Skeleton Rose Geranium Plant

Skeleton Rose Scented Geranium Plant is also known as Dr. Livingston and is one of the most unusual specialty geraniums you will find! It gets the first part of its name from the fact that the leaves are not fan-like or ivy-like, as most geraniums are, but are skeletal in their design. A light to medium celery green, these unusual, delicately cut leaves often get more attention than the airy pastel lavender blossoms with bright violet veins and splashes. The second part of its name? This specialty geranium smells just like roses!

Planting Instructions:

• - Plant in spring after the last frost date
• - Space plants 12-24 inches apart, depending on the variety

Soil Preparation:

• - Ideal soil pH: 6.0-6.5
• - Well-draining soil rich in organic matter

Watering Specifics:

• - Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry
• - Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot

Fertilizer Type:

• - Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season
• - Reduce fertilizing in late summer to prepare for winter dormancy

Pruning and Training:

• - Pinch back growing tips to encourage branching if they start getting leggy
• - Remove spent blooms regularly to promote continuous flowering

Additional Pest Management:

• - Watch for common pests like aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites
• - Monitor for diseases such as botrytis and bacterial leaf spot

Blooming Indicators:

• - Produces clusters of single or double flowers
• - Blooms continuously from spring through fall

Light Requirements:

• - Prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade
• - Needs at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal blooming

Temperature Tolerance:

• - Thrives in temperatures between 60-75°F
• - Can tolerate heat but may stop blooming in extreme temperatures
• - Not frost-hardy; protect or bring indoors when temperatures drop below 40°F

Companion Plants for Geraniums:

Zonal geraniums pair well with a variety of complementary plants that share similar growing conditions. Some excellent companions include:

• - Bacopa: This trailing plant with small, delicate flowers provides a soft cascade effect
• - Calibrachoa: Also known as million bells, these plants offer abundant, small petunia-like flowers
• - Petunias: These classic annuals come in a wide range of colors and can fill spaces quickly
• - Alyssum: Low-growing and fragrant, alyssum creates a beautiful carpet of tiny flowers
• - Lobelia: Known for its intense blue flowers, lobelia adds a pop of color and can trail or mound