Pelargonium sidoides

RHS Plant Profile
African geranium

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African geranium RHS
African geranium RHS

Synonyms

Pelargonium sidifolium

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A compact rosette of soft grey leaves that are curiously scented. Dainty, dark-purple flowers are held aloft on wiry stems at a maximum height of about 30cm

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H1C

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Foliage
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Geraniaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
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
Temp S Africa

How to Grow

Cultivation

Requires frost-free conditions and good light. See pelargonium cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by cuttings in spring and summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • City and courtyard gardens

Pruning

Deadhead and remove yellowing leaves

Pests

Generally trouble-free but may be susceptible to aphids in spring

Diseases

Generally disease-free, but may be susceptible to pelargonium rust and pelargonium viruses