A few years ago, geraniums burst into a new surge of nationwide popularity.
Whether grown as potted plants indoors or in the open in the warmer parts of the country, interest in them is still on the increase.
Origins and Hybridization of Dwarfs
Of the geraniums growing in the appeal are the charming dwarfs and miniatures, little known until recently.
For years, England was known for its red and salmon-flowering Black Vesuvius and red and pink-flowering Golden Harry Hieover, along with the familiar Carse O’Gowde.
The rest of the world laid claim to Madame Fournier and Kleiner Liebling (Little Darling), but until Ernest Bober started to work on them a few years ago, little serious thought was given to them.
History is rather vague about the origin of the first dwarfs. By the name Kleiner Lich-king, it is assumed that this dwarf came from Germany and that Madame Fournier was a French introduction.
Like most hybridizers, Ernest Bober used this early stock as the basis of his crosses, but since others sold better, he ceased his work on the dwarfs and devoted his efforts to the Lady Washingtons.
As a result of the eternal vigilance and untiring efforts of Miss Dorcas Brigham of Williamsburg, Massachusetts, we have most of Mr. Rober’s better dwarf introductions, including the fascinating seven dwarfs.
When Mr. Bober was at his hybridizing height, a retired engineer settled down in Los Altos, California, and began to hybridize canals, especially dwarfs.
He was Mr. Holmes Miller, who has since introduced more than a dozen dwarfs, some in the miniature class, which do not grow over eight inches.
Though the Second World War interrupted his efforts, he picked up where he left off and produced some of the most outstanding fancy-leaved dwarfs and miniatures.
After Fairyland, Elf, Nugget, and Sprite, Mr. Miller gave us a variegated-leaved form of Kleiner Liebling or Little Darling this year. His success with this plant resulted from many years of searching for a single with variegation markings.
Two other rather well-known dwarfs of doubtful origin, Emma Hossler and Mr. Eyeraarts, lead one to think they came from Holland or Germany.
Again, coining into their own, at least in this country, they grow close to 14 inches high, the maximum in upright growth for dwarfs.
Other Hybridizers and Varieties
At present, there are several hybridizers in the United States, in addition to Mr. Miller, who is working with these small kinds.
Among these is David Case of Santa Barbara, California, President of the International Geranium Society. Three of his choice varieties are Fleurette, Trinket, and Firefly.
Milton J. Arndt of Hightstown, New Jersey, made many new varieties available a few years ago, but failed to offer information about them.
In some places in the east, they are listed as dwarfs, others as miniatures. About a dozen of these have been under observation for the past year.
Besides the Miller, Bober, Case, and Arndt introductions, there are several other dwarfs whose origin is uncertain. Some are Pigmy, Turtle’s Surprise, and Mephistopheles, which I assume came from England.
Two dwarfs listed in English catalogs, which I have never found listed anywhere in this country, are Jessel’s Unique, a small white-flowered scented-leaved variety, and Cat-ford Belle Miniature, a pink.
To lovers of geraniums, the dwarfs and miniatures are a great avenue of adventure. They can be easily handled in a limited space, and a collection in a three-by-four-foot area allows room for expansion.
When I started collecting a year ago, the prospects for a collection seemed limited, though now I have over 60, and the end is nowhere in sight.
Growing and Caring For Dwarfs
Dwarf geraniums, not as easy to grow as ordinary kinds, require abundant sunshine to flower.
As per Perky, Ruffles, and Whitecap, the easiest because they require average care are Kleiner Liebling, Madame Fournier, and Pixie.
More difficult and slow-growing are Black Vesuvius and Imp. Still more difficult and recommended for collectors are Elf, Fairyland, and Sprite, attractive fancy-leaved types.
44659 by Thomas L. Hosmer