Regal Geranium
(Pelargonium ×domesticum)
Regal Geranium (Pelargonium ×domesticum)
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Forest and Kim Starr
CC BY 2.0
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Forest and Kim Starr
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CC BY 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Forest and Kim Starr | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ | Uploader: Starr Environmental | Publisher: Flickr































Estimated Native Range
Summary
Pelargonium ×domesticum, commonly known as Regal Geranium, is an evergreen perennial herb. This plant is a complex hybrid, primarily derived from Pelargonium grandiflorum and Pelargonium cucullatum, both of which are native to the fynbos region of South Africa, characterized by heathland, shrubland, and renosterveld. It typically grows to a height of 1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters) and a width of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters). Regal Geraniums are known for their large, showy flowers that come in a range of colors including pink, purple, and red, blooming mainly in the spring. The foliage is often lobed or toothed, adding to its ornamental value.
Regal Geraniums are favored for their beautiful, large flowers and are commonly used in container plantings, hanging baskets, and as bedding plants in gardens. They are relatively easy to maintain, requiring only regular watering and occasional deadheading to promote further blooming. These plants prefer well-drained soil and can tolerate a variety of soil types, though they thrive best in loamy soils. While they can grow in full sun to part shade, they benefit from some afternoon shade in hotter climates to prevent leaf scorch. It’s important to avoid overwatering and to provide good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases. Regal Geraniums are not known for aggressive roots or significant disease problems, but they can be susceptible to geranium rust and botrytis blight if conditions are too damp.CC BY-SA 4.0
Regal Geraniums are favored for their beautiful, large flowers and are commonly used in container plantings, hanging baskets, and as bedding plants in gardens. They are relatively easy to maintain, requiring only regular watering and occasional deadheading to promote further blooming. These plants prefer well-drained soil and can tolerate a variety of soil types, though they thrive best in loamy soils. While they can grow in full sun to part shade, they benefit from some afternoon shade in hotter climates to prevent leaf scorch. It’s important to avoid overwatering and to provide good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases. Regal Geraniums are not known for aggressive roots or significant disease problems, but they can be susceptible to geranium rust and botrytis blight if conditions are too damp.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1-3 feet
- Width: 1-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Pink, Purple, Red, White
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Fynbos region of South Africa
Other Names
Common Names: Martha Washington Geraniums
Scientific Names: , Pelargonium ×domesticum,
GBIF Accepted Name: Pelargonium ×domesticum L.H.Bailey