Pelargonium papilionaceum
butterfly geranium
A tender perennial, vigorous species pelargonium with large, heart-shaped, scented green leaves and delicate-looking pink to pale pink single flowers with darker pink blotches and three linear lower petals from spring to early autumn.
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Pink | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink | Green | ||
| Autumn | Pink | Green | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Geraniaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Pelargonium can be perennials, sub-shrubs or shrubs, sometimes succulent and mostly evergreen, with palmately lobed or pinnately divided leaves and clusters of slightly irregular, 5-petalled flowers
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Temp S Africa
How to grow
Cultivation
Will grow well in a frost-free environment, in well-drained fertile neutral to alkaline soil, preferably in full sun but will tolerate some partial shade, in borders or containers. Irrigate moderately from spring to summer, and sparingly in winter allowing the compost to dry up between waterings. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season and switch to a high potassium fertilizer when flowering starts. Overwinter in containers before the first frost in autumn. See Pelargonium cultivation for further advice.
Propagation
Propagate from softwood cuttings from spring to autumn.
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Low Maintenance
- Conservatory and greenhouse
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Pinch back tips of shoots in spring or early summer and deadhead to promote flowering.
Pests
May be susceptible to Thrips, vine weevil, Leafhopper, Root mealybugs, Whitefly.
Diseases
May be susceptible to Pelargonium rust, Pelargonium virus, Leafy gall.
Get involved
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