Pelargonium

Mostly Indigenous; 35cm - 1m
Planting position: Full sun. Wind-protected planting spot. Suited to most growing regions without severe frost. Not suited to regions with hot humid conditions.
Requires watering when dry, but never over-water. Well-draining soil. Two applications of complete fertiliser during flowering period. Hard pruning after flowering. Watch out for caterpillars, aphids, red spider mite and rust.
Propagate from cuttings.

This family of compact or trailing perennials is easy to grow and maintain, and flowers during summer.
P. x domesticum (50 - 100cm), better known as the Regal pelargonium, produces flowers from spring to autumn. Its blooms are from deep purple to soft pink and often veined in darker colours. Its foliage is broadly oval, hairy and mid-green with serrated edges.
P. x fragrans (45 - 60cm) is called the Nutmeg-scented pelargonium, has a compact shape and greyish-green leaves with nutmeg aroma. Its blooms appear during summer, are small and white.
P. peltatum
P. tomentosum (75cm) has insignificant white summer flowers and large, green leaves. This Peppermint-scented pelargonium’s soft foliage has a strong aroma of peppermint when bruised hence the common name.
P. tonganense (35cm) has ivy-like foliage and bright red flowers throughout the year, is sensitive to frost, but tolerates subtropical conditions.
P. zonale (40 - 70cm) has single- or large double flowers, ranging widely in colours. The blooms are purple, plum, lavender, or shades of pink, red, orange or clear white. Its leaves are green or yellow, with darker markings.