Pelargonium zonale or Zonal geranium

Care of the plant Pelargonium zonale or Zonal geranium

The genus Pelargonium, family Geraniaceae, comprises 200 species of herbaceous plants, succulents and shrubs native to southern Africa. Some species are: Pelargonium zonale, Pelargonium tetragonum, Pelargonium radens, Pelargonium quercifolium, Pelargonium peltatum, Pelargonium odoratissimum, Pelargonium graveolens, Pelargonium grandiflorum, Pelargonium exstipulatum, Pelargonium cucullatum, Pelargonium crispum, Pelargonium capitatum.

Common names: Zonal geranium, Horse-shoe pelargonium. This species is native to the Western Cape to the Eastern Cape, South Africa.

They are perennial plants whose base becomes woody with age and which reach 60 cm (1.96 feet) in height. The leaves are rounded, have wavy edges and can be bright green, variegated, with purple tones, etc. (depending on the variety). There are numerous varieties with single or double flowers and red, white, pink, salmon or cream. They bloom from spring to fall.

They are used in borders, borders, on terraces and in pots and planters for patios, balconies and terraces.

The Pelargonium zonale prefers direct sun exposure because in semi-shade it produces fewer flowers. They resist occasional frosts down to -3 ºC (26.6 ºF).

The soil can be a mixture of peat, forest soil, and coarse siliceous sand. They do not resist calcareous soils.

Water moderately throughout the year considering that they resist drought well; the summer they appreciate regular waterings waiting for the substrate to have dried.

Fertilize with compost at the beginning of spring.

Prune after flowering to remove wilted flowers and leaves.

They are resistant to the usual pests but sensitive to waterlogging or excess humidity.

They are propagated from seeds sown in spring, summer or fall or by cuttings in fall or spring.