Decorative application
Sometimes Viva Carolina is used in landscape design. In this case, a short bush is placed in the foreground or middle ground. In home and artificial (insulated) flower beds, the plant looks great in hanging pots, in pots and flowerpots on the ground and on stands.
Flowers look perfect on a windowsill or curbstone and do not need company due to their brightness and originality. Nevertheless, the plant will play great when surrounded by raspberry and lilac-blue inflorescences of other plants.
Lush pelargonium Carolina will delight almost all year round
Anyone who wants to bring airy lightness and lush solemnity to their flower garden should have at least one of the Viva geraniums, and she will delight with her charm every day.
Planting, reproduction and further care
Pelargonium Viva Carolina is planted in neutral soil, it is unpretentious to the composition of the soil, a standard garden mixture is suitable. 2 times a month it is recommended to feed with complex fertilizer.
The plant does not need frequent watering, it is enough to keep the earthen lump moist and not flood the roots. The ivy plant normally tolerates occasional leaf spraying to remove dust.
On a note! You should not keep the pot in the sun so that the inflorescences and leaves do not dry out and turn yellow ahead of time.
Pelargonium Carolina bushes well on its own, but to make the plant more fluffy and achieve a spherical bush, you can pinch and prune the shoots.
Pelargonium Viva Carolina is propagated by cuttings. First you need to root the material. At home, you can put a cutting in a pot at the end of February. In the open field, this is done after the end of the frost and the complete warming of the soil.
Important! The plant does not like heat and drought. Plant or expose a flower in partial shade, watered moderately
In winter, watering is reduced, except for cases with artificial lighting.
Care features
Let's get acquainted with the main points of caring for this beautiful pelargonium.
Watering
Milfield rose needs regular watering, but without waterlogging the soil. However, overdrying the earthen coma is also undesirable, since in this case the leaves of the plant fall off, which greatly reduces its decorative effect.
Waterlogging is unacceptable, since the roots can rot due to waterlogging of the soil - in this case, usually it is not possible to save the plant. It is recommended to water the flower when the soil dries up from above, and in winter, the frequency of watering must be significantly reduced.
Water for irrigation of this pelargonium must be soft (settled) and have room temperature. Watering with cold water can lead to rotting of the plant roots, so it is best to avoid this.
Note! You should not spray the plant, but dusting the leaves from time to time is necessary.
Use a slightly damp cloth for this procedure, and immediately dry the flower well in the sunlight.
Top dressing
In order for Milfield Rose to bloom magnificently for a long time, the plant needs additional nutrition.
It is recommended to apply fertilizers carefully - it is better not to add some trace elements than to overdo it in this case
In the spring, Milfield Rose will gratefully respond to nitrogenous feeding, and thanks to it, it will form lush, bright foliage. Before flowering, it is necessary to stop using nitrogen, switch to feeding with potassium and phosphorus. This change in "diet" will allow the plant to form bountiful inflorescences.
Use specialized complex mineral compositions sold in stores to feed pelargonium. The components in these complexes have already been selected in an optimal way. Note that in the winter, Pelargonium Milfield Rose does not need additional nutrition.
Pruning
In order for the bush to form dense and compact, Milfield rose pelargonium needs to be pruned periodically. The procedure promotes lush flowering of the plant, maintains its neat shape, and rejuvenates.
It is necessary to monitor the stretching shoots throughout the growing season, and with the arrival of autumn, it is recommended to carry out anti-aging pruning. The last procedure involves the removal of all old, dried and diseased branches.
Wintering
Pelargonium Milfield rose in winter must be given a dormant period, during which the flower should be rarely watered or fertilized.
The dormant period lasts approximately from November to February: as soon as daylight hours are significantly lengthened, the plant will begin to wake up. In winter, it is necessary to keep pelargonium at a reduced air temperature (+ 12-15 degrees), since it is the moderate temperature that allows the plant to form a lot of lush buds.
Note that in winter, the decorativeness of Milfield rose pelargonium is greatly reduced, but this should not be scared. A bare stem, no flowers, a small amount of dead foliage: all this will become luxurious and lush again as soon as the growing season begins in spring.
General information
This plant was first bred by breeders from Sweden, who soon after brought their brainchild to a European exhibition. There, pelargonium caused a great stir, which led to a flurry of positive reviews. This exquisite flower became a multiple winner at various flower festivals, including in the capital of Russia, where it was brought in 2012.
