About
Pelargonium ionidifolium, the celery-scented geranium, is a bushy, somewhat spreading pelargonium to 50 cm with small, deeply lobed, softly hairy, celery-scented leaves and clusters of narrow, rose-pink flowers on red stems, produced from mid-spring to mid-autumn. A charming and aromatic species pelargonium for a frost-free, sunny garden or conservatory.
About the genus
Pelargonium are perennials, sub-shrubs and shrubs � sometimes succulent and mostly evergreen � with palmately lobed or pinnately divided leaves and clusters of slightly irregular, five-petalled flowers in shades of red, pink, purple, orange or white. Widely grown as houseplants, patio plants and bedding.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1C
Plant details
Plant typeBedding, Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Native toSouth Africa (Cape)
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationUnder glass grow in full light with shade from hot sun and good ventilation. When in growth water moderately and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser in spring and early summer. A high potash fertiliser should be used when in flower. Water sparingly in winter. Can be grown outside in frost-free areas in a fertile soil. See also pelargonium cultivation
PruningDeadhead regularly
PropagationTake softwood cuttings in spring or summer
Pest resistanceSusceptible to vine weevil, caterpillars and thrips
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to grey moulds when grown under glass