🌸 New to Growing Pelargoniums? Your Complete Beginner’s Guide

By Fibrex Nurseries – Home of the Largest Pelargonium Collection in One Single Location

Pelargoniums are among the most rewarding plants a gardener can grow. Whether you're filling a pot on your windowsill, a sunny garden border, or a greenhouse bench, their diversity, ease of care, and extended flowering season make them a joy for beginners and seasoned growers alike.

But pelargoniums are more than just “summer bedding geraniums.” They are a fascinating genus full of variety and character—something we at Fibrex Nurseries are passionate about sharing.

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🌿 What Exactly Is a Pelargonium?

Pelargoniums are tender perennials native to South Africa. While often confused with hardy geraniums, pelargoniums form a separate genus and are usually grown as annuals in temperate climates unless overwintered indoors.

There are eight main groups we cultivate and display at Fibrex, including some that are often overlooked. Let’s explore each of them:

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1. Zonal Pelargoniums (Pelargonium × hortorum)

The classic bedding pelargonium. Characterised by round leaves with a darker “zone” and upright flower heads in shades of red, pink, white, and more. They are incredibly floriferous and easy to grow.

• Great for: Pots, borders, and novice growers
• Tip: Pinch young growth to encourage bushiness

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2. Regal Pelargoniums (Pelargonium × domesticum)

These stunners produce large, velvety flowers in rich shades with ruffled petals and often contrasting blotches. Regals prefer cooler conditions and do especially well indoors or in a conservatory.

• Great for: Indoor displays and statement plants
• Tip: Regals need a short, cool winter rest to flower well

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3. Scented-Leaved Pelargoniums

These are grown more for their aromatic foliage than their flowers. Scents range from lemon and rose to mint, nutmeg, and even cola! The flowers are often small but charming.

• Great for: Sensory gardens, indoor pots, and tea blends
• Tip: Crush a leaf gently to release the scent—heavenly!

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4. Ivy-Leaved Pelargoniums (Pelargonium peltatum)

With trailing, glossy leaves and abundant flowers, these are ideal for hanging baskets and window boxes.

• Great for: Cascading from containers
• Tip: Keep them out of heavy rain—they dislike being waterlogged

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5. Species Pelargoniums

These are the true, wild forms—naturally occurring pelargoniums native to Southern Africa. Their forms are varied and often very delicate or architectural, with unique flowers, tuberous roots, and unusual foliage.

Some popular species:

• Pelargonium sidoides – known for its medicinal properties
• P. cucullatum – one of the parents of modern hybrids
• P. triste – night-scented and fascinating in form
• Great for: Collectors, greenhouses, and alpine-style displays
• Tip: Many species are dormant in summer or winter—know their cycle

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6. Species Hybrids

Species hybrids are the result of careful crossing between different species or between species and hybrids. They retain the charm and elegance of their wild parents but often flower more freely or grow more compactly.

• Great for: The adventurous grower or those looking for something unusual
• Tip: Species hybrids often need very free-draining compost and a drier winter rest

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7. Miniature and Dwarf Pelargoniums

These are forms of zonal pelargoniums specially bred for small size and perfect proportions. Despite their diminutive nature, they are full of charm and make fantastic windowsill or show plants.

• Miniatures: No taller than 5 inches
• Dwarfs: Stay below 8 inches

They often produce as many flowers as full-size plants and have delicately marked leaves.

• Great for: Small spaces, shelves, and exhibitions
• Tip: Miniatures thrive in terracotta pots with a top dressing of grit

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🧪 Soil, Water & Feeding

Pelargoniums love:

• Free-draining soil (add perlite or horticultural grit)
• Bright, sunny locations (indoor or out)
• Regular feeding in the growing season with a high-potash fertiliser (like tomato feed)

Avoid:

• Overwatering — let the compost dry between waterings
• Sitting in water — always ensure good drainage

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✂️ Pruning, Deadheading & Training

• Deadheading: Remove faded blooms to encourage more
• Pruning: In spring, cut back leggy stems to promote branching
• Training: Some growers train upright varieties into standards or espaliers — a fun and rewarding project!

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❄️ How to Overwinter Pelargoniums in the UK

Because they’re tender, pelargoniums need protection from frost.

Overwintering tips:

• Bring indoors before the first frost (mid-autumn)
• Reduce watering drastically
• Provide maximum light
• Alternatively, take cuttings in late summer as insurance

 

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🌱 Propagation: Cuttings the Easy Way

Pelargoniums root very easily from cuttings. You can take cuttings almost year-round, but late summer is ideal. Here's how:

1. Cut a healthy, non-flowering stem about 10cm long
2. Strip the lower leaves and let it dry for a few hours
3. Place into gritty compost, water lightly, and keep warm but out of direct sun
4. In 2–3 weeks, roots will form

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🛍️ Where to Start? Try a Themed Collection

At Fibrex, we offer:

• Beginner’s Collections: A handpicked mix of easy-care types
• Scented Pelargonium Samplers
• Species Starter Sets
• Miniature Showcase Collections

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🌟 Final Thoughts

Pelargoniums are much more than just a “garden centre geranium.” With their global diversity, fragrance, form, and colour, they offer a lifetime of joy and discovery. Whether you love the wild beauty of species plants or the compact charm of a miniature, there’s a pelargonium for everyone.

And at Fibrex Nurseries, we’re always here to help guide you through.

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