About

Pelargonium betulinum, the birch-leaved pelargonium, is an evergreen, aromatic shrub producing birch-like, toothed, aromatic leaves and small, pink or white flowers. An ornamental pelargonium 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
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-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 height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants
Native toSouth Africa
FragranceFoliage

Care notes

CultivationGrow in neutral or alkaline, well-drained, moderately fertile soil in full sun. Deadhead regularly. Lift outdoor plants and keep in frost free well lit conditions over winter. See also pelargonium cultivation
PruningRemove spent flowers and trim as required
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in spring, late summer and autumn
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse whitefly, caterpillars, glasshouse leafhopper, aphids, vine weevil and root mealybugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free