Scented geranium: characteristic features
Scented geranium is one of the names of geranium (also commonly called angina or angina). It is one of the representatives of the Geranium family, and the first of its names refers to some extent to the essential oils it produces in significant quantities. If you rub a geranium leaf, you can feel an intense, usually slightly citrus scent. She came to Poland from the northern regions of Africa.
Anginka, geranium, scented geranium Joanna Ciesielska / iStock
When you grow a scented geranium in a pot, it is unlikely to exceed a meter in height. This one is characterized by characteristic, strongly dissected leaves, which are sometimes slightly wrinkled. Moreover, they are light green in color and have small, densely arranged hairs on their surface.
Geranium can bloom, producing small flowers in white, pink, purple or violet. When the flowering process will occur depends mainly on the conditions in which it will be grown.
Geranium: properties
What makes enthusiasts choose geranium? The health-promoting properties of scented geranium are certainly invaluable. Due to the fact that its leaves contain the above-mentioned essential oils, they have:
- vitamin C,
- tannins,
- flavonoids,
- organic acids,
- geraniol.
Anginka can be used during colds because it helps in the fight against upper respiratory tract infection. Essential oils from scented geraniums can also have a warming effect. Angina extract also has antibacterial and antifungal properties, you can rinse your mouth with it if, for example, you have a toothache. In turn, freshly squeezed geranium leaf juice applied as a compress can also be used to relieve joint pain. Scented geranium will also repel insects such as mosquitoes.
Angina flower – how to grow?
Will you soon have angina in your home? It turns out to be extremely easy to grow, but before you decide on it, be sure to check its requirements. It will feel best in bright positions, full of sunlight. You must know that geranium will also do well in semi-shady places, but then its shoots will become less dense and the leaves will emit a slightly weaker scent.
Anginka was a very popular plant and eagerly cultivated at home. Illustrative photo SariMe/shutterstock.com
The soil for scented geraniums should, above all, be permeable, although it will cope perfectly with universal soil. It is always worth ensuring a drainage layer at the bottom of the pot, which you can prepare using expanded clay. When it comes to watering, it is best to do it regularly, but in moderation. The most important thing is not to let the strep throat dry out, because it will be difficult to save it later. On the other hand, it cannot stand standing water.
From April to October, geraniums should be fertilized, using for this purpose fertilizers for ornamental plants. In flower shops you can also find preparations intended specifically for geraniums.
How to prune geranium?
And how to prune? Maybe you don’t know, but This is basically the most important care activity, which should be carried out in the case of scented geraniums. You must do it very gently, it is best to only pinch the tops of the shoots. Thanks to such activities, the plant will be stimulated to grow and at the same time it will begin to branch out better. When angina increases, it is worth repeating this treatment regularly.
If a geranium is growing in a garden, for example, some people may want to shape it into a spherical shape. Then you should use a garden pruner.
See also:
Source: Gazeta
Bruce is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment . He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
