A stunning summer flower, pelargoniums are a must have for beds, borders and containers to add cheery colour. With a range of shades available, the pink, white, red, and orange flowers will undoubtedly bring a burst of vibrancy to the space.
Pelargoniums are commonly known as geraniums, but true geraniums are actually a different, hardy herbaceous plant. To separate them, Geraniums tend to be referred to as ‘hardy geraniums’, whilst Pelargoniums are called ‘tender geraniums’.
Planting pretty
Pelargoniums are evergreen perennials and extremely popular plants. They are native to South Africa, but grow successfully in Britain, mainly in warmer regions. Therefore, it’s ideal to grow them in containers so they can be protected or moved during the colder months.
There are seven different types: Angel, Decorative, Ivy-leaved, Regal, Species, Scented-leaf and Unique.
Practical tips
Pelargoniums can be grown in pots, borders, containers, hanging baskets, as well as window boxes. They prefer full sun, but regal varieties will tolerate some shade.
In fact, they can even be grown indoors as houseplants. Either position them on a sunny windowsill or in a heated conservatory, and you can enjoy their flowers all year round.
They don’t like wet soil, so plant them somewhere well-drained and water moderately. For more flowers, feed with a high-potassium fertiliser like tomato feed once they start to flower.
Although, they are not hardy, so protect them from frost during winter. Properly protected plants will thrive and flower for years.
Types to try
Pelargonium (unique) ‘Voodoo’
The wine-red flowers of this plant will add dark, dramatic colour to the front or middle of your border. Flowering from June to September, this tender perennial should be deadheaded as and when the flowers die.
- Flowers in summer
- Tender – can be grown outside in the summer
- Grows up to 45cm tall
- Well-drained soil
- Full sun
- Sheltered
Pelargonium (scented-leaf ) ‘Bitter Lemon’
As the name suggests, the fragrant foliage of this plant smells of lemons. The fragranced foliage is complemented by beautiful light pink-white blooms with purple markings. They have a long flowering period, providing blooms from May until October.
- Flowers in summer
- Tender – can be grown outside in the summer
- Grows up to 50cm tall
- Well-drained soil
- Full sun
- Sheltered
Pelargonium ‘Attar of Roses’
Another perfumed pick, the pale pink flowers are rose-scented. They will add soft scent and colouring to your border, perfect for a cottage garden. As above, deadhead any spent flowers, and during summer help to boost flowers by feeding with a high potash fertiliser.
- Flowers in summer
- Tender – can be grown outside in the summer
- Grows up to 75cm tall
- Well-drained soil
- Full sun
- Sheltered
Pelargonium (zonal) ‘Sunrise Smokey Eye White’
This attractive variety has beautiful flowers with the dark pink centres, surrounded by pale pink. Flowering from July to October, they will bring a pop of pretty colour to your containers.
- Flowers in summer
- Tender – can be grown outside in the summer
- Grows up to 60cm tall
- Well-drained soil
- Full sun
- Sheltered
Pelargoniums are a great addition to beds, borders, and containers for a splash of colour. They may be tender, but their colourful flowers are an essential for the sunny seasons.
David Domoney is a Chartered Horticulturalist, Broadcaster, and Author. David has worked with a number of the UK’s leading garden retailers as a plant buyer and strategic consultant. With more than 30 years experience, in horticulture, David is as passionate about plants now as he was when he bought his first plant at a village fete.
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