HomePelargonium L'Her. Geraniaceae
Of the 230+ species of Pelargonium around 185 are concentrated in the in the winter rainfall area of the south western corner of the African continent. The south-eastern part of southern Africa ( summer rainfall) has about 15 species. Another 18 species are found in the rest of Africa, 8 in Australasia , 2 on Madagascar, 2 in the Near East. The islands of St. Helena and Tristan da Cunha have 1 each (Pelargoniums of Southern Africa vol 3 - Van Der Walt and Vorster 1988). other references
Quite a few Pelargoniums are shrubby however many are stem succulent, pachycaul, or bulbous geophytes that have the ability to catch the eye of many collectors. The attractive flowers and relative ease of culture should make this genus popular with many growers. I've grouped some of my favorites below with photos and cultural information. Enjoy.
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Pelargonium bowkeri is a geophyte with an extensive system of interconnected tubers 1+ inch in diameter. The caudex fancier may raise the plants partially above the soil line to show off the tubers. The leaves are pinnately compound and resemble at first glance delicate carrot leaves. The flowers are unique in the genus in that the petals are fringed (only two other species, P. caffrum and P. schizopetalum, have fringed petals) .
P.bowkeri is from the summer rainfall area in the mountains of the northeastern cape. To accommodate the tuberous roots a well draining oversize pot is preferred for this species. Flowers appear early in the spring before the foliage. Seeds self and may be sown immediately. The series of interconnected tubers may be separated and used for propagation. This is an interesting and easy to grow species that is uncommon in cultivation and readily fits into any collections of succulents and caudiciforms.
A natural bonsai with succulent scaly brown barked stems and long flowering period makes Pelargonium cotyledonis particularily desireable.
P. cotyledonis is the sole species of Pelargonium on the island of St. Helena. For me the growth period is spring though summer. I reduce watering from September to spring. Propagation is possible from cuttings. Plants seem to be self sterile and even with different clones seed set has been poor. Though not commonly available this Pelargonium should be on every pachycaul collectors want list.
Pelargonium luridum
Pelargonium luridum is distributed in the summer rainfall grasslands of the Transvaal and north eastern cape. Winter day temperatures commonly drop well below zero. I'll report next year how rockery planted tubers survive the wet and cold Seattle winter.
The caudex fan may chose to raise the 1.5 to 2" tuber to show it to best advantage. The flowering stems are 18+ inches long with buff to dusty pink flowers. Propagation here in Seattle has been from tubers since I have been unable to set any seed
Pelargonium tongaense
Though having only slightly succulent stems I've included P. tongaense here since I've found it to be a very nice indoor pot plant. P. tongaense is found in NE Natal growing in fairly dense shade. Summer rainfall of around 30 inches with warm and dry winters are unusual for a Pelargonium.
"The Natural Habitat and Cultivation of Some Southern African Geophytic Pelargonium" by Charles Craib published in 1993 by the South African Pelargonium and Geranium Society, PO Box 55342, Northlands , Gauteng, 2116 South Africa provides detailed cultivation and population information on 11 species.
A recent publication "Pelargoniums - a gardener's guide to the species and the hybrids and cultivars" by Diana Miller published in 1996 by Timber Press, Portland Oregon provides descriptions and cultivation clues for over 200 species. Well worth the $29.95.
I have extras of the following for trade:
P. luridum
P. bowkeri
P. oblongatum
P. rapaceum
P. crassipes
P. triste
P. campestre
Plus many more