Pelargoniums: The undemanding plant
Mar 03, 2007
PELARGONIUMS are often confused with geraniums. Though both are members of the geraniaceae family, geraniums are a separate genus.
By Winifred Rukidi
PELARGONIUMS are often confused with geraniums. Though both are members of the geraniaceae family, geraniums are a separate genus.
Geraniums have five petals, equal in shape and size and arranged symmetrically, whereas pelagonium petals are not equal and the flower can only be split in one direction to give identical halves.
Pelargoniums are loved because they are undemanding plants, suitable for large and small gardens and can be easily grown in containers.
Many are drought-resistant and therefore favourites all over the country.
Good drainage is essential and a free draining gritty loam with coarse river sand is the best type of soil for them. They love full sunshine and hate deep shades The plants tend to grow fairly fast, but to stop them from turning into a messy bush, nip the growing tips at the beginning of the growing season (when the rainy season starts).
If grown in containers, ensure that they are not over-watered. They die easily from over-watering than from drought.
PELARGONIUMS are often confused with geraniums. Though both are members of the geraniaceae family, geraniums are a separate genus.
Geraniums have five petals, equal in shape and size and arranged symmetrically, whereas pelagonium petals are not equal and the flower can only be split in one direction to give identical halves.
Pelargoniums are loved because they are undemanding plants, suitable for large and small gardens and can be easily grown in containers.
Many are drought-resistant and therefore favourites all over the country.
Good drainage is essential and a free draining gritty loam with coarse river sand is the best type of soil for them. They love full sunshine and hate deep shades The plants tend to grow fairly fast, but to stop them from turning into a messy bush, nip the growing tips at the beginning of the growing season (when the rainy season starts).
If grown in containers, ensure that they are not over-watered. They die easily from over-watering than from drought.