Pelargonium Common name: Geranium	Indicates sun requirement      Full sun      Half sun      Semi-shade      Shade   Indicates Water requirement         High water requirement.     Water every 1-2 days.          Medium water requirement.     Water every 3-7 days.          Low water requirement.     Water every 7-14 days.
Description All pelargoniums are perennials and make excellent container specimens. Regal pelargoniums grow to 1m, have beautiful flowers in a wide variety of colours, including pink, white, mauve, purple and rose, and some are even a combination of these colors in blotches or stripes. Leaves are usually deep green and crinkly. They usually flower in Spring and Summer. Some pelargoniums are grown for their spicy scented leaves, and used in floral arrangements.
Growing These plants prefer a neutral to alkaline soil, if the soil is too acidic add some lime or dolomite and water in well. (This changes the PH of the soil). At least 4-5 hours of sunlight is essential for these plants to thrive. They will respond well to full direct sun, are drought resistant and salt tolerant. Do not apply a fertilizer high in nitrogen otherwise you will get large healthy leaves and little or few flowers. An all purpose fertilizer is the way to go, replacing all the trace elements essential for healthy growth. They are prone to fungal attack, powdery mildew or rust, but this can be treated with a fungicide. Check with your local Nursery for the best product to use in your area. Cuttings are best taken during spring or summer, on nice healthy growth, but not the soft growth. Take the cutting from just above the node, to induce new growth on the parent plant, approximately 8-10cm long. This also tidies the mature plant, keeping it nice and bushy. Pelargoniums are most suited to coastal, temperate or sub-tropical areas.