If you are looking for the perfect plant for summer patio pots – go for pelargoniums.
You will know some types of pelargoniums as geraniums but, whatever you call them, they are, for me, one of the cheeriest and most versatile of summer plants and bring a little hint of hot continental days to the garden.
There are a zillion types to choose from – all lovely to look at and some with added qualities like scent or edible flowers – and they come in enough shades for you to indulge your talent for composition.
Here are a few of my favourite more unusual forms:
Pelargonium ‘Grey Lady Plymouth’ Considered by many to be the best all-round scented pelargonium, this pretty cultivar has deeply divided, variegated foliage that has a strong, minty smell when bruised. The small, purple-veined, pale rose flowers seem to hover above the leaves on wiry upright stems for extended period from early summer. First introduced in 1807 and still popular today.
Pelargonium ‘Lawrenceanum’
The white-edged, purple flowers of this species pelargonium, appear in open sprays from early summer to the first frosts of autumn. Not only do they add an opulent feel to the seasonal display, but they also have a heady scent in the evenings.
Pelargonium ‘Renate Parsley’
What do you think of this unusual one? This low growing plant will form a velvety carpet and flower for months on end in a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
Pelargonium ‘Ardens’
This gorgeous pelargonium has glowing, ember-red flowers that are held in open heads above mounds of attractive foliage. Each red flower is subtly ghosted with deep red markings that emphasises the radiant effect.
This gorgeous pelargonium has glowing, ember-red flowers that are held in open heads above mounds of attractive foliage. Each red flower is subtly ghosted with deep red markings that emphasises the radiant effect.
If you want something a bit different I strongly suggest that you don’t just rush down to the garden centre but try any of the on-line specialists. I love the old firm of Woottens in Suffolk – take a look here: https://www.woottensplants.com/product-category/plantlist/pelargonium/
Subscribe to our blog
