About
Pelargonium zonale, the zonal geranium, is an erect, bushy pelargonium � parent of most modern zonal cultivars � with fleshy stems turning woody with age and smooth, rounded, mid-green leaves with a narrow, dark-green zone. Clusters of narrow-petalled, pink, white or purple flowers are produced virtually all year in warm, bright conditions, otherwise in summer and early autumn. Grows to 1 m but to 3 m against a warm wall under glass.
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, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1C
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
Native toTemp S Africa
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Remove spent flowers. To overwinter, grow small plants in late summer from cuttings or cut back old plants by one third and lift for storage in frost-free place to repot in spring when growth resumes. May also be grown permanently in a cool greenhouse or conservatory, or as a houseplant
PruningDeadhead regularly. Old plants can be regenerated by cutting back hard in spring
PropagationTake softwood cuttings in summer and overwinter plants in frost free conditions or take softwood cuttings in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to vine weevil, leafhoppers, caterpillars, thrips, fungus gnats and aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to foot and root rots in wet soils, grey moulds, pelargonium rust and a virus