The floriferous Angel series of pelargoniums, with their beautiful blooms and scented leaves give an unforgettable summer show. Words Matthew Biggs, photographs Richard Bloom
The florist’s pelargonium has been established as a house and garden favourite since Pelargonium triste arrived in Europe in the 1600s and P. zonale was grown by the Duchess of Beaufort in the early 1700s. The popular pelargonium P. peltatum, commonly but wrongly referred to as the ivy-leaved geranium, arrived in Europe from the Cape of Good Hope via Leiden, in the Netherlands, in 1700 and Francis Masson (1741-1805), who collected in South Africa for the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, added 102 new species.
By the 1820s, pelargoniums were well established in home and garden; the London nursery of James Colvill offered around 500 cultivars and hybrids and Robert Sweet (1783-1835), who used plants from Colvill’s collection for breeding, is widely recognised as the pioneer hybridiser in Britain. Regal pelargoniums resulted from a cross between P. cucullatum and P. grandiflorum, with other species being added to the blend by breeders such as William Bull of the King’s Road in Chelsea, London.
Angels range in size, from dwarf, compact forms that tumble over the edge of pots, such as ‘Jer’Rey’ with its rich-purple flowers edged with crimson (bred by J Kapac in Southern California), to ‘Imperial Butterfly’, a simple white with purple feathering (fine lines) on the upper petals, with good foliar fragrance and a neat, compact habit, which in time can reach 1.2m tall. There is also a cascading cultivar, ‘Quantock May’, which is ideal for growing in long toms and hanging baskets.
The flower colours range through shades of rich burgundy to cerise, blackcurrant, pink, white and coral. Surprisingly for a pelargonium, there are no reds; Angels are the only group lacking this traditional colour. It remains the Angel enthusiast’s holy grail, proving that a breeder’s work is never done.
Is Angel Pelargonium a Perennial? Getting to the Root of This Common Garden Question
Angel pelargoniums are one of the most popular flowering plants for gardens and containers Their colorful blooms and delightful fragrances have made them a favorite for generations of gardeners But a common question arises about these beautiful plants – are angel pelargoniums actually perennials? In this article, we’ll examine this question in detail and get to the root of whether angel pelargonium is truly a perennial plant.
What Are Angel Pelargoniums?
Angel pelargoniums, sometimes called angelwing geraniums, are a group of tender perennial plants native to South Africa. There are over 200 varieties of angel pelargoniums, featuring flowers in shades of pink, purple, red, orange, white and bicolors. The flowers have two upper petals and three lower petals. Many varieties are scented, emitting lovely rose, mint, nutmeg or lemon fragrances.
Angel pelargoniums are prized for their low maintenance requirements, long flowering season, and ability to thrive in containers. Popular varieties include Pelargonium ‘Henry Weller’ with deep purple blooms, ‘Sugar Plum’ with lavender-pink flowers, and the lemon-scented ‘Imperial Butterfly.’ The lacy, cherry-shaped leaves add unique texture.
Are Angel Pelargoniums Perennials?
This is where things get tricky. The simple answer is no – angel pelargoniums are not cold hardy perennials that survive freezing winters in most climates. They are native to the warmer regions of South Africa. Once temperatures drop below 50°F, angel pelargoniums will die back to the ground.
However, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy them year after year! Angel pelargoniums are tender perennials or subshrubs. In frost-free climates like USDA Zones 9-11, they will thrive for many years. Angel pelargoniums can reach up to 3 feet tall and wide when happy.
In colder zones, gardeners can overwinter angel pelargoniums indoors and treat them as annuals. Taking stem cuttings in late summer or early fall allows you to propagate new plants each year. Place the cuttings in a sunny spot and wait for roots to form before replanting in spring after the last frost.
How to Grow Angel Pelargoniums
Angel pelargoniums need full sun exposure and well-drained, slightly acidic soil to thrive. Here are some key tips for growing success:
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Plant in containers or raised garden beds with excellent drainage. Avoid waterlogged soil.
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Water thoroughly only when the top few inches of soil become dry. Too much moisture causes root rot.
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Feed every 2-3 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the active growing season.
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Prune back leggy stems in midsummer to encourage bushy new growth. Deadhead spent blooms.
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Bring potted angel pelargoniums indoors before temperatures drop below 50°F at night. Take cuttings to overwinter.
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Watch for aphids, mealybugs, mites and other pests. Treat promptly to avoid spreading.
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Give plants a dormancy period over winter by reducing watering and allowing soil to partially dry out between waterings.
With proper care, angel pelargoniums will reward you with months of colorful blooms. Place pots and baskets in areas where you can enjoy their beauty and fragrance daily.
Overwintering Tips for Continuous Enjoyment
The key to growing angel pelargoniums year after year is overwintering them indoors in colder climates. Here are some tips:
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Take 4-6 inch stem cuttings from the tips of healthy stems in late summer/early fall.
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Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut ends in rooting hormone powder.
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Stick cuttings in moist propagation mix like perlite or peat.
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Keep the cuttings warm (65-75°F) in bright, indirect light while roots develop.
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Once rooted, pot up the new plants and grow them on. Pinch back tips to encourage bushiness.
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Transition the new plants slowly to the outdoors in spring after the last frost.
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Set them in a sheltered, sunny spot and avoid cold winds or frost.
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Resume regular watering and fertilizing as plants become actively growing.
Follow these steps each season, and you’ll have a continual supply of beautiful angel pelargoniums year after year. Taking cuttings is also a great way to share these wonderful plants with other gardeners.
