Pelargonium zonale

Common Names

Zonal Geranium, Horse-Shoe Pelargonium

Summary

Pelargonium zonale, commonly known as the zonal geranium, is an erect to scrambling shrub from southern Africa that typically reaches about 1 meter in height (up to 3 meters when trained against a wall); it has smooth, rounded mid-green leaves with a narrow dark-green zone and bears clusters of narrow-petalled flowers in pink, white or purple, which can bloom year-round in warm, bright conditions, especially from September to November; the plant is noted for fragrance.

Prefers direct sun with fertile, well-drained soil and a frost-free regime; semi-shade reduces flowering, but a range of soils is tolerated; it is suitable for borders, terraces, patios, and containers, including pot plantings, and propagation is via cuttings or seed; maintenance includes removing spent flowers and applying liquid organic fertilizer after flowering, with overwintering possible by softwood cuttings in late summer or by cutting back and storing frost-free.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

3-5 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 8-11

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun, tolerates partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained soil with light to medium textures (sandy to loamy), such as loam or sandy soil.

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil

Soil pH

acidic to alkaline

Neutral (pH around 7) is ideal

Bloom Color

Pink, White, Purple, Red

Bloom Time

Spring to Fall

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

No fall foliage color; evergreen with leaves year-round.

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

2–5 years

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Autumn (Fall), Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds and Cuttings