Geraniums make beautiful additions to any windowsill or balcony. They love to bask in the sun in warm weather. I’m not sure they do well as an indoor plant. I don’t remember ever seeing one indoors, except at winter time. I just love how our back porch looks with the gorgeous red petals fluttering in the breeze. And, they come in a variety of colors and variegation.
Picture Credit: Miraclegro.com
It’s interesting how legends grow, isn’t it? There are those in Palestine who claim the geranium grew under the cross as well as the graves of those who died in the Holy Wars. They call the geranium “blood drops of Christ”.
In another legend, Muslims tell us that Prophet Mohammad went to the mountain to pray. When he got back, he was quite sweaty and took off his shirt. He saw a mallow plant and hung his shirt on it to dry. The Prophet was so pleased by how well the plant held his shirt up to the sun, he covered it with velvety red petals.
Did you know the geranium supposedly also has medicinal properties? The leaves can be used for a tea that can either be drunk or used as a compress for pain relief. I know people who use a few drops of geranium essential oil in a bottle of water to ward off insects, particularly mosquitos. Just spray it on the skin and it works magic against the blood-sucking little blighters. I’ve been told that having geraniums growing on a deck, porch, or patio will help to keep mosquitos away. It didn’t work last year, so I plan to double my planting this Spring!
I hope you’re enjoying your spring. Are you planting anything? Share with us!
olbigjim 