What’s in a geranium’s name? Confusion!
One of the plant groups I’m sentimental about is Pelargoniums or zonal geraniums. I was given a cutting of a pink variety by my Uncle George when I was eight – it’s still going strong.
One thing to clear up now – names. Although most of us call them geraniums, pot geraniums, zonal geraniums, etc, they are Pelargoniums. Proper geraniums are the hardy herbaceous perennial cranesbill, not these half-hardy, showy favourites of the Mediterranean and alpine balconies. The confusion comes from their very similar seed pods, but they need very different conditions. I’m one of the Thompson & Morgan geranium (pelargonium) masterclass experts – a very good read!
There are two main types – zonal (because of the often pronounced ‘zones’ on the leaves), and ivy-leaved, which have smoother leaves and a trailing habit. Zonals are my favourite, with their fuzzy leaves and peppery smell – ivies tend to attract aphids.
Many other branches of the family exist – angel, decorative, double zonal, regal, stellar, rosebud and scented-leaved varieties. Apart from the latter, these are named after their flower types. They are easy to look after – my motto is ‘treat them mean to keep them keen’. I hack them right back to overwinter in the conservatory and greenhouse.
By March, I increase watering and either top-dress the pots with fresh compost or repot. Mine all go outside in summer until the first frosts. Keep them well-fed and deadhead regularly, and they’ll perform well in a sunny spot. They’re also drought-tolerant, so a good investment for our drier summers.
Scented-leaved Pelargoniums – The scent of Turkish Delight…
I have a special weakness for scented-leaved geraniums, and the plug plant collection from The Vernon Nursery didn’t disappoint. In a damp, cool summer, they outperform all other types. It was once said that they don’t possess the floral beauty of others. Still, Angel’s Perfume is a new scented type, combining the appearance of angel geraniums with the aroma of a scented leaf variety. The ruffled foliage is sweetly lemon-scented, with pansy-like flowers. Height 30cm.
Of the traditional types, my favourite is Attar of Roses, which smells like roses/Turkish delight; Scented Citriodorum (citrus); Clorinda (cedar) and Torento (ginger/cola). Finally, not a scented type, but Spanish Wine Burgundy, a zonal geranium with rich burgundy blooms sitting high above the compact, rich green foliage. Each petal is edged with a light pink picotee. It repeat flowers right through summer and into late autumn. Height 45cm.
Pelargoniums or zonal geraniums on trial
Several years ago, I trialled more than 100 geraniums in pots – cuttings, seeds, bedding plug plants and specialist-named varieties. In May, they were at vastly different stages. By the end of the season, all had put on a decent show.
The plug plants, from an online nursery, Plant Me Now, were zonals Bullseye Scarlet; Bullseye Light Pink; New Century White; New Century Violet, Ivy-leaved Supreme Blanche Roche and Precision Burgundy Red. They performed best of all, and particularly good were the ivy-leaved varieties. Best if you want massed bedding.
A mixture of named varieties came from The Vernon Nursery, including Vancouver Centennial. The plantlets took longer to get going, but each one is a beauty. More expensive, but best if you want choice blooms in pots. The cuttings were from my own stock, so they cost me nothing. If you already have plants, this is obviously the cheapest way to do it.
I grew F1 Black Magic Mixed from seed, a mix of scarlet, rose, apple blossom and salmon flowers, with almost black foliage and lime green edging. You have to have some knowledge of growing from seed and a heated propagator. Mine were sown in January. It’s worth growing them for the foliage alone, but they seem prone to grey mould attacks.
Price-wise, cuttings cost nothing; seeds – 67p per plant; plugs – £1-£1.30 per plant; specialist varieties – £3.99 per plant (prices vary with variety). Obviously, these prices have risen considerably, but you get the idea.
Waking up and overwintering Pelargoniums or zonal geraniums
New Pelargoniums or zonal geranium leaves are a real spring bonus under glass. If plants are warm enough during winter (above about 7°C), in good light and with dry air, they will continue to grow, even with reduced watering. Mine usually keep going all winter. In March, under glass, give plants a boost by repotting or top dressing with new compost and give them their first proper watering of the year. It’s messy, but make sure the soil is soaked.
Trim back yellowing leaves, pinch out growing tips and get rid of flowers for now – you want the plant to build itself back up before flowering again – and check for pests. The new compost will feed the plants for a few weeks before you need to consider adding plant food – or use slow-release pellets in the compost.
In autumn, under glass, clean off dead leaves or dying flowers and check for hidden pests. Try to keep the atmosphere dry, but not the roots – the plants do not go into dormancy, so they need some moisture. Ventilation is important to prevent mould and rotting. They only need to be frost-free, although above 5°C is best – if frost damages the stems, the plant will die.
