Horseshoe geranium - Pelargonium zonale (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

Horseshoe geranium

Also known as: Wildemalva

Horseshoe geranium can be identified by looking for horseshoe-shaped patterns of color, or “zones” within the leaves. The bright blooms are attractive to bees, butterflies, and birds and come in many colors, including red, pink, salmon, and more. These plants are easy to grow outside in your yard or indoors in containers.

Scientific classification

Species

Horseshoe geranium (Pelargonium zonale)

Geraniums, bridal wreaths, and allies

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Toxic to Human & Pets

Toxicity

Perennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer

Bloom Time

Fall

Harvest Time

30 cm to 1 m

Plant Height

50 cm to 1 m

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

White, Pink, Purple, Red

Flower Color

Green

Stem Color

Non-dormant

Dormancy

Evergreen

Leaf type

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Horseshoe geranium

Distribution of Horseshoe geranium

Distribution Map

You'll find horseshoe geranium growing naturally in Southern Africa, on rocky hills and slopes and along forest edges. It is cultivated as a garden ornamental around the world, and when it escapes cultivation it can be an aggressive weed. Populations have naturalized in disparate countries around the world's tropical and subtropical zones.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Dry rocky hills, stony slopes, forest margins

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use

Horseshoe geranium is a very common perennial (though treated as an annual) variety of pelargonium used in summer garden beds or containers. The upright and showy blooms make this flower stand out, so it is usually planted as a specimen piece next to spring-blooming flowers. The plants also do well near roses and some veggies, such as corn and cabbage, due to their insect-repelling properties.

Symbolism

Stupidity, foolishness

Name Story

Horseshoe geranium: Most people might think that its leaves are dirty upon noticing the plant in a flower shop. In fact, the black horseshoe mark on the leaves is one of its unique characteristics and is also the reason why it is called a horseshoe geranium.

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Horseshoe geranium, including the following common varieties :

Horseshoe geranium 'Americana Red'

Toxicity

Horseshoe geranium causes more trouble for animals than humans. Contact dermatitis is possible, and ingestion can lead to serious symptoms. Cats and dogs are particularly vulnerable; their symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Seek immediate veterinary care if ingestion is suspected. Toxicity is primarily in the stems and leaves. Handle with care, avoiding exposure to children and cognitively impaired people.

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Care Guide for Horseshoe geranium

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Horseshoe geranium thrives in subtropical conditions with consistent moisture and moderate humidity. It is moderately drought-tolerant; weekly watering is essential, especially during active growth. Indoor care allows for controlled hydration, ensuring even moisture without waterlogging to prevent root rot.

Fertilize: For optimal growth, horseshoe geranium needs high-phosphorus fertilizer every two weeks during active growth, reducing to monthly in winter. Adjust feeding based on growth stages, with juveniles needing more frequent fertilization. Use a balanced water-soluble fertilizer off-season and flush soil quarterly to prevent salt build-up.

Pruning: Horseshoe geranium requires pruning from early spring to late winter, focusing on dead or diseased stems and promoting airflow. Cutting back leggy growth encourages denser foliage. Clean, sharp tools are essential for effective pruning, which maintains shape, enhances flowering, and minimizes fungal disease risks.

Propagation: The vibrant ornamental plant horseshoe geranium is propagated through healthy stem cuttings taken below a leaf node. Use rooting hormone and place in well-draining mix, keeping soil lightly moist. After roots develop, transfer horseshoe geranium to individual pots in indirect sunlight with good air circulation.

Repotting: Best repotted every 2-3 years, horseshoe geranium flourishes with space, reaching a moderate size with horseshoe-shaped variegation. Repot in spring using a larger container, maintain bright light, and keep soil consistently moist for robust growth, ideal for those valuing ornate foliage with minimal care.

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Images of Horseshoe geranium

Distribution of Horseshoe geranium

Culture

Cultivars

Toxicity

Care Guide for Horseshoe geranium

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