Pelargonium tetragonum

RHS Plant Profile
square stalked geranium
square stalked geranium visionspictures.com

Other common names

square-stack cranesbill

Shrubs

A slow growing, tender subshrub, with a sprawling, branching habit and distinctive square, jointed, succulent stems. Plants have few leaves, these are small, fleshy and lobed, and sometimes have dark red zonal markings. Flowers are produced in pairs, and are pale pink or cream, with two large upper petals veined with dark red, and small or absent lower petals

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1C
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Geraniaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Spreading branched
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
South Africa (Cape)

How to Grow

Cultivation

Thrives in poor soils in a sunny or lightly shaded spot, plants are adapted to drought and need excellent drainage. Grow under glass, or in containers and overwinter indoors. Water sparingly in summer and keep almost dry over winter

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings, rooted in a sandy medium

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

Trim back after flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to root mealybugs, thrips, fungus gnats and glasshouse whitefly

Diseases

Generally disease-free, though prone to rot in poor drainage