Geraniums are a popular flowering plant that can be found in gardens and homes all around the world.
While many people enjoy their beauty, few know the deep meaning and symbolism behind these flowers.
Geraniums have a rich history and cultural significance, with different varieties carrying different meanings.
From love and friendship to courage and protection, the geranium flower has much to offer regarding symbolism.
This blog post will explore the fascinating world of geranium flower meaning and symbolism and uncover the hidden messages behind these beloved blooms.
Whether you’re a flower enthusiast or simply curious about the secrets of nature, you will want to take advantage of this insightful and engaging journey into the world of geraniums.
Types of Geranium Flower
Zonal Geraniums
“As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.”
Zonal geraniums, known as the colorful foundation of many summer gardens, derive their name from the distinctive zone of darker color on their leaves.
While this marking may be highly noticeable in some plants, it may be less prominent in others.
Moreover, these plants feature succulent stems with light to deep green leaves, often varicolored with darker colors, and have a sharp odor.
The flowers grow in clusters and can be single, semi-double, or double. The blooms are available in various colors, including red, purple, pink, white, orange, and occasionally yellow.
Most zonal geraniums grow to be 24 inches tall and wide, while there are also dwarf and miniature varieties measuring 5 to 8 inches in height.
Ivy Geraniums
Ivy geraniums, or Pelargonium peltatum, are trailing plants that can spread up to 48 inches.
Their name is attributed to their lobed, occasionally pointed leaves that are similar in appearance to ivy (Hedera spp.) plants.
In addition, the leaves are bright and glossy green and can grow up to 3 inches across. These plants produce clusters of single or double flowers in various colors, such as white, mauve, purple, pink, and red.
Interspecific Geraniums
Interspecific geraniums, also called Pelargonium interspecific, are a distinctive hybrid combining the favorable attributes of zonal and ivy geraniums.
They produce large flowers, much like those of zonal geraniums, while possessing the vigorous semi-trailing habit of ivy geraniums. The plants bloom copiously and exhibit excellent heat tolerance.
Regal or Martha Washington Geraniums
Pelargonium domesticum, commonly known as Regal or Martha Washington geraniums, are recognized for their striking clusters of large, flamboyant flowers in shades of white, orange, pink, purple, red, or reddish-black, and some even feature attention-grabbing patterns.
In addition, the mid-green leaves are rounded, with occasional lobes or partially toothed edges. These plants can grow to heights ranging from 12 to 48 inches.
Scented-leaf Geraniums
As their name suggests, Scented-leaf geraniums release their scent when their leaves are crushed or brushed.
These plants typically have mid-green leaves, which may occasionally be variegated, and produce clustered flowers in mauve, pink, purple, or white hues.
With over 140 varieties available, scented-leaf geraniums come in a wide range of scents, including rose, lemon, pine, coconut, and peppermint.
Lemon-scented varieties are also effective at repelling mosquitoes. Scented-leaf geraniums can attain a substantial size when permitted to grow in the ground.
Angel Geraniums
Angel geraniums are a hybrid of P. crispum and regal geranium. These plants produce flowers with captivating patterns in tones of pink, purple, mauve, or white.
Moreover, their mid-green leaves are rounded and crinkled and may occasionally be scented. Angel geraniums have a bushier growth habit and can reach heights ranging from 9 to 36 inches.
Etymological Meaning of the Geranium Flower
The word “geranium” comes from the Greek word “geranos,” which means “crane.” This name was given to the plant because the fruit of some geranium species is shaped like a crane’s bill or beak.
The botanical name for geranium is Pelargonium, which comes from the Greek word “pelargos,” meaning “stork.”
Furthermore, the name was given to the plant because the fruit of some species is shaped like a stork’s beak.
Geraniums are also sometimes called “scented pelargoniums” because of the aromatic oils found in their leaves and stems.
Geranium Flower Cultural History
Geraniums have been an essential flower in various cultures worldwide for centuries. In the Victorian era, the geranium symbolized gentility and was often given as a gift to show respect and admiration.