The inflorescences of the PAC Viva cultivar have similar external features to rosebuds and a flower such as ranunculus (a special kind of buttercup). The surface of the petals to the touch resembles a terry. The number of flowers on one umbrella can vary from 6 to 30 pieces. The size of a single flower is about 5 centimeters. The arrangement of the buds in the inflorescence is quite loose, which makes it easy to view each flower in the umbrella.
The growth of the inflorescence itself can occur for quite a long time. However, when the buds are in full bloom, they will be able to delight you with their luxurious flowering for two weeks, and sometimes a little longer.
The plant itself is small, it does not belong to ampelous, therefore it will not scatter its branches on the sides. They grow quite tightly together. The leaves are hard and rough to the touch in structure. Their color is dark shades of green. Observing a plant in a well-lit room, you will notice that its foliage is replenished with even more new leaves. Consequently, an increase in the number of leaves will be followed by an increase in the number of inflorescences. The flower will become even richer and more beautiful to look at.
Flower propagation by cuttings
It can be propagated in two ways - by cuttings or by seeds. Seed breeding is used very rarely, because the likelihood that the plant will retain its parental qualities is very small. Reproduction of a flower by cuttings is more often used. The procedure is carried out as follows:
- Choose a sturdy flower.
- Cut off a healthy shoot with at least 2 internodes (more allowed) and a length of at least 5 cm.
- The cuttings are left to dry for some time.
- Prepare the container and soil.
- Before planting, the cuttings are treated with special means.
- Shoots are placed in prepared holes in containers with soil, watered, and peat is compacted near the plant.
- Cups or pots are placed in a bright place, but so that direct sunlight does not fall on them.
Within a month and a half, the cuttings will take root.It is better to carry out the procedure in spring or early summer. When breeding in winter, additional lighting should be provided to the sprouts. After the roots appear, you can transplant the flowers to a permanent place.
Description of the pelargonium variety PAC Viva Carolina and its characteristics
Viva Carolina belongs to the Geraniev family, as indicated by its ivy-like juicy dark green leaves. It is a medium-sized flower with creeping shoots that can spread up to 1.5 meters in length. On average, one bush gains up to 50-60 cm in height.
Luxurious terry inflorescences of Viva Carolina give a sense of celebration
The flowers of the plant are rosaceous, semi-double, thickening with age. Young buds are no different from pink ones, but every year they become more fluffy, with a broken "skirt". At first, 3-5 buds are formed on the peduncles, and then their number can grow.
Additional Information. Pelargonium PAK Viva Carolina differs in the extraordinary color of the buds. At first, they are pale pink, almost white, but after standing in the sun, they are filled with paint. At the edges, the "skirt" becomes lilac-pink, deeper the flower is white and has a greenish-yellow core.
Flowering lasts from late March to November. In good conditions under artificial lighting, it can continue in winter. This type of geranium is quite resistant, it tolerates temperatures up to +7 ° C. It is recommended to keep the plant indoors, on a heated balcony, in a greenhouse. It can be grown outdoors in summer.
How to reproduce?
This variety of pelargonium, being picky about care and maintenance, shows its "character" a little when multiplying. However, adherence to the technology of planting and germination will help to grow a healthy and strong plant.
Note that rosebud pelargoniums reproduce at home exclusively by cuttings, since these hybrids do not inherit maternal qualities during seed reproduction. That is, from the seeds you get the usual pelargonium, but not rosebud.
In this case, grafting can be carried out all year round. But experienced florists advise breeding Anita from March to July. Further, a detailed algorithm for the reproduction procedure of this plant.
The first step is to separate from the mother plant a suitable apical stalk with a length of five to seven centimeters.
It is important that the cutting is semi-lignified, since soft green young shoots will not take root. It is necessary to cut off the appendix with a sharp knife with a sterile blade.
Use purchased land for planting, since self-prepared soil will require thorough disinfection
And this procedure at home is quite difficult to correctly implement.
The cut stalk is dried and planted in a plastic cup, where you must first make holes for drainage, filled with an earthen mixture. It is important before planting to cut off all the leaves from the bottom of the petiole (which will be underground) so that they do not rot underground.
Within two to three weeks, the cutting will take root.
Water it immediately after planting, carefully, avoiding gulfs, but also not overdrying. Watering should be strictly at the root, but it is better to pour water along the edge of the glass
Use water sparingly to prevent the stem from rotting before rooting.
