Pelargoniums

Species and Primary Hybrids

Name Zone Season Size (h x w) Price

About Species and Primary Hybrids

The night-scented pelargonium species are mostly tuberous rooted, and are winter growing/summer dormant, as are a number of other pelargonium species on the list. They should therefore, be grown in all but the mildest areas of the U.S. with winter shelter, usually in a conservatory or greenhouse. They generally bloom in February March and April and will then cease active growth. Leaves will turn yellow and water should withheld. You may place the dry plant and pot in a dark, cool, dry place while you enjoy the summer. In September, or before, if the leaves start to appear, water sparingly until the plant commences full growth. Summer growing plants, which are noted in the list, should be allowed to go dormant for three to four months over the winter, and then be watered lightly for the rest of the year. These pelargoniums grow best in large (8-10") pots in a fast-draining but nutritious potting mix with perlite mixed in. Why bother to grow them if they require so much attention? Because the flowers are highly unusual and some are delightfully scented. Many occur in attractive colors including brilliant green, pale yellow combined with dark bluish-maroon, brilliant red, wine red and in several cases a pink and green mix. As night comes on, the night scented group release a heady fragrance of vanilla/cloves/indefinable into the air that lasts until daylight the following morning.