Pelargonium

New Zealand’s Best Pelargonium Plants

Adding colourful perennials to your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact to a space
• They attract birds and bees
• Street appeal can be greatly enhanced
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come

We have the largest variety of geranium plants and the right one for your space. These have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We grow and stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them locally, and from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Pelargoniums, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Common questions about growing Pelargoniums

1. When should I buy pelargoniums?

The best time to buy pelargoniums is in the spring when they are actively growing and blooming.

2. Is there a difference between geraniums and pelargoniums?

Yes, there is a difference between geraniums and pelargoniums. Although they are often called by the same name, they are actually two different genera of plants that belong to the same family, Geraniaceae.

Geraniums are hardy perennials that can survive cold winters in temperate climates. They have soft, herbaceous stems and die back to the ground in the winter. Geraniums have five petals that are all similar in size and shape. They come in a wide variety of colors, including white, pink, red, purple, and blue.

Pelargoniums are tender perennials that are not hardy in cold climates. They have woody stems and can be grown as annuals in most temperate climates. Pelargoniums have flowers with two upper petals that are different in size and shape from the three lower petals. They also come in a wide variety of colors.

3. Do Pelargonium come back year after year?

Yes, pelargoniums can come back year after year. New Zealand has a temperate climate with mild winters and warm summers, which is ideal for growing pelargoniums as perennials. However, there are a few things you can do to increase the chances of your plant surviving the winter:

• Choose a hardy variety: Not all pelargoniums are created equal and some varieties are more hardy than others. Do some research to find out which varieties are best for your area.
• Plant in a well-drained location: Pelargoniums do not like wet feet. They need to be planted in a location that drains well, otherwise they are more likely to rot over the winter.
• Protect from frost: If you live in an area that gets frost, you will need to protect your pelargoniums from the cold. You can do this by covering them with a frost blanket.
• Pelargoniums are generally drought-tolerant plants and do not need to be watered as often as other plants. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can kill your plants.
• Fertilize in spring and summer: Pelargoniums are heavy bloomers and need a little extra help to keep them flowering all season long.

4. Do pelargoniums prefer sun or shade?

Pelargoniums are sun-loving plants and prefer to be in full sun for at least 6-8 hours per day. This will help them to produce abundant blooms and maintain their vibrant foliage. However, pelargoniums can also tolerate some shade, especially in hotter climates where they may benefit from some relief from the afternoon sun.

5. How long do pelargoniums live?

The lifespan of pelargoniums can vary depending on the climate they are grown in and the care they receive. In warmer climates, they can live for up to 40 years or longer with proper care. However, in colder climates they are typically grown as annuals and will not survive the winter outdoors.

6. Are geraniums toxic to dogs?

Yes, geraniums are toxic to dogs. All parts of the geranium plant, including the leaves, flowers, and stems, contain geraniol and linalool, which are toxic compounds that can cause gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy in dogs. In severe cases, geranium poisoning can lead to seizures and even death.

7. How often should I water my Pelargonium?

The frequency with which you water your pelargonium will depend on a number of factors, including the climate you live in, the size of the plant, the type of pot it is in, and the time of year. However, as a general rule of thumb, you should water your pelargoniums every two to three days during their active growing season. During the winter, when the plants are dormant, you can water them less frequently, once a week or even less often.

8. How do you make pelargoniums bushy?

Here are some tips on how to make pelargoniums bushy:

• Pinch out the growing tips: This will encourage the plant to produce new growth from the sides, which will make it bushier. Start pinching back the tips when the plant is young, and continue to do so throughout the growing season.
• Provide plenty of sunlight: Pelargoniums need at least six hours of sunlight per day to thrive. If they don't get enough sunlight, they will become leggy and thin.
• Use a well-draining potting mix: Pelargoniums do not like to have wet feet, so it is important to use a potting mix that drains well. You can also add sand or perlite to the potting mix to improve drainage.
• Fertilize regularly: Pelargoniums are heavy feeders, so they need to be fertilized regularly. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every few weeks.
• Deadhead spent flowers: Deadheading spent flowers will help to promote new growth and flowering.
• Repot when necessary: If your pelargonium is rootbound, it will need to be repotted into a larger pot. Repotting will help to encourage new growth and flowering.
• Prune in the spring: In the spring, prune your pelargoniums to remove any dead or leggy branches. This will help them to maintain their shape and vigour.

By following these tips, you can help your pelargoniums grow into full, bushy plants that will provide you with years of enjoyment.

9. What is the best position for pelargonium?

Pelargoniums, also known as geraniums, are sun-loving plants that thrive in bright, sunny locations. They prefer at least six hours of direct sunlight per day, although they can tolerate some shade during the hottest part of the day. Pelargoniums are also sensitive to wind and cold, so it is important to choose a location that is sheltered from these elements.