Overview
Pelargonium 'Giant Butterfly' (R) is a bushy, trailing, compact shrubs in the genus Pelargonium, part of the Geraniaceae family, with evergreen, aromatic foliage. Pelargonium 'Giant Butterfly' (R) 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 'Giant Butterfly' is a compact, multi-stemmed pelargonium with a trailing habit and aromatic evergreen leaves. It flowers reliably from June to October. Plant it where it will get full sun on a south-facing site with shelter from cold winds. The H2 rating means it is half-hardy and will need frost protection in colder spells.
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 'Giant Butterfly' belongs to the Geraniaceae and presents as a compact, trailing shrub with evergreen, aromatic foliage. It suits container culture as readily as placement at the front of borders or in hanging baskets where its habit can spill over edges. The plant’s extended flowering period runs from June to October, giving a long season of interest through summer and into autumn. Choose a planting spot that receives full sun on a south-facing aspect and is sheltered from prevailing cold winds; exposed sites will increase the risk of frost damage. Soil should be loam with a neutral pH and must be free-draining — waterlogged conditions are unsuitable. Its UK hardiness is H2, which translates to half-hardy: protect it from hard frosts and consider moving containers under cover or into an unheated greenhouse for winter in colder areas. Use Pelargonium 'Giant Butterfly' where you want a compact trailing form: containers and hanging baskets make the most of its habit, while a sheltered border edge will allow it to spread slightly without dominating. If growing in pots, position them to benefit from full sun and shelter so the aromatic foliage and sustained summer flowering perform well through to October.
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 'Giant Butterfly' (R) 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 'Giant Butterfly' (R)
- 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 'Giant Butterfly' (R)?
Pelargonium 'Giant Butterfly' (R) prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Pelargonium 'Giant Butterfly' (R) need?
Pelargonium 'Giant Butterfly' (R) grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Pelargonium 'Giant Butterfly' (R) hardy in the UK?
Pelargonium 'Giant Butterfly' (R) 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 'Giant Butterfly' (R)?
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 'Brookside Spitfire' (Dw/d)
- Pelargonium 'Deacon Jubilant' (Z/d)
- Pelargonium 'Don's Richard A. Costain' (Z/C/v/d)
- Pelargonium 'Friesdorf' (Fr/Dw)geranium 'Friesdorf'