Scientific Name
Pelargonium quercifolium (L. f.) L'Hér.
Common Name(s)
Oak-leaved Geranium, Almond-scented Geranium, Village Oak Geranium, Oak-leaf Pelargonium, Oak-leaf Geranium, Oak Geranium
Synonym(s)
Geraniospermum quercifolium, Geranium quercifolium
Scientific Classification
Family: Geraniaceae
Genus: Pelargonium
Flower
Color: Pink
Bloom Time: Spring to summer
Description
Pelargonium quercifolium is a densely-branched shrub that grows up to 3.3 feet (1 m) tall. Stems are soft and coated in green hairs when young, becoming woody with age. The glandular, sticky, aromatic leaves are divided into 5 or 7 stiffs, coarsely toothed lobes. The inflorescence is an umbel of up to 10 flowers with five up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) long petals. Flowers are pink with darker pink markings.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 9a to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Work organic compost into high-quality container potting soil that contains ingredients such as peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite. Use this soil mixture to fill pots for your Pelargoniums. Good drainage is essential, so choose containers with adequate drainage holes. If your plants are already in pots, spread organic compost lightly on the soil surface and work in, taking care not to dig up the plant's roots.
Choose locations getting direct sun for most Pelargoniums. They need at least 6 hours of sun daily. All Pelargoniums need afternoon shade if your area regularly sees summer temperatures exceeding 90 °F (32 °C).
Feed your Pelargoniums every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 or 20-20-20. Buy fertilizer that dissolves in water for easier application. Every third watering, add Epsom Salts (magnesium sulfate) to the plant water (1 teaspoon per 1 gallon) to provide magnesium. Or, add a slow-release fertilizer to the soil mix when you plant Pelargoniums in the pot.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Pelargonium.
Origin
This species is native to South Africa.
Links
- Back to genus Pelargonium
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
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