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Pelargonium x domesticum

Image of Pelargonium x domesticum

James H. Schutte

Family

Geraniaceae

Botanical Name

Pelargonium x domesticum

Plant Common Name

Martha Washington Geranium, Regal Geranium

General Description

Developed in Great Britain in the mid-19th century and still going strong after more than 150 years, Regal geraniums (known in the United States as Martha Washington geraniums) are bushy, tender, evergreen perennials grown for their generous bloom. Grown in containers or the ground, they continuously produce large clusters of showy ruffled flowers held high on slim stalks. The flowers are white, pink, lavender, purple, red, or orange, often with boldly contrasting blotches. The large, rounded, toothed leaves are sometimes lobed.

Often grown as annuals, these tender perennials prefer fertile, well-drained soil, regular moisture and protection from harsh sunlight. They thrive in mild climates and quickly falter in oppressive summer heat and humidity. They flower and grow best where days are warm but nights are comfortably cool. These showy geraniums excel in containers, and also work well as bedding plants and in borders in favorable climates. Pinch the stem tips to promote bushier growth and more flowering.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    8 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    10 - 12

  • Sunset Zone

    8, 9, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Perennial

  • Sun Exposure

    Partial Sun, Partial Shade

  • Height

    1'-4' / 0.3m - 1.2m

  • Width

    1'-4' / 0.3m - 1.2m

  • Bloom Time

    Indeterminate

  • Native To

    Hybrid Origin

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam

  • Growth Rate

    Medium

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Upright/Erect

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    White, Yellow, Red, Purple, Orange, Pink, Dark Red, Violet

  • Flower Color Modifier

    Bicolor

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Green, Dark Green

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    Yes

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Bedding Plant, Container, Cutflower, Hanging Basket, Mixed Border

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes