Consulta Plantas

Care of the shrub Pelargonium grandiflorum or Regal pelargonium

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

Common names: Regal pelargonium, English Pelargonium, Large flowered pelargonium. This species is native to the south western and western Cape, South Africa.

They are evergreen shrubs with herbaceous stems in their youth that reach 1.5 meters (4.92 feet) in height. They have greyish-green reniform leaves with toothed margins and slightly aromatic. The flowers are large (6 cm/2.36" in diameter) and can be white, cream, pink, etc., depending on the variety. They bloom in spring and early summer.

They are used in flower beds, rockeries and in pots for patios, terraces, balconies, greenhouses or indoors.

Pelargonium grandiflorum needs full or bright sun exposure and warm climates. They resist occasional frosts but it's better not to expose them to less than 6 ºC (42.8 ºF).

The soil can be a mixture of garden substrate with coarse sand and a little compost. Transplant each year in early spring.

Water moderately in winter at the rate of once every 15 days, twice a week in summer and once a week in spring and autumn. It's important to wait until the substrate has dried.

Fertilize every 15 days in spring and summer with mineral fertilizer.

Prune after flowering to maintain a compact appearance and eliminate wilted flowers.

The greatest enemy of these plants is excess moisture that causes root rot. Indoors it's necessary to ventilate well to avoid the attack of aphids.

They are propagated by cuttings before or after flowering.

Images of the shrub Pelargonium grandiflorum or Regal pelargonium