Overview
Pelargonium ternatum is a bushy, trailing, compact shrubs in the genus Pelargonium, part of the Geraniaceae family, with evergreen, aromatic foliage. Pelargonium ternatum 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 ternatum, commonly known as stork-beaked geranium or three-part pelargonium, is a bushy, trailing, and compact cultivar within the Pelargonium genus. These primarily evergreen plants have aromatic foliage and produce clusters of slightly irregular flowers with five petals. Suitable for full sun and sheltered, south-facing positions, they thrive in well-drained, neutral loam soil. Hardy to UK zone H2, this cultivar is ideal for borders, containers, and hanging baskets, offering winter interest. It is best grown in gritty compost and propagated through softwood cuttings.
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 ternatum 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 ternatum
- 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 ternatum?
Pelargonium ternatum prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Pelargonium ternatum need?
Pelargonium ternatum grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Pelargonium ternatum hardy in the UK?
Pelargonium ternatum 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 ternatum?
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'