Every home should have at least one Pelargonium and, once you have one, you will most definitely want more. There is something so uplifting when seeing a Pelargonium in a pot, whether it’s flowering or not. Some can flower from early spring until the early frosts, but September, to my mind, is the month when many come into their own, generally sending out multiple flowering shoots to delight the eye. But they are all regarded as tender and should be brought indoors before the first frost of the season.
The following plants are in Vija’s garden, enjoying the present sunshine, amongst her table displays.
Pelargonium ‘Surcouf’
A vintage variety, introduced in 1872, with single, cerise flowers on upright stems, surrounded by vigorous ivy-leaved foliage. This is a plant for a window box, hanging baskets or to be displayed on a garden table during the summer months, which is what Vija likes to do.
Pelargonium ‘Vancouver Centennial’
This very handsome plant was bred by Dr Ian Gilliam, from Vancouver, in 1986 in celebration of the City of Vancouver’s 100th anniversary. The plant’s distinctive maple-leaf variegated foliage consists of brown centres, edged lime-green. Delicate orange-red, star-shaped flowers rise above to catch one’s eye. Honoured with the RHS’s Award of Garden Merit in 1993.
Pelargonium ‘Frank Headley’
Another pelargonium to be given the RHS Award of Garden Merit in 1993. This variety has a long-flowering period of six months, with charming salmon-pink flowers and grey/green foliage with cream-white edging.
Pelargonium ‘Lady Plymouth’
This lovely specimen is primarily grown for its aromatic foliage, emitting a mint-like or rose-like scent when brushed. Another variegated variety, with handsomely, deeply-lobed grey/green leaves and a cream-white edging. Can produce charmingly small mauve-pink flowers but has not flowered this year.
Pelargonium tomentosum
[aka Pennyroyal Pelargonium / peppermint geranium]
A native of South Africa and introduced in 1790 by Francis Masson, a Scottish botanist and one of a few of Kew Gardens’ first plant hunters. This very handsome specimen has large, peppermint-scented, velvety leaves one wants to touch. Another plant grown mainly for its foliage but it does produce tiny, white-blush-pink-mauve flowers.
Anna L
Information and inspiration gleaned from Vija, the RHS, RBG Kew (POWO), Woottens Plants, Fibrex Nurseries and Crocus, with thanks.
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