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Description
Pelargonium Hortorum Bird Dancer, commonly known as Bird Dancer geranium, is a hybrid cultivar of the Pelargonium genus. It is a tender perennial that produces gorgeous clusters of pink flowers with deep maroon markings, making it a popular choice for gardens and containers.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Geraniales |
| Family | Geraniaceae |
| Genus | Pelargonium |
Appearance
The Bird Dancer geranium has a compact, bushy habit and can reach a height of 12-18 inches. Its leaves are slightly glossy, deep green, and heart-shaped. The flowers are double pink with darker maroon markings and bloom in clusters from late spring to fall. The plant is also evergreen in frost-free areas.
Care Guide
Water: Water deeply and let the soil dry out between watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
Fertilization: Fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
Soil: Plant in well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0-7.0. A mix of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite is ideal.
Sunlight: Bird Dancer geraniums need full sun to partial shade. They can tolerate some shade but bloom best in full sun.
Hardiness Zones: Bird Dancer geraniums are hardy in zones 9-11. In colder climates, they can be grown as annuals or brought indoors during winter.
Common Pests & Diseases
Bird Dancer geraniums are susceptible to spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies. They can also be affected by root rot, gray mold, and bacterial leaf spots. To prevent pests and diseases, avoid overwatering, provide good air circulation, and remove infected foliage.
Habitat
Bird Dancer geraniums are native to South Africa and prefer warm, sunny climates with well-draining soil. They are commonly grown in gardens and containers for their beautiful flowers and foliage.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I fertilize my Bird Dancer geranium?
A: Fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
Q: Can Bird Dancer geraniums tolerate shade?
A: Yes, they can tolerate some shade but bloom best in full sun.
Q: What are the common pests and diseases that affect Bird Dancer geraniums?
A: Spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies are common pests, while root rot, gray mold, and bacterial leaf spots are common diseases.
Q: Where are Bird Dancer geraniums native to?
A: They are native to South Africa.
Related Plants
- Pelargonium Hortorum ‘Vanessa’
- Pelargonium Hortorum ‘Lady Plymouth’
- Pelargonium Hortorum ‘Pink Capitatum’
References
- “Pelargonium x hortorum ‘Bird Dancer’.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=d446
- “Pelargonium x hortorum.” University of Florida IFAS Extension. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/EP/EP06100.pdf
- “Geraniums and Pelargoniums.” Royal Horticultural Society. https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=385