Common Problems With Angel Pelargoniums
When provided with suitable growing conditions, angel pelargoniums are relatively resistant to pests and diseases. But here are a few potential problems to watch for:
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Root rot due to overwatering
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Powdery mildew, leaf spots and other fungal diseases
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Pests like aphids, mealybugs, vine weevils, and whitefly
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Leggy, stretched growth from insufficient sunlight
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Leaf scorch, browning leaf edges from intense sun/heat
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Premature bud drop or failure to bloom from cool temperatures
Catch issues early and make adjustments to resolve the underlying cause. Improving air circulation, pruning affected stems, and treating pests can help minimize damage.
The Takeaway: Enjoy Angel Pelargoniums Year-Round
Angel pelargoniums are tender perennials that can be grown as annuals in colder climates. Although they aren’t true perennials that survive freezing winters, they can be overwintered indoors and propagated each year. With their long bloom season, scented options, and ease of propagation, angel pelargoniums are a must-have for gardens and patio containers. Give them full sun, excellent drainage, and overwinter cuttings for nonstop beauty and fragrance in your garden.
Where to grow Angel pelargoniums
Given their need for good air circulation, as well as their habit and profusion of flowers, pelargoniums make ideal specimen plants. Grow them in individual pots on tiered displays or steps leading to a sunny front door; against brick or natural stone; atop plinths in classical or contemporary pots; or in table displays.
They associate well with plants with silvery or grey foliage, including the dark purple-blue flowered Lavandula angustifolia ‘Peter Pan’, Helichrysum, Senecio cineraria ‘Silver Dust’, clipped Santolina chamaecyparissus or Dichondra argentea ‘Silver Falls’. They also look sumptuous against plants with darker foliage, such as Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Kokuryu’, or in contrast with Calibrachoa Can-can Double Blue. Dark evergreens, such as Hedera helix ‘Baltica’ or Taxus baccata, complement or contrast.
Angels need as much light as possible, but should be out of direct sunlight when grown in a greenhouse, to avoid scorching. Plants grown outdoors need direct sunshine to flourish.
Angel pelargoniums grow very happily in peat-free compost, or if you prefer, in a 50:50 mix of multi-purpose compost and peat-free John Innes No. 2. Grow them in terracotta pots.
Err on the dry side when watering and avoid overwatering; soak the root ball, and allow the compost to dry out before watering again. For the best floral displays, feed with half-strength tomato feed or other high-potash feed every time you water during active growth. Pinching out is essential to create dense, bushy plants. Always leave three active nodes, then pinch out with your thumb and fingernail or use sharp scissors.
Start to encourage growth in mid-spring with a little water, gradually increasing the volume as growth increases. Once the plants have started growing, feed with half-strength general fertiliser, then change to high-potash tomato fertiliser once they are in active growth.
How to grow Angel pelargoniums
Angel pelargoniums are easy to grow. The key is to provide at least 2.5cm of space around them to allow good airflow. They should be planted individually in pots – place too many plants around them and they die back. In warmer climates they can be grown outdoors all year round, and in cool temperate locations they make wonderful outdoor summer displays.
Geranium or Pelargonium || What Is the Difference || Quick & Easy Guide
FAQ
Do pelargoniums come back every year?
On a sunny windowsill or in a heated conservatory, these evergreen perennials and shrubs can flower virtually year round.
Will pelargoniums survive winter?
Most geraniums (pelargoniums) do not survive British winters, and so need to be overwintered in a frost-free spot to ensure they survive until spring. Geraniums need only to be kept frost free, however, so most wil survive if overwintered in an unheated greenhouse.
Is a pelargonium an annual or perennial?
Pelargoniums are ideal container plants and look fantastic in a colourful group or on a windowsill for Mediterranean charm. They are tender perennials, which means it’s unlikely they’ll survive winter outside – grown in pots, they can be brought indoors as winter houseplants, or moved to a conservatory or greenhouse.
Do pelargoniums prefer sun or shade?
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.
Is Pelargonium a perennial?
Very floriferous and strikingly beautiful, award-winning Pelargonium ‘Henry Weller’ (Angel Pelargonium) is a bushy, evergreen tender perennial with small, rounded leaves. From spring to frost, deep velvet purple pansy-like flowers adorned with a white throat, paler purple lower petals, and contrasting white edges are nicely set off by the foliage.
What does Angel Pelargonium look like?
From spring to frost, deep velvet purple pansy-like flowers adorned with a white throat, paler purple lower petals, and contrasting white edges are nicely set off by the foliage. Compact, this Angel Pelargonium is perfect for borders and containers. Grows up to 16 in. tall and wide (40 cm).
What is a pelargonium Georgina forever?
Pelargonium ‘Georgina Forever’. A popular, recent introduction from 2018. This easy-to-grow, upright Angel is a compact plant with lilac flowers, purple blotches and feathering on the petals. The highly distinctive, split petals, which create the illusion of it being double-flowered, add to its desirability. 90cm. RHS H1C, USDA 9b-13.
Can pelargoniums be planted in the fall?
If you live in a region with mild winters and want to grow pelargoniums as perennials, you can plant them in the fall. This gives them time to establish before the winter months. However, be sure to provide them with protection from frost and cold temperatures during the winter.
What do pelargoniums look like?
Pelargoniums are known for their beautiful, showy flowers that come in various colors like white, pink, red, purple, and orange. These flowers grow in clusters on branching stems and are often accompanied by fragrant foliage.
Where can pelargoniums be grown?
Pelargoniums can be grown in a variety of garden settings, from formal landscapes to informal cottage gardens. They are often used in container gardens and as bedding plants and are a popular choice for gardeners of all skill levels.