Overview
Pelargonium rodneyanum is a bushy, trailing, compact shrubs in the genus Pelargonium, part of the Geraniaceae family, with evergreen, aromatic foliage. It typically grows around 0.4 metres tall. Pelargonium rodneyanum 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 rodneyanum, commonly known as magenta storksbill, is a perennial herb species that is endemic to Australia. It grows to 40 cm high and has leaves with 5 to 7 shallow lobes. Dark pink flowers appear between October and February in the species native range. The species was first formally described in 1838 by English botanist John Lindley in the second volume of Thomas Mitchell's Three Expeditions into the interior of Eastern Australia. Grow it in full sun and loam soil. In UK gardens it is tender and needs frost-free protection over winter (RHS H2). It works well for borders, containers and hanging baskets. It tolerates neutral soils, well-drained conditions and south-facing aspects. Plant in gritty compost. Full sun.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Pelargonium rodneyanum
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
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 rodneyanum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy, trailing, compact
- Foliage
- Evergreen, aromatic
- Height
- 0.4 metres
- Suggested uses
- Borders, containers, hanging baskets
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Pelargonium rodneyanum
- 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 rodneyanum?
Pelargonium rodneyanum prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Pelargonium rodneyanum need?
Pelargonium rodneyanum grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How big does Pelargonium rodneyanum grow?
Pelargonium rodneyanum reaches a height of 0.4 metres.
Is Pelargonium rodneyanum hardy in the UK?
Pelargonium rodneyanum 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 rodneyanum?
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'