Plant profile - Pelargonium australe

Rosie Hardy of Hardy's Cottage Garden Plants in Hampshire recently came to help out with a photoshoot at Genus HQ.  She surprised us with a small plant as a gift.  Most of us were baffled as to its identity - a diminutive plant with vaguely familiar leaves and flowers.  Rosie pointed out that it was a Pelargonium - Pelargonium australe.  Originally from Australia, it has delicate dark green foliage and small white flowers with stark magenta veining.  Given time it can reach 50cm in height and spread.

It’s an ideal plant for growing in pots and even better for forgetful gardeners as it copes well if unwatered and left in dry conditions.  It is tender so needs to be brought inside over winter.  Rosie says it makes an ideal houseplant and will continue to flower throughout the year.  In the home, the growth can become a little ‘stretched’ due to the lower light conditions but this can give extra material for propagation if desired.  Propagation is however considered tricky so it's worth taking several cuttings to take into account losses.  We love it and suspect Pelargonium australe will be a favourite of ours for years to come.