Pelargonium sidoides

Pelargonium sidoides is a hybrid resulting from two South African species. It is rarely offered for sale and will charm with its long flowering period and the delicacy of its deep red flowers. This "geranium" develops a beautiful velvety foliage that releases a slight Eucalyptus scent when touched. The plant forms a low, spreading cushion, ideal in a rockery or a container. Outside of coastal areas, it should be grown in a pot and overwintered frost-free.

Pelargonium sidoides is a drought-resistant plant. It is a rhizomatous perennial plant belonging to the geranium family. Its growth forms a 40 cm diameter cushion. This hybrid mainly flowers in summer, but it can continue from April to November, as long as the weather is mild enough. The flowers are grouped in umbels of 3 or more. They have fine, eye-catching, very dark deep red petals. The decorative foliage of this pelargonium is evergreen. It consists of kidney-shaped or heart-shaped leaves, with crinkled or finely lobed margins, carried by a long petiole. They usually measure 2 to 3 cm in diameter. The presence of hairs gives these leaves a velvety texture and a pretty green colour with a slight bluish-grey tint. The lower surface of the leaves has thicker hair and more pronounced veins.

This hybrid Pelargonium will delight collectors of pelargoniums and other geraniums. It forms light and highly flowered clumps for weeks without requiring much care. If your climate allows it, plant it in a place where you can admire it and show it off: in a rockery or along a path. You can also place it in a pot on the terrace or the conservatory. Pelargoniums are delightful with their sometimes unexpected and wonderful scents. In mild climates, spared from frost, they require no watering or maintenance, which makes them valuable for dry gardens by the sea.