Perlagoliums, commonly known as Geraniums, are one of the most reliable, hardy plants to grow in the garden.
The many varieties available are all bred from the indigenous South African Perlagolium species.An easy to grow perennial, Perlagoliums love the sun although some shade from the midday heat is appreciated.
They thrive in well-drained soil with a mulch added in Summer and should be watered thoroughly, allowing the soil to dry out before watering again. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
Add a liquid fertiliser every 2-3 weeks during the growing season and pinch back young stems to establish compact, bushy plant. Regular deadheading will encourage plenty of flowering.
🌸 Types of Perlagoniums to Grow
Zonal Pelargoniums are the most popular ‘bush’ variety and look good in either containers or borders. They have single or double flowers in white, pink, red, salmon or bi-coloured, growing to approximately 20/50 cm tall. This variety will flower on and off all year.’
Ivy-leaved Pelargoniums are the trailing variety ideally suited to hanging baskets and window boxes. The leaves are thick and similar in shape to ivy leaves.
Regal Pelargoniums are available in a large range of different coloured blooms that come into flower later than other varieties of Pelargoniums. Their height can vary up to 1m and they require pruning after flowering to prevent them becoming ‘leggy’.
Scented Pelargoniums have the most deliciously fragranced leaves, which is released when they are rubbed between fingers. They are very easy to grow and there is a wide choice of fabulous fragrances available such as the rose-scented Pelargonium graveolens, P. radens, and P. capitatum, or the lemon-scented Pelargonium citronellum. Other delightfully scented varieties are the coconut-scented Pelargonium grossularioides, the apple-scented P. odoratissimum, the peppermint-scented P. tomentosum, and the nutmeg-scented P. fragrans. The flowers come in various colours and are small and dainty, but it is the foliage that is the star of the show on this particular variety of Pelargonium!
