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Description
Pelargonium Graveolens Lady Plymouth, also known as scented geranium, is a perennial plant native to South Africa. It belongs to the Geraniaceae family, which includes over 800 species of flowering plants. The Lady Plymouth variety is a hybrid of Pelargonium Graveolens and Pelargonium Grandiflorum, resulting in a plant with a unique and attractive foliage.This plant is renowned for its fragrant leaves, which are used to extract essential oils for perfumes, soaps, and aromatherapy. Its leaves are also edible and often used in cooking, such as adding them to sugar or butter for a citrusy flavor.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain| Kingdom| Phylum| Class| Order| Family| Genus|| ———- | ———- | ———-| ———–| ———–| ———- | ————–|| Eukaryota| Plantae| Angiosperms| Eudicots| Rosales| Geraniaceae| Pelargonium|
Appearance
Pelargonium Graveolens Lady Plymouth is a bushy plant that grows up to 1 meter in height and 0.5 meters in width. Its leaves are variegated with green and white or cream colors, and they are deeply lobed and crinkled, creating a ruffled effect. The leaves are also slightly fuzzy to the touch.During the summer, Lady Plymouth produces delicate pink or lavender flowers that bloom in clusters. These flowers are small and have five petals, and they attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Care Guide
Pelargonium Graveolens Lady Plymouth is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips for its care:- Water: Water Lady Plymouth when the soil is dry to the touch, but avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot. – Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: Use well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. – Sunlight: Place Lady Plymouth in a spot with partial shade or full sun, depending on the climate. – Hardiness Zones: Lady Plymouth can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it thrives in hardiness zones 9 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Pelargonium Graveolens Lady Plymouth is susceptible to common pests and diseases, such as:- Aphids: These sap-sucking insects can cause stunted growth and deformation of the leaves. Use insecticidal soap to control them.- Spider mites: These tiny arachnids can damage the leaves by sucking the sap. Use a miticide to control them.- Botrytis blight: This fungal disease can cause brown spots on the leaves and flowers. Remove the affected parts and avoid overhead watering to prevent the spread of the disease.
Habitat
Pelargonium Graveolens Lady Plymouth is native to South Africa, where it grows in rocky and sandy soils. It prefers a warm and dry climate, but it can also tolerate mild frost. It is commonly grown in gardens and containers for its fragrance and ornamental value.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the difference between Pelargonium Graveolens Lady Plymouth and other scented geraniums?
A: Lady Plymouth has a unique variegated foliage that sets it apart from other scented geraniums. It is also a hybrid of two Pelargonium species, creating a distinct combination of traits.
Q: How often should I prune Lady Plymouth?
A: Prune Lady Plymouth regularly to maintain its shape and promote bushy growth. You can prune it to half its height in the spring or after it blooms.
Q: Can Lady Plymouth tolerate drought?
A: Lady Plymouth can tolerate some drought, but it prefers to be watered regularly to prevent stress and promote growth.
Q: Can I propagate Lady Plymouth from cuttings?
A: Yes, Lady Plymouth is easy to propagate from stem cuttings. Take a cutting in the spring or summer and root it in moist soil or water.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Pelargonium Graveolens Lady Plymouth:- Pelargonium Graveolens- Pelargonium Grandiflorum- Pelargonium Citrosum- Pelargonium L’Heritier- Pelargonium Sidoides
References
– “Pelargonium Graveolens Lady Plymouth.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed on August 31, 2021.https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277644&isprofile=0&basic=Lady%20Plymouth.- “Pelargonium Graveolens.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed on August 31, 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/8711/Pelargonium-graveolens/Details.- “Pelargonium Graveolens Lady Plymouth.” Plants Rescue. Accessed on August 31, 2021. https://plantsrescue.com/pelargonium-graveolens-lady-plymouth/.- “Scented Geranium.” Clemson Cooperative Extension. Accessed on August 31, 2021. https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/scented-geranium/.
