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Description
Pelargonium Lara Maid, also known as the variegated geranium, is a stunning plant that can add appeal to your garden. This plant is a hybrid between Pelargonium zonale and Pelargonium inquinans, which gives it its unique characteristics. It has attractive variegated green and cream leaves that are soft to the touch, and its flowers come in shades of pink or red. Pelargonium Lara Maid is a popular choice for gardeners due to its low maintenance and beautiful appearance.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Geraniales |
| Family | Geraniaceae |
| Genus | Pelargonium |
Appearance
Pelargonium Lara Maid is a compact shrub that grows up to 2 feet tall and 2 feet wide. Its leaves are heart-shaped and have a variegated green and cream color that is soft to the touch. Its flowers grow in clusters and come in shades of pink or red. They bloom in the spring and summer and can last for several weeks. Pelargonium Lara Maid is a beautiful plant that can add appeal to any garden.
Care Guide
Pelargonium Lara Maid is a low maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips to help you take care of your plant:- Water: Pelargonium Lara Maid prefers well-draining soil and should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry. Overwatering can cause root rot, so make sure to let the soil dry out between waterings.- Fertilization: Pelargonium Lara Maid should be fertilized every 2-3 weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: Pelargonium Lara Maid prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil pH levels.- Sunlight: Pelargonium Lara Maid prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can cause leggy growth and fewer flowers.- Hardiness Zones: Pelargonium Lara Maid is hardy in USDA zones 9-11. In colder zones, it can be grown as an annual or brought indoors during the winter.
Common Pests & Diseases
Pelargonium Lara Maid is relatively pest and disease resistant, but it can still be affected by some common problems. Here are some of the most common pests and diseases that affect Pelargonium Lara Maid:- Aphids: These small insects can cause stunted growth and deformities in the leaves and flowers. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and stippling of the leaves. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.- Botrytis blight: This fungal disease can cause brown spots on the leaves and flowers. It can be controlled with a fungicide.
Habitat
Pelargonium Lara Maid is native to South Africa, where it grows in rocky areas and on hillsides. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate drought conditions. It is a popular plant for gardens and can be grown in containers, hanging baskets, or in the ground.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my Pelargonium Lara Maid?
A: Pelargonium Lara Maid should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry. Overwatering can cause root rot, so make sure to let the soil dry out between waterings.
Q: Can Pelargonium Lara Maid tolerate shade?
A: Pelargonium Lara Maid prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can cause leggy growth and fewer flowers.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Pelargonium Lara Maid?
A: Pelargonium Lara Maid is hardy in USDA zones 9-11. In colder zones, it can be grown as an annual or brought indoors during the winter.
Q: What is the best fertilizer for Pelargonium Lara Maid?
A: Pelargonium Lara Maid should be fertilized every 2-3 weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Pelargonium Lara Maid:- Pelargonium zonale- Pelargonium inquinans- Pelargonium peltatum- Pelargonium citronellum- Pelargonium sidoides
References
– “Pelargonium ‘Lara Maid’.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=290585&isprofile=0&.- “Pelargonium ‘Lara Maid’.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/270611/Pelargonium-Lara-Maid/Details.
