses. SOPHIE BIRKIN, mottled salmon, large; one of the best in its class. SWANLEY GEM, rosy-salmon, large white centre, bold truss. TITANIA, rich crimson-maroon, clear white eye.
Single-flowered Varieties specially adapted for Bedding. DR. ORTON, rich dark crimson; very compact and floriferous. HENRY JACOBY, much like DR. ORTON in colour and habit, trusses extra fine; one of the best for bedding or pots, fast becoming a great favourite. JOHN GIBBONS, bright orange-scarlet; very free-flowering; vigorous habit. MRS. HOLDEN, deep rose, petals very narrow, the upper ones blotched with white; dwarf, very free-flowering, and showy. MRS. LEAVERS, deep pink, upper petals blotched white, large truss; dwarf habit. MRS. TURNER, purplish-pink, petals narrow, very large truss; vigorous habit. REV. A. ATKINSON, crimson-scarlet, trusses very large, somewhat loose; free-flowering, vigorous habit. TRIOMPHE DE STELLA, bright orange-scarlet; dwarf, and exceedingly floriferous. VESUVIUS, scarlet, small white eye; an old, well-known variety. WALTHAM SEEDLING, magenta-scarlet; very free-flowering. WEST BRIGHTON GEM, clear scarlet; very dwarf and free-flowering. WHITE CLIPPER, white; very free; one of the best white varieties for bedding.
Double-flowered Varieties suitable for Pot Culture. CANDIDISSIMUM PLENUM, double white, sometimes slightly tinged pink; large. CHARLES DARWIN, deep purplish-crimson, semi-double. CHARLES LALANDE, intense crimson, flowers and trusses medium-sized. DR. JACOBY, peach, shaded white. EDOUARD LEQUIN, magenta-red; very showy. F. V. RASPAIL, deep scarlet, fine large pips; compact habit. GUILLON MANGILLI, magenta-scarlet, top petals orange-scarlet, semi-double, trusses very large; a very showy variety, one of the best. HENRY CANNELL (Thorpe), scarlet, semi-double; excellent truss and habit. J. C. RODBARD, orange-scarlet, large. JEWEL, pure scarlet, flowers small, resembling the blossom of a double Haw-thorn, trusses small and neat; distinct, and useful for button-holes and bouquets. LA CANDEUR, white, double, LE CYGNE, pure white; fine form, and very compact habit, one of the best. LOUIS BUCHNER, pale salmon; good form. MADAME A. BALTET, nearly pure white; free habit. MADAME THIBAUT, magenta-rose, upper petals marked white; very free-flowering, compact habit. MAGENTA KING, magenta, fine large flowers and trusses. MARIE LEMOINE, soft carmine, large flowers and trusses; dwarf and free. M. PASTEUR, deep crimson, large, well formed. ROI DES VIOLETTES, rich violet-purple, large and double. WONDERFUL, orange-scarlet, semi-double; a sport from the single variety VESUVIUS, the habit of which it retains.
Variegated-leaved Pelargoniums.
These need no separate descriptions, as there is so little variation in the different varieties, of which a sufficiently extensive selection is given:
Golden Tricolors. EDWARD RICHARD BENYON, FLORENCE, JOHN DOWNIE, LADY CULLUM, MACBETH, MARIE STUART, MRS. POLLOCK, PETER GRIEVE, SOPHIA DUMARESQUE.
Silver Tricolors. DOLLY VARDEN, EVA FISH, LADY DOROTHY NEVILLE, LASS O'GOWRIE, MINNIE WARREN, MRS. CLUTTON, MRS. LAING, MRS. R. B. POSTANS, PRINCE SILVERWINGS.
Golden Bronze. BLACK DOUGLAS, GOLDEN HARRY HIEOVER, GOLDEN SUPERB NOSEGAY, MARECHAL MACMAHON, MODEL, THE SHAH.
Silver Variegated. FLOWER OF SPRING, LITTLE TROT, MANGLES' VARIEGATED, MISS KINGSBURY, PRINCESS ALEXANDRA.
Yellow Leaved. CREED'S SEEDLING, CRYSTAL PALACE GEM, ROBERT FISH.
Ivy-leaved Pelargoniums.
Single-flowered. BEAUTE DE LYON, purplish-scarlet, large trusses; bold foliage. BRIDAL WREATH, pure white ground, small pink eye; bushy, half-trailing habit; very pretty. DUKE OF EDINBURGH, pale rose, upper petals veined; large variegated leaves, yellowish-green with white margin; free, trailing habit. GEM, blush-white, crimson spot on upper petals; compact, upright-growing habit. INNOCENCE, large white flowers, shaded lilac; free, trailing habit, free-flowering. LA FRANCE (hybrid), beautiful light rose, trusses and flowers very large; free habit, extra fine. L'ELEGANTE, large white flowers; plant of free, trailing growth, with variegated leaves. MASTERPIECE, rich magenta-crimson, trusses of immense size, with large flowers. MRS. H. CANNELL, deep mauve-purple, large trusses. NEMESIS, scarlet; upright-growing habit, very bright and distinct. ST. GEORGE, light rose; flowers of medium size, with broad petals; of vigorous growth and floriferous habit. WILLSH, bright rose; plant of half-trailing habit, free-flowering and showy; one of the oldest varieties.
Double and Semi-Double Flowered. ABEL CARRIERE, soft magenta, maroon in upper petals, flowers of extra size and finest form. A. F. BARRON, lilac-rose, flowers large and very full; short-jointed and free habit. CANDEUR, almost pure white, flowers very double; free habit. COMTE H. DE CHOISEUL, flowers very large, full, of a most pleasing shade of colour. COMTESSE H. DE CHOISEUL, beautiful satiny-rose, light margin; a fine variety. CONGO, lilac, centre rose, light edges, of finest form and substance; effective. EMILE LEMOINE, rich orange-scarlet shade, pips very large, semi-double; extra fine and distinct. GENERAL GORDON, beautiful shade of deep rosy-cerise; distinct. GLOIRE DE NANCY, deep rosy-lake, large trusses, medium-sized flowers; very distinct. GLOIRE D'ORLEANS, rich crimson-magenta, trusses and flowers medium, produced in the greatest abundance; habit dwarf and short-jointed. ISIDORE FERAL, light rose, pleasing shade, flowers large, very double; one of the best. JEANNE D'ARC, white, suffused light lavender, flowers very large and double; an acquisition, and one of the finest varieties in size of flower. LA ROSIERE, soft satiny-rose, lighter margin, flowers very double; free and distinct. LOUIS THIBAUT, deep red, large flowers; of fine shape and substance. MADAME COCHIN, silvery-lilac, slightly marked with maroon on the upper petals; distinct. MADAME CROUSSE, rose-pink, semi-double trusses and flowers, very large and beautiful; extra fine. MADAME E. GALLE, nearly pure white, very double and large; one of the best. MADAME THIBAUT, bright rose, flowers very large and exceedingly double; habit compact and floriferous, extra fine. MADAME THUVENIN, soft rosy-cerise, large, pretty shade of colour. MARGUERITE JACQUOT, rosy-pink, edged silvery-blush, large and double. MASSENET, bright magenta, semi-double, bold truss. M. DE LESSEPS, reddish-pink, large pips; very full, and of fine shape. MRS. MOORE, white, bordered lilac and crimson. VISCOUNTESS CRANBROOK, satin-rose, a beautiful shade of colour, very double; dwarf, and short-jointed.