Pelargonium tetragonum
square stalked geranium
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
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | Cream Pink Red | Green | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Cream Pink Red | Green | |
| Autumn | Green | Green | ||
| Winter | Green | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Geraniaceae
- Native to the UK
- 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
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