Tossy's Treasures

 Geraniums & Pelargoniums

Geraniums & pelargoniums are very hardy plants originating in South Africa. I the cooler climates of the northern hemisphere they are delicate plants that are grown in pots & wintered indoors. Here in Australia, we are in the lucky position to have a warm climate where geraniums & pelargoniums thrive outdoors all year round.

Drought tolerant

My geraniums are all very hardy, getting little water, yet thriving in the drought conditions we have had here in Victoria for the last 10 years. They flower prolifically in colours of white, pale to hot pink, apricot, mauve, red & dark burgundy with black stripes. Their leaves range from curly, small, & scented, to variegated to cupped.

Pruning

Geraniums & Pelargoniums appreciate being pruned lightly in the autumn so that they can make new growth for a bright show of flowers. These plants are always a delight, giving flowers throughtout the year.

Visit My eBay Store to buy plants or cuttings just like these.

Geraniums and Pelargoniums

Geraniums and Pelargoniums are very hardy plants. They originate in South Africa. Pelargonium is the correct name for thes specie however they were called Geraniums when first taken to England and the name has stuck. It is also thought that the word Geranium rolls off the tongue with more ease than does the word Pelargonium, and so now the plants are known by the two names.

Taking Cuttings

Geranium/Pelargoniums are very easy to propagate. Take a tip cutting, that is about 8cm long with three or more nodes along the stem. The nodes are where the leaves join the stem. These plants are very hardy and do not like to be kept too wet so leave the cuttings for a day or so for the cut end of the stem to dry then place them in a propagating mix. This mix can be sand, or sand and potting mix, or sand and coir mix.

Place six or ten cuttings in the one pot. Water them and drain well. Leave this pot in the shade for a few days then place it where it can get some sunlight. Keep it out of the hot sun as you don't want it to dry out altogether. Water when dry. These cuttings will take root in about four weeks.

When roots appear out the bottom of the pot it is time to repot the cuttings into pots of their own. When the plant is well grown, about 20-30cm tall it can safely be planted out into the garden and will grow like the bush seen below.

Visit My eBay Store to buy plants or cuttings just like these.

Geraniums & pelargoniums are very hardy plants originating in South Africa. I the cooler climates of the northern hemisphere they are delicate plants that are grown in pots & wintered indoors. Here in Australia, we are in the lucky position to have a warm climate where geraniums & pelargoniums thrive outdoors all year round.

My geraniums are all very hardy, getting little water, yet thriving in the drought conditions we have had here in Victoria for the last 10 years. They flower prolifically in colours of white, pale to hot pink, apricot, mauve, red & dark burgundy with black stripes. Their leaves range from curly, small, & scented, to variegated to cupped.

Geraniums & Pelargoniums appreciate being pruned lightly in the autumn so that they can make new growth for a bright show of flowers. These plants are always a delight, giving flowers throughtout the year.