zonal geranium

Also known as: horseshoe geranium; zonal pelargonium

One parent of most zonal pelargoniums, P. zonale is an erect, bushy plant with fleshy stems turning woody with age and smooth, rounded, mid-green leaves with a narrow, dark green zone. Generally grows up to 1m but up to 3m against a wall under glass. Clusters of narrow-petalled, pink, white or purple flowers can be produced virtually all year in warm, bright conditions, otherwise in summer and early autumn

Scientific classification

Species: zonal geranium (Pelargonium zonale)
Genus: Pelargonium
Family: Geraniaceae

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Toxicity: Conservatory Greenhouse · Houseplants
Plant type: 1-1.5 metres
Height: 0.5-1 metres
Spread: Evergreen
Foliage: Bushy
Habit: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
Season of interest: Full sun · Partial shade
Sunlight: 15 – 25 °C
Ideal temperature

zonal geranium pictures

Distribution of zonal geranium

Distribution map

Temp Southern Africa

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Culture

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Toxicity

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Quick identification of zonal geranium

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zonal geranium care guide

Water thoroughly then let compost partly dry
Watering: Full sun · Partial shade
Sunlight: 15 – 25 °C
Ideal temperature

Watering

Water thoroughly then let compost partly dry

Fertilizing

High potash feed regularly during flowering season

Pruning

Deadhead regularly. Old plants can be regenerated by cutting back hard in spring

Propagation

Take softwood cuttings in summer and overwinter plants in frost free conditions or take softwood cuttings in spring

Growing

Grow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Remove spent flowers. To overwinter, grow small plants in late summer from cuttings or cut back old plants by one third and lift for storage in frost-free place to repot in spring when growth resumes. May also be grown permanently in a cool greenhouse or conservatory, or as a houseplant

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Common pests and diseases

Diseases

Foot and root rots can be a problem in wet soils. Grey moulds are often troublesome in wet conditions. A virus can often be a problem where cultivars are maintained by cuttings. Pelargonium rust can be damaging to zonal pelargoniums and associated hybrids

Pests

Vine weevil, leafhoppers, caterpillars, thrips, fungus gnats and aphids can be troublesome. Aphids are generally more problematic on over-wintered plants

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