For successful rooting, it is important that the cutting is well lit. If it happens with a short daylight hours, provide the plant with additional artificial lighting.
Pelargonium PAK Viva - what are these flowers
Pelargonium Pak Viva is very common in houses and apartments. Plants of this variety do not require special care, and during the flowering period they very decoratively decorate the premises with their appearance.
Pelargonium PAK Viva
For the first time, the PAK Viva was received in Sweden. After some time, breeders presented it at a European exhibition, where the plant received a lot of positive reviews. In 2012, a similar pelargonium appeared in Russia and also quickly gained popularity.
The bush is compact in size. The flower is not ampelous, all branches are located close to each other. The leaves are green, rather dense to the touch. It grows rather quickly in a room with good lighting.
For reference! The inflorescences of all PAC Viva are similar to rosebuds and flowers of a plant such as ranunculus (buttercup).
Terry petals on the surface. The number of flowers in one inflorescence can be up to 30 pieces. The bud formation process takes quite a long time. However, when they bloom, flowering can last for about a couple of weeks. In some cases, a little longer.
Diseases and pests
After summer has come and the plant has moved to the open air, its health becomes susceptible to attacks by various pests and diseases. What to do and how to avoid such problems?
First you need to understand what was the "blow" for the plant. Most often, flower infection manifests itself in lethargy and dullness of leaves, brown and yellow spots, dryness. With such symptoms, you should think about the health of the plant and be alert.
The most common diseases of ivy pelargonium are:
- Fungus Botrytis.
Usually the cause of this appearance is excessive humidity. The fungus appears as brown spots and the formation of a gray fluff on the leaves. Rapid spreading leads to leaf fall. With such a fungus, all infected areas should be cut off and the flower should be transplanted into another pot, spraying it with fugicides.
- Rot of the root system.
The cause of rot is also an excess of moisture. Subsequently, the rot spreads along the entire stem from the bottom up. Such an infection is characteristic in brown and black. To avoid further spread of rot, the soil should be replaced with a looser one so that water in it cannot stagnate.
- Bacterial diseases.
This kind of disease does not lead to the death of the culture, but it does a serious blow. The stem partially darkens and fades. Treatment consists of frequent spraying and weeding.
- Ticks.
They appear as yellow specks on leaves and stems. Dry air and high temperatures may be the reasons for such a visit. Such damage is treated with soap and mineral oil. If the process is too much started, then such chemicals as "Ditox", "Lightning" and others can come to the rescue.
- Aphid.
Aphids can be identified by special signs: the leaves of the flower begin to curl. Such sheets must be cut off, and the rest must be washed with soapy water. Also drugs "Tobacco dust", "Iskra" and others save from aphids.
- Thrips.
It manifests itself in the form of growths on the back of the leaf. Leads to leaf deformation and yellow spots. The preparations "Biotlik", "Aktara" and others help to prevent the appearance of thrips.
Home care
- To prevent ivy pelargonium from losing its flowers and having a lush crown, it must be pruned every year. During pruning, its shoots are either completely removed or shortened to 2-3 nodules. In addition to pruning, the plant also regularly needs to remove dry leaves and stems.
Dry leaves and stems should not be plucked, for this it is necessary to use scissors to avoid rotting and infection of the flower.
Cutting points, as far as possible, can be treated with crushed activated carbon.
- The optimum temperature for flowering ivy pelargonium is 20-25 degrees, but the plant feels great on hotter days, does not wither and continues to bloom.
- In summer, such a flower is best kept outdoors, in the open air and letting you enjoy the rays of the sun. You should not immediately put the flower under the scorching sun, first you need to let it acclimatize.
Appearance
Since Milfield rose carries the properties of both ivy and zonal pelargonium, this fact was reflected in the appearance of the plant. So, the shape of the leaves and their color indicate that the variety belongs to zonal species, and the nature of growth and the shape of the shoots - about the ivy-leaved "ancestors" of the plant.
The inflorescences are rather large and voluminous, which gives the plant splendor and decorative effect. Due to the severity of the inflorescences, the plant requires a garter, as well as timely pruning - otherwise, Milfield rose will turn into an ampelous plant, and its flowering will become less lush and abundant.
The leaves are large, bright, also beautiful and decorative in their own way. In bright light, a characteristic brown stripe on the leaves becomes noticeable, indicating that the plant belongs to zonal varieties.
