Overview of Geranium multiflorum Gray var. superbum (O.& I. Deg. & Greenw.) St. John
Geranium multiflorum Gray var. superbum (O.& I. Deg. & Greenw.) St. John, also known as superb geranium, is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the family Geraniaceae. This plant is native to Southern California and Baja California, Mexico. It is a hybrid of Geranium multiflorum and Geranium oreganum.
Common Names of Geranium multiflorum Gray var. superbum
The plant is commonly known as superb geranium, purple cluster geranium, and bigroot geranium.
Uses of Geranium multiflorum Gray var. superbum
The superb geranium has multiple uses. Traditionally, the Native Americans used it for medicinal purposes as a remedy for headaches and stomach aches. It was also used as a herbal tea. The plant is still used in contemporary herbal medicine to treat digestive issues, insomnia, and anxiety. It has also been used in the cosmetic industry to make skin care products such as face creams, lotions, and perfumes.
General Appearance of Geranium multiflorum Gray var. superbum
The superb geranium has a sprawling growth habit and can grow up to 2-3 feet in height and 3-4 feet in width. It has large, dark green leaves that are deeply lobed and form a rosette. The plant produces showy, magenta-pink flowers with five petals that are approximately 1 inch in diameter. The blooms are arranged in clusters of 3-50 and appear in late spring to summer. The plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist but well-drained soils.
Light Requirements:
The Geranium multiflorum Gray var. superbum typically requires full sunlight to partial shade to grow and thrive. In areas with extreme heat, partial shade may be necessary.
Temperature Requirements:
Geranium multiflorum Gray var. superbum requires moderate to cool temperatures. It prefers temperatures ranging from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and cooler temperatures from 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit during the night. In warmer areas, it may require additional watering.
Soil Requirements:
The Geranium multiflorum Gray var. superbum requires well-drained soil with moderate fertility. The ideal soil pH ranges from 6.0 to 7.5. It can tolerate moderately alkaline or slightly acidic soil conditions. The soil must be kept moist but not waterlogged as this can lead to root rot. In areas with heavy clay soil, it may be necessary to add organic matter to improve drainage.
Cultivation
Geranium multiflorum Gray var. superbum (O.& I. Deg. & Greenw.) St. John is a perennial plant, and it grows best in well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade, but it can tolerate low-light conditions. It is hardy and can withstand some frost but is sensitive to extreme cold and hot temperatures.
Watering Needs
The plant requires regular watering during its growing season, which is usually from spring to fall. It prefers to be kept evenly moist but not waterlogged. It is essential to avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot and other fungal diseases. Water the plant deeply, but less frequently, during its dormancy period, which is usually in winter.
Fertilization
Geranium multiflorum Gray var. superbum (O.& I. Deg. & Greenw.) St. John prefers to be fertilized during its growing season, especially during its flowering stage. The plant responds well to a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Use a water-soluble fertilizer that easily seeps into the soil, and apply it at half-strength every two weeks during the growing season. Avoid fertilizing during the plant's dormancy period.
Pruning
Geranium multiflorum Gray var. superbum (O.& I. Deg. & Greenw.) St. John requires moderate pruning to control its growth and maintain its shape. Prune the plant in early spring to encourage new growth and remove any weak, dead, or diseased branches. Pinch off the tips of the branches to prevent the plant from getting too leggy. Deadhead the spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming.
Propagation of Geranium multiflorum Gray var. superbum
Geranium multiflorum Gray var. superbum (O.& I. Deg. & Greenw.) St. John, commonly known as showy geranium, can be propagated through both seeds and stem cuttings.
Seed Propagation
The seeds of Geranium multiflorum Gray var. superbum can be collected from the ripe fruits of the plant during fall. They should be sown in well-draining soil in early spring or late winter. Before sowing, the seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours to improve germination. The seeds should be sown shallowly, 1/8 inch deep, and kept moist until germination. Germination should occur within 7 to 14 days.
Stem Cutting Propagation
Stem cuttings can be taken from Geranium multiflorum Gray var. superbum during mid to late summer. The cutting should be about 3 to 4 inches long and should have at least 2 to 3 leaves on it. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem and dip the cut end into rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in soil that is well-draining and keep the soil moist. Within 4 to 6 weeks, new roots should form and the cutting can be transferred to a larger pot or planted directly into the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Geranium Multiflorum Gray Var. Superbum
Geranium multiflorum Gray var. superbum, also known as the large-flowered geranium, is a herbaceous perennial plant that can be susceptible to various diseases and pests. Proper disease and pest management can help maintain the plant's health and beauty.
Common Diseases
One of the common diseases that can affect Geranium multiflorum Gray var. superbum is powdery mildew, which is a fungal disease that appears as powdery white spots on the leaves. To manage powdery mildew, remove infected leaves and ensure good air circulation around the plant. Avoid overhead watering, and if necessary, apply fungicides.
Bacterial leaf spot is another disease that can affect the plant. It causes water-soaked spots on leaves, which can turn brown and fall off. To manage this disease, remove infected leaves and avoid overhead watering. Apply copper-based fungicides to the remaining foliage.
Common Pests
Geraniums can be susceptible to various pests, including aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that feed on plant sap and excrete a sticky substance called honeydew. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a stream of water to dislodge them or apply insecticidal soap.
Spider mites are tiny arachnids that also feed on plant sap, causing yellowing and browning of the leaves. To manage spider mites, keep the plant well-watered and increase humidity around it. Apply insecticidal soap or miticide if necessary.
Whiteflies are small, white insects that fly around the plant when disturbed. They also feed on plant sap and excrete honeydew. To manage whiteflies, use yellow sticky traps to capture them or apply insecticidal soap.
Regularly monitoring the plant can help identify and manage diseases and pests early on, preventing further damage. Proper cultural practices, such as adequate watering and fertilization, can also contribute to the plant's health and resistance to diseases and pests.