In some parts of Europe, geraniums are still seen as a symbol of protection against evil spirits, and people sometimes plant them around their homes for this purpose.
In many cultures, geraniums are also associated with healing and health.
For example, in traditional Chinese medicine, geranium oil is used to help heal wounds and improve circulation. In aromatherapy, geranium oil is believed to have calming and stress-reducing properties.
In addition to their symbolic and medicinal meanings, some cultures use geraniums for culinary purposes.
In North Africa, geranium leaves are used to flavor tea, while in parts of Europe, geranium petals are used to make jams and jellies.
Overall, the geranium flower has played an essential role in various cultures throughout history, representing everything from protection and healing to respect and admiration.
Geranium Flower Colors and Their Meanings
Geranium flowers come in various colors, each with unique symbolism and meaning. Here are some common geranium flower colors and their associated meanings:
Red Geranium Flower
Red geraniums symbolize love, passion, and deep affection. They are often used to express romantic feelings or support someone going through a difficult time.
Pink Geranium Flower
Pink geraniums represent gentleness, grace, and happiness. They are often given as gifts to show appreciation or to congratulate someone on a special occasion.
White Geranium Flower
White geraniums symbolize purity, innocence, and spirituality. They are often used in religious ceremonies or to express sympathy and condolence.
Orange Geranium Flower
Orange geraniums represent enthusiasm, excitement, and energy. They are often used to convey a sense of joy and celebration.
Purple Geranium Flower
Purple geraniums symbolize elegance, refinement, and dignity. They are often used in formal settings and are popular in bridal bouquets.
Bi-color Geranium Flower
Bi-color geraniums have two or more colors in their petals and can represent a combination of meanings. For example, red and white bi-color geranium can symbolize both love and purity.
Overall, geranium flower colors can convey various emotions and sentiments, making them a popular choice for many occasions.
Geranium Flower Tattoo Meaning
Geranium flowers are a popular tattoo design that can hold a variety of meanings depending on the wearer’s personal preferences and cultural background.
Some people choose to get a geranium tattoo as a symbol of healing or health due to the plant’s traditional use in herbal medicine.
Others may opt for a geranium tattoo to represent protection or a talisman against evil spirits.
In the Victorian era, geraniums were often given as a gift to show respect and admiration, so a geranium tattoo could also be a nod to these values.
Additionally, different colors of geraniums hold their meanings, such as red for love and pink for friendship. With its intricate petals and striking colors, a geranium tattoo can be a beautiful and meaningful addition to one’s body art collection.
Conclusion:
The geranium flower has a rich history and symbolism that has been appreciated by many cultures worldwide.
From its association with love, friendship, and admiration to its healing and protective properties, geraniums have been significant in various aspects of human life.
Whether as a tattoo or a gift, the geranium flower represents different things to different people, but it never fails to evoke a sense of beauty and grace.
With its vibrant colors and unique shapes, the geranium flower is a reminder of the power of nature to bring joy, comfort, and inspiration to our lives.
- How to grow a plant from seed
- After filling the pots with soil, the soil surface should be lightly sprinkled with warm water and left for one day to warm the earth to the required temperature (21-22 °C). Then with your finger or suitable tool to make small holes at a distance of two cm from each other. Seeds sprinkle with a layer of soil thickness of one cm.
- The soil should be moistened again a little and cover the container with a film, in which small holes are made to ensure air access. At home, geranium is necessary to provide optimal temperature and lighting, but in any case do not put the pots with seeds planted on the windowsill.
- When the first soft green shoots appear, remove the shelter, so as not to create conditions of high humidity for the plant. Now is the time to put the pallets with pelargonium on the windowsill to provide the plant with sunlight, otherwise the cultivation of the flower will take two to three times longer.
- In order to obtain a healthy Bush with strong stems, as well as to strengthen the root system, the soil must be periodically loosened. After the appearance of two real leaves, pelargonium should dive and transplant the Bush into a narrow and high container. Waiting for the appearance of the pelargonium fifth leaf-seedlings should be pinched. This will ensure the growth of the most branched Bush, otherwise-you get a plant with a long thin stem.
SHARE ON PINTEREST
