Regal Geranium - Pelargonium Grandiflorum Basic Care Guide
Regal pelargonium impresses with its large and colorful flowers. When placed in a sunny spot and provided with proper care, it grows beautifully and makes a perfect decoration for windows, balconies, and patios. The plant has a long blooming period, which is a great advantage. The flowers appear in spring and last until late fall. Regal geranium is a plant of a medium difficulty. Regardless, it requires a certain type of care, otherwise the flowers will be scarce, or worse – the plant will die. Check the needs of regal pelargonium and learn how to achieve magnificent blooms.
Regal pelargonium – what kind of plant is it?
Regal pelargonium is another name for regal geranium, or Pelargonium grandiflorum. It’s one of the most popular plants grown by gardeners. It’s usually planted in containers decorating windowsills, patios, and balconies. Its blooming season begins in May and lasts very long, until the end of October. Note the plant is a perennial, which requires a proper care in winter, so it can bloom again in the next season.
What is the origin of regal pelargonium?
The plant comes from regions of Africa. But its name is related to Britain. That’s where its popularity and mass-scale cultivation started. New varieties of the plant were also created in Britain. Some of them were forgotten over the years, though.
The most popular regal geraniums have impressive large flowers. Their diameter might reach up to 5 cm. Depending on the variety, they may have different colors.
Regal pelargonium – basic plant care
Why should you decide on regal geranium? The plant is very easy to grow and requires focusing only on several basic elements. Access to sunlight is the first requirement, as the plant needs it to grow and bloom. The location should be exposed to sun – the southern side is the best option. Keep in mind that geranium plants have to be reintroduced to full sunlight gradually. Thanks to this, you can avoid a situation in which the leaves get scorched by the sun.
Regal pelargonium is vulnerable to low temperatures. It means that before putting it outside you have to wait until the last freeze, which might happen at the end of April.
If you want the plant to bloom for a long time, remember about one simple treatment. Deadhead the flowers that finished blooming. Thanks to this, the plant will bloom even until the end of October.
How to water regal pelargonium?
Regal pelargonium requires regular watering. Its soil should always be moist. The plant can withstand several days of drought, but it might have a direct impact on blooming. Nonetheless, too much water standing in the soil might have an equally negative effect. The plant’s roots might quickly rot because of it.
When watering the plant, protect the leaves. In case of a heavy rainfall, hide it in a sheltered place. Wet leaves are highly prone to fungi which cause them to rot and dry.
Does regal geranium need fertilizing?
Regal pelargonium requires frequent fertilizing. Long and intense blooming periods quickly deplete the soil’s nutrients. If you want to secure a proper development and rich blooming of the plant, make sure to use fertilizers designed for geraniums and flowering plants. Such products should be used at least once per week.
Regal pelargonium – how to propagate the plant?
Schedule propagating your regal geranium for the end of winter. To multiply the plant, you need cuttings. Place the main plant in a warm and bright room and wait until it develops stems. Then cut them delicately at the base and place in a rooting hormone. The cuttings should develop roots after about 2 weeks. Place them in a rich soil and take a proper care of them.
Does regal geranium need trimming?
Pelargonium grandiflorum requires regular cutting. It should be done when the plant finishes blooming. The stems should be cut at the length of about 10-15 cm (4-6 in) from the base. Make sure to leave at least two nodes on the stems. They will develop new branches.
If you want to make your plant bushier, you can trim a young plant after about three weeks from planting it. If you remove the tips, the plant will spread more to the sides.
Overwintering regal geraniums
The plant doesn’t tolerate low temperatures, so it requires overwintering after the season. Avoid fertilizing during this period, and limit watering to a minimum. Place the plant in a bright, but cold spot. You can put it outside again after winter.
What are the typical diseases of regal geraniums?
The plant is vulnerable to fungal diseases. Leaf blotch, grey mold and powdery mildew are the most typical threats. They usually result from an improper care and exposure to harmful conditions. Too intense watering, wetting the leaves or a lack of protection from rain are the basic factors which might cause a spread of fungi.
Is regal pelargonium vulnerable to pests?
The plant requires proper control and care. It’s vulnerable to insects such as aphids and spider mites. If you observe them, make sure to react using adequate products.
How much does a regal pelargonium cost?
Regal geranium is a plant of medium-difficulty, which looks perfect as a window, balcony, or patio decoration. The average price for one plant oscillates around $4-$7. You can find this species in most supermarkets and garden shops.
📍 How to care for regal geranium?
Regal pelargonium requires a particular type of soil. It has to be rich and permeable. In addition, the plant needs a sunny location, so it can grow and bloom without issues. Make sure its leaves don't touch the window glass.
📍 How to protect regal geranium during winter?
Regal geranium is not resistant to frost. Make sure to provide it with proper conditions. Store the plant in a place where the temperature remains at the level between 10 and 12°C. The room should be quite bright.
📍 What plants can I combine with regal geraniums?
Regal geranium looks perfect with various plant species. Flowers with raised or bushy habits are the best combination. The plant also looks great with similar-looking hanging plants.
📍 How to water a regal geranium?
Regal geranium is a plant requiring a lot of water. Make sure to water it regularly, and control its soil. It should always be moderately wet. But avoid letting the water stand in the container.
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