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Pelargonium sidoides (African geranium)

Other names: Kalwerbossie geranium, Rabassam, Silverleaf geranium, South African geranium, African geranium, Pelargonium sidifolium

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Species
P. sidoides is a tender, compact, rosette-forming, evergreen to semi-evergreen perennial with long-stalked, mildly aromatic, heart-shaped, velvety, grey-green leaves and loose clusters of dark maroon flowers from late spring and throughout summer.
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Season of interest

Flower

Spring Summer Autumn Winter
Flower

Foliage

Spring Summer Autumn Winter
Foliage
Height and spread

Height and spread

Size Max height Max spread To maturity
0.3 m 0.4 m 2-5 years
0 ft 1 ft 2-5 years

Where to grow

Soil type
  • Sandy
Soil drainage
  • Well-drained
Soil pH
  • Neutral
Sunlight
  • Full Sun
Aspect
  • East
  • West
  • South
Exposure
  • Sheltered

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Additional plant details

Cultivation

Outdoors, grow in frost-free areas in fertile, well-drained soil. Under glass, grow in a loam-less or loam-based compost in full light with shade from hot sun. Water moderately when in growth and sparingly in winter. May die back in drought and in winter.

Suggested uses

Containers/Patio, Coastal, Beds and borders, City, Drought Tolerant, Greenhouse, Conservatory, Mediterranean

UK hardiness

H1c

USDA zones

Zone 9, Zone 10, Zone 11

Sunset zone

8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

WUCOLS

North-Central Coastal = Moderate/Medium
Central Valley = Low
South Coastal = Low
South Inland = Low
High and Intermediate Desert = Inappropriate
Low Desert = Inappropriate

Foliage

Evergreen

Habit

Compact, Rosette

Native to

South Africa

Drought tolerant

Yes

Flood tolerant

No

Fragrance

Leaves are mildly aromatic.

Toxicity

Not toxic

Plant care

Pruning

Deadhead regularly. Remove old flower stalks and faded or dead foliage in late autumn or early winter.

Propagation methods

Basal cuttings

Pests

Aphids

Diseases

Pelargonium viruses

Rust

Take softwood cuttings

Deadhead regularly (optional)

Cut down, pot up and store overwinter in a cold frame or greenhouse

Plant container grown plants in a sunny sheltered spot

Prune out thin, old shoots (optional)

Plant tender plants after danger of frost has passed (late spring, early summer)

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Pelargonium 'Claire'
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Pelargonium 'Frank Headley'
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Pelargonium 'Juve'
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Pelargonium 'Maverick Scarlet' (Maverick Series)
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Pelargonium 'Mr. Henry Cox'
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Pelargonium 'Mrs. J.C. Mappin'
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Pelargonium 'Mrs. Quilter'
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