Overview
Pelargonium zonale is a bushy conservatory greenhouse in the genus Pelargonium, part of the Geraniaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 1-1.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Pelargonium zonale grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1b. Suggested uses include patio and container plants and flower borders and beds.
About
Pelargonium zonale is a species of Pelargonium native to southern Africa in the western regions of the Cape Provinces, in the geranium family. It is one of the parents of the widely cultivated plant Pelargonium × hortorum, often called "geranium", "horseshoe geranium", "zonal geranium" or "zonal pelargonium".
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Pelargonium zonale
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, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1b
Plant details
Pelargonium zonale size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Pelargonium zonale
- Propagation
- Softwood cuttings in spring, late summer, or early autumn
- Pest resistance
- Vine weevil, Caterpillars, Thrips
- Disease resistance
- Grey moulds
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Pelargonium zonale?
Pelargonium zonale prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Pelargonium zonale need?
Pelargonium zonale grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How big does Pelargonium zonale grow?
Pelargonium zonale reaches a height of 1-1.5 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Pelargonium zonale hardy in the UK?
Pelargonium zonale has an RHS hardiness rating of H1b, meaning it needs subtropical warmth of 10–15°C and must be grown under glass in the UK.
How do I propagate Pelargonium zonale?
Softwood cuttings in spring, late summer, or early autumn.
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'