Pelargonium × domesticum (regal pelargonium)

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Pelargonium, Genus, ×, Hybrid, domesticum, Species,

Genus & species
Hybrid

regal pelargonium

Geraniaceae South Africa (garden hybrid origin)

Attracts Pollinators Deer Resistant Fragrant (light)Container Friendly

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 9–11

Overview

Pelargonium × domesticum, the regal pelargonium, is a hybrid group within the genus Pelargonium, developed in cultivation from several southern African species. It grows as a tender evergreen perennial 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) tall and about as wide, with a mounded, branching habit and woody-based stems. Leaves are rounded to kidney-shaped, 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) across, with toothed margins and a slightly rough, aromatic surface. Flowers form in rounded clusters held above the foliage, each bloom 1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm) wide with five petals, the upper two often marked with darker blotches or veining. Flower colour spans white, pink, red, purple, and bicolours. Bloom is concentrated in spring and early summer and depends on a period of cool nights to set buds, so flowering is brief where nights stay warm. The plant is frost-tender and is grown as a container or bedding plant outside its hardiness range. Foliage carries a faint scent when brushed. Its parentage traces to the winter-rainfall regions of South Africa.

Native Range

Pelargonium × domesticum is a hybrid of garden origin. Its parent species are native to the winter-rainfall regions of the Western Cape of South Africa, where they grow on rocky slopes and in scrub.

Suggested Uses

Used in containers, window boxes, and as a seasonal bedding plant, and grown indoors as a flowering houseplant. The plants are massed for spring colour, spaced 10–14 inches (25–35 cm) apart. Cooler-climate gardens hold the bloom longer than hot regions.

How to Identify

Identify by the rounded to kidney-shaped leaves 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) across with toothed margins and a faintly aromatic surface. The mounded plant reaches 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) tall. Flowers cluster above the foliage, each 1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm) wide with five petals, the upper two usually marked with darker blotches.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 1'6"

Width/Spread1' - 1'6"

Colors

Flower Colors

red

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~8 weeks

Flowers: April–June

Spring Summer

Flowering is concentrated in spring and early summer, roughly April to June. Bud set depends on a spell of cool nights below about 60°F (16°C), so bloom is brief or absent where nights remain warm. The rounded flower clusters open over several weeks.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

white, pink, red, purple, bicolour

Foliage Description

green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5 (Neutral to alkaline)

3579

Soil Types

loam sand

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

tender

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grows in full sun to part shade in moist, well-drained soil or potting mix of average fertility. A soil pH from 6.0 to 7.5 is suitable, and sharp drainage prevents root and stem rot. Water needs are medium, with the soil allowed to dry slightly between waterings. It is frost-tender, hardy outdoors only in USDA zones 9–11, and is grown as a container plant or annual elsewhere. Cool nights are needed for repeat bloom, and flowering declines in hot summer weather. A balanced feed every few weeks supports flowering in pots.

Pruning

Spent flower clusters are removed at the stem to keep new buds forming. The plant is cut back by about one-third after the main flush to maintain a compact shape. Leggy stems can be shortened in late winter before growth resumes.