What is pelargonium peltatum used for?
Uses. The leaves of the ivy-leaved pelargonium can be eaten as a vegetable and have a tangy taste. A bluish textile dye can be made from the petals. Several notorious culprits commonly target pelargoniums, including aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, and caterpillars. Understanding their appearance, behaviour, and the damage they cause is essential in implementing appropriate pest control measures.Edible: The leaves of some pelargoniums are edible and can be used to flavor desserts, teas, and other dishes. Mosquito repellent: Some pelargoniums are known for their ability to repel insects, such as mosquitoes, and are often grown near outdoor living spaces to help deter pests.
How do you keep a pelargonium flowering?
Pelargoniums prefer moderate temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C) during the day and slightly cooler temperatures at night. Protect them from frost, as they are sensitive to cold temperatures. Regularly pinch back the tips of stems to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. If Regal pelargoniums are your favourite, the good news is that they can be grown indoors or outside. Over at Gardeners Tips, Tejvan does both, and highly recommends these gorgeous “blousy” blooms, which “provide great colour and style”.Regal pelargoniums (botanical name, Pelargonium grandiflorum) are often considered the most beautiful pelargonium variety.Grow pelargoniums in borders or containers. In borders or beds, plant in fertile, neutral to alkaline soil. Most flower best in full sun. However, Regal cultivars prefer partial shade and Zonal cultivars will tolerate some shade.
Can pelargoniums survive winter?
You can put pelargoniums into a near-dormant state On its website, the RHS suggests either keeping plants in active growth or cutting them back to be more dormant, depending on how much space you have. If you do not have enough space to keep the plants at their full size, cut them back to 10cm (4in). Pelargoniums are not thirsty plants so water moderately from spring to summer, taking care that the compost doesn’t become too wet. Open windows or vents in a conservatory or greenhouse in summer to be sure of good air flow. Water only sparingly in winter, so that the compost has time to dry between waterings.If you have somewhere bright in winter, such as a conservatory, and are overwintering your pelargoniums in containers (see Overwintering method 2 above) then either cut back hard in autumn or, if keeping your plants actively growing all year round, give them a hard prune in spring, ready for the new season of growth.Monthly feeding with seaweed or a high-potash tomato feed will keep your pelargoniums healthy. Increase feeding frequency during high summer for optimal growth, reducing your feeding in autumn to allow plants to enter dormancy for the winter.Pelargoniums don’t have a dormant period, so the easiest way to keep them going through the winter is to dig them up and keep them as indoor houseplants on sunny windowsills. Here’s our how-to guide and video to tell you everything you need to know about overwintering pelargoniums.