Pelargonium cucullatum or Wilde Malva

Care of the shrub Pelargonium cucullatum or Wilde Malva

The genus Pelargonium, family Geraniaceae, comprises 200 species of herbaceous plants, succulents and shrubs native to southern Africa. Some species are: Pelargonium cucullatum, Pelargonium crispum, Pelargonium exstipulatum, Pelargonium radens, Pelargonium peltatum, Pelargonium graveolens, Pelargonium zonale, Pelargonium grandiflorum, Pelargonium tetragonum, Pelargonium quercifolium, Pelargonium capitatum, Pelargonium odoratissimum.

Common names: Hooded-leaf pelargonium, Tree Pelargonium, Wilde Malva, Herba althaea. This species is native to Cape coast, South Africa.

They are fast growing shrubs with hairy stems that reach 2 meters (6.56 feet) in height. The leaves are aromatic when crushed, are rounded or kidney-shaped, are 8 cm (3.14") wide and have reddish tips. The abundant, showy flowers have a slight scent and can be pink, purple, mauve or white. They bloom for most of the summer.

They are used on borders, in flowerbeds, on rockeries, on slopes, as isolated specimens and in pots for patios and terraces.

Pelargonium cucullatum needs full sun exposure and a warm climate (Mediterranean climate). They do not resist frost.

They can grow in sandy soils but prefer a light, well-drained garden substrate with coarse sand. Transplant in spring if necessary.

They resist drought well; water when the substrate has completely dried. They are low-maintenance plants that in autumn and winter can keep up with the rains of the Mediterranean climate.

Fertilize with compost in early spring.

Prune intensively at the end of flowering.

They are plants resistant to the usual pests but sensitive to fungal attack if the humidity is excessive.

They are propagated from seeds sown in spring or by cuttings in summer or fall.