About
Pelargonium asarifolium is an ornamental pelargonium producing asarum-like, rounded, aromatic leaves and the characteristic showy flowers of the genus. A rewarding plant for a sunny, frost-free conservatory or container.
About the genus
Pelargonium are mainly evergreen, aromatic perennials, shrubs and subshrubs from southern Africa producing showy flowers in red, pink, salmon, mauve, white or bi-coloured tones. Popular and widely grown as bedding, container and conservatory plants.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1C
Plant details
Plant typeBedding, Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Patio and container plants, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants
Native toTemp S Africa
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. To overwinter, grow small plants in late summer from cuttings or cut back old plants by one third and lift for storage in a frost-free place, repotting in spring when growth resumes
PruningDeadhead regularly
PropagationTake softwood cuttings in summer and overwinter plants in frost free conditions or take softwood cuttings in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse leafhopper, vine weevil, caterpillars, thrips, and fungus gnats. Aphids can also be problematic, generally more so on over-wintered plants
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to foot and root rots in wet soils and by grey moulds in humid conditions. Pelargonium viruses can also be a problem, particularly if plants are maintained by cuttings