Overview
Pelargonium 'Brookside Spitfire' (Dw/d) is a bushy, trailing, compact shrubs in the genus Pelargonium, part of the Geraniaceae family, with evergreen, aromatic foliage. Pelargonium 'Brookside Spitfire' (Dw/d) grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H2. Suggested uses include borders, containers and hanging baskets.
About
Pelargonium 'Brookside Spitfire' is a compact, trailing Pelargonium with evergreen, aromatic foliage. It grows as a multi-stemmed shrublet with a well-branched habit that suits containers and hanging baskets. Flowering runs from June to October, providing an extended summer display. The plant performs best in sunny, sheltered positions on neutral, well-drained loam.
About the genus
Pelargonium is a genus of flowering plants commonly called geraniums, pelargoniums, or storksbills. It includes about 280 species of perennials, succulents, and shrubs. Taxonomist Carl Linnaeus originally included all the species of Pelargonium and Geranium under the latter name.
Wikipedia contributors, "Pelargonium", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Pelargonium
In the garden
Pelargonium 'Brookside Spitfire' is a shrubby member of the Geraniaceae with aromatic, evergreen leaves and a compact, trailing habit that works well where stems can spill over edges. It flowers from June to October. Use of the botanical name is deliberate for clarity when sourcing cultivars. Position this Pelargonium in full sun on a south-facing, sheltered site to get the best flowering and foliage vigour. Plant into a loam soil with neutral pH and ensure good drainage; the cultivar prefers soil that does not remain waterlogged. In the UK it is rated H2, classed as half-hardy, so situate it where it benefits from shelter from cold winds and, where necessary, give winter protection in colder spots. Its habit and size make Pelargonium 'Brookside Spitfire' especially effective in containers, hanging baskets and at the front of sunny borders. In containers allow stems to trail naturally over the rim to show both foliage and flowers; in borders give it a sunny, sheltered niche against a warm wall or between other summer-flowering shrubs. Regular deadheading will concentrate bloom into the June–October season and keeps the trailing stems tidy.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Pelargonium
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H2
Plant details
Pelargonium 'Brookside Spitfire' (Dw/d) size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy, trailing, compact
- Foliage
- Evergreen, aromatic
- Suggested uses
- Borders, containers, hanging baskets
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Pelargonium 'Brookside Spitfire' (Dw/d)
- Propagation
- Softwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Thrips, vine weevil, leafhopper, root mealybugs, whitefly
- Disease resistance
- Pelargonium rust, Pelargonium virus, leafy gall
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Pelargonium 'Brookside Spitfire' (Dw/d)?
Pelargonium 'Brookside Spitfire' (Dw/d) prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Pelargonium 'Brookside Spitfire' (Dw/d) need?
Pelargonium 'Brookside Spitfire' (Dw/d) grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Pelargonium 'Brookside Spitfire' (Dw/d) hardy in the UK?
Pelargonium 'Brookside Spitfire' (Dw/d) has an RHS hardiness rating of H2, meaning it is tender, tolerating 1–5°C, and needs frost-free protection over winter.
How do I propagate Pelargonium 'Brookside Spitfire' (Dw/d)?
Softwood cuttings.
More in the Pelargonium genus
- Pelargonium 'Barbe Bleu' (I/d)
- Pelargonium 'Diana Louise' (Z/d)
- Pelargonium 'Elizabeth Taylor' (Z)
- Pelargonium 'Hazel Gypsy' (R)
- Pelargonium 'Deacon Jubilant' (Z/d)
- Pelargonium 'Don's Richard A. Costain' (Z/C/v/d)
- Pelargonium 'Friesdorf' (Fr/Dw)geranium 'Friesdorf'
- Pelargonium 'Galway Star' (Sc/v)