Pelargonium sericifolium is a small, much-branched, evergreen, shrub of 0.2 × 0.3 m. Simple, silvery green, wedge-shaped leaves, are shallowly lobed at the end and up to 10 mm long. The leaves are covered with dense silvery hairs or, in botanical terms, a sericeus indumentum. This covering gives the plant a silvery appearance. Cerise flowers of about 15 mm in diameter, in groups of 1–3, can be found from the end of winter (late July) to mid-spring (October). The pedicel of 1–3 mm long, and hypanthium of 35–60 mm long, are both sericeus. Silvery green, ovate to narrowly ovate sepals, are 7–9 mm long and 2–3 mm wide. Intense dark purple, linear markings, which merge near the base, can be found on the bottom 3 petals. Seven fertile stamens, all in variable sizes, are present. The pollen is yellow-lemon.
How to Grow and Care
Propagating pelargoniums is easy, with guaranteed results. If you propagate them rather than growing on last years plants you'll have more floriferous and stronger plants.
Start propagating pelargoniums in September, while plants are in a very active stage of growth. They will root very quickly.
Make a 1½ in - 3in cutting. You are most likely to succeed if you keep cuttings small.Use a very sharp knife – a razor blade rather than a kitchen knife.Use a mix of two-thirds peat to one-third grit.
Do not cover your pelargoniums like you would when propagating other tender perennials.
Hardiness:
Hardiness USDA zone 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
Origin: Pelargonium sericifolium native habitat of this species is currently still unlocated.
Light: Most types of Pelargonium thrive in full sun, though zonal cultivars will tolerate some shade. Regal cultivars are the main exception, as they prefer positions in partial shade, at least during the main heat of the day. Ideally, plants grown in a greenhouse or in a south-facing window should be shaded from the most scorching, midsummer, lunchtime sun.
Water: Keep new plants on the dry side until established, but then water plants in containers well during the growing season from spring to summer, without letting the compost get too wet. Always provide good ventilation. Plants in the border should be watered lightly in the driest summer conditions. Plants brought inside for the winter need watering only very occasionally and sparingly.
Soil: The most popular varieties are not particularly fussy, and can be grown in any relatively fertile, neutral to alkaline garden soil. For cultivation in indoor or outdoor pots and containers, use any well-drained, peat substitute multipurpose compost or a loam-based or soil-based compost.
- ALSO READ some more info HOW TO GROW AND CARE Geraniums
- Scientific Name: Pelargonium sericifolium J.J.A van der Walt
- Common Names: Silky pelargonium
- Synonyms: Pelargonium sericeum E.Mey
- Family: Geraniaceae
- Genus: Pelargonium
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| source pic: flickr.com |
How to Grow and Care
Propagating pelargoniums is easy, with guaranteed results. If you propagate them rather than growing on last years plants you'll have more floriferous and stronger plants.
Start propagating pelargoniums in September, while plants are in a very active stage of growth. They will root very quickly.
Make a 1½ in - 3in cutting. You are most likely to succeed if you keep cuttings small.Use a very sharp knife – a razor blade rather than a kitchen knife.Use a mix of two-thirds peat to one-third grit.
Do not cover your pelargoniums like you would when propagating other tender perennials.
Hardiness:
Hardiness USDA zone 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
Origin: Pelargonium sericifolium native habitat of this species is currently still unlocated.
Light: Most types of Pelargonium thrive in full sun, though zonal cultivars will tolerate some shade. Regal cultivars are the main exception, as they prefer positions in partial shade, at least during the main heat of the day. Ideally, plants grown in a greenhouse or in a south-facing window should be shaded from the most scorching, midsummer, lunchtime sun.
Water: Keep new plants on the dry side until established, but then water plants in containers well during the growing season from spring to summer, without letting the compost get too wet. Always provide good ventilation. Plants in the border should be watered lightly in the driest summer conditions. Plants brought inside for the winter need watering only very occasionally and sparingly.
Soil: The most popular varieties are not particularly fussy, and can be grown in any relatively fertile, neutral to alkaline garden soil. For cultivation in indoor or outdoor pots and containers, use any well-drained, peat substitute multipurpose compost or a loam-based or soil-based compost.
- ALSO READ some more info HOW TO GROW AND CARE Geraniums
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| source pic: nigramoep.co.za |
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| source pic: flickr.com |
