Contents
Description
Pelargonium Ben Franklin is a beautiful flowering plant that belongs to the Geraniaceae family. It is a hybrid cultivar that was first introduced in the 1960s. This plant is particularly known for its stunning flowers that come in shades of pink, red, and white. The flowers bloom in clusters and have a distinctive five-petal structure. Pelargonium Ben Franklin is a relatively low-maintenance plant and is perfect for gardeners who are just starting out.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Eudicots |
| Order | Geraniales |
| Family | Geraniaceae |
| Genus | Pelargonium |
Appearance
The leaves of Pelargonium Ben Franklin are green and have a slightly fuzzy texture. They are often heart-shaped and have serrated edges. The flowers of this plant are the most distinctive feature. They come in shades of pink, red, and white and have five petals. The flowers bloom in clusters and can last for several weeks. Pelargonium Ben Franklin can grow up to 18 inches in height and 12 inches in width.
Care Guide
Water: Pelargonium Ben Franklin prefers moderate watering. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Soil: Pelargonium Ben Franklin thrives in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It should receive at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
Hardiness Zones: Pelargonium Ben Franklin is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Pelargonium Ben Franklin is relatively pest-resistant, but it can be susceptible to mealybugs and spider mites. To prevent infestations, keep the plant clean and dry. If infestations occur, treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil. This plant can also be susceptible to root rot if it is overwatered or planted in poorly-draining soil.
Habitat
Pelargonium Ben Franklin is native to South Africa and is commonly found in rocky areas and scrublands. It is a popular ornamental plant and is often grown in gardens and as a houseplant.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my Pelargonium Ben Franklin?
A: Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Q: Can Pelargonium Ben Franklin grow indoors?
A: Yes, Pelargonium Ben Franklin can be grown indoors as long as it receives plenty of sunlight.
Q: How tall does Pelargonium Ben Franklin grow?
A: Pelargonium Ben Franklin can grow up to 18 inches in height.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Pelargonium Ben Franklin?
A: Pelargonium Ben Franklin is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Related Plants
- Pelargonium Graveolens
- Pelargonium Citrosum
- Pelargonium Zonale
- Pelargonium Tomentosum
References
- “Pelargonium ‘Ben Franklin’.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b651.
- “Pelargonium ‘Ben Franklin’.” Plant Care Today, plantcaretoday.com/pelargonium-ben-franklin.
- “Pelargonium.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 14 Mar. 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pelargonium.
