Pelargonium Interspecific Specials Alm-Geranium Scarlet

The 'Specials C Alm-Geranie Scarlet' interspecific Pelargonium is a new variety of exceptionally robust and floriferous pelargonium. It belongs to a group of hybrids between zonal pelargoniums, from which it inherited its habit, while the ivy-leaved pelargonium contributed its vigour and robustness. The result is a bushy plant that produces twice as many flowers as a zonal pelargonium while being highly resistant to drought, inclement weather, and even cold if the winter is mild: in short, a variety adapted to changing climates and all our regions! Its abundant semi-double flowers are a blood-red colour and bloom profusely from spring until the first frost.

This hybrid pelargonium is the result of a crossbreeding between a Pelargonium peltatum, the ivy geranium, and a P. zonale, both of which are tender plants from the Geraniaceae family native to South Africa. 'Specials c Alm-Geranie Scarlet' has 'zonale'-type flowers and leaves, sturdy stems, and ramified leaves and habit like the zonal pelargonium, while retaining the natural resistance of the ivy pelargonium. More floriferous than ever and with rapid growth, it offers vigorous, upright vegetation and quickly forms a bushy plant of about 50 cm in height and 35-40 cm (13.8 - 15.7 in) in spread. The leaves are peltate, circular, a fairly dark olive green with a bronze circle, slightly fleshy and aromatic. The remarkably long and abundant flowering takes place from March-April until the first frosts. The large semi-double flower umbels are rounded and produced profusely. Pelargoniums, which are not very hardy (barely up to -4°C), can still survive in open ground in our mildest southern regions, where they become true bushes that show their full potential. In nature, their ancestors are plants that grow in difficult soil and climates!

Florist geraniums are generous and undemanding plants, but this 'Specials C Alm-Geranie Scarlet' variety surpasses them in vigour and robustness. Of course, it is a perfect plant to decorate pots for most of the year, without requiring much maintenance. However, it belongs to a new generation of more robust pelargoniums that are also making a very noticeable entrance into sunny flower beds and borders. Plant them in masses to create a lasting and cheerful decoration throughout the beautiful season. These plants go well with garden verbenas, lobelias in unheard-of blues, black or purple-leaved ipomeas (Ipomoea Illusion Midnight Lace, Ipomoea Sweet Heart Purple). Create beautiful pots and hanging baskets by combining them with white or red varieties, Million Bells, variegated periwinkles, Dichondra Silver Falls, violets, calibrachoas, and more.

Note: Please be aware that our young plants in mini-pots are professional products intended for experienced gardeners: upon receipt, transplant and store them in sheltered areas (conservatory, greenhouse, cold frame...) at temperatures above 14°C for a few weeks before placing them outdoors once all risk of frost has passed.