Regal Pelargoniums – The Aristocrats of the Pelargonium family.
Regal pelargoniums are an evergreen perennial that will flower from spring right through to autumn/fall with a main flush of flowers in late spring to summer and a second flush in late summer. They will spot flower right through.
These are the ones with the large frilly flowers. Regal Pelargoniums have flowers that range in colour from very pale pinks through to deep purples.
They are a little fussy with light, however Regal Pelargoniums are worth the effort, and really not that difficult to grow.
How To Grow Regal Pelargoniuns – Basic Care
Characterised by masses of flowers, they grow best in containers as this allows then to be positioned in the garden where they receive good morning sun and protection from the heat of the afternoon sun in summer.
They like a good amount of light to flower well and when nighttime temperatures rise above 8 – 14 c 45 – 58 f in spring summer you have ideal temperatures.
They do prefer a cooler and moister habitat than other types and flower from spring through to mid summer.
Low humidity is also important for flowering, so good air circulation is essential. You can decrease watering to encourage for a month to increase bud formation.
In climates with shorter daylight time in spring, some additional lighting early in the morning and again in the late afternoon can help with bud formation. Remember these plants are from subtropical areas of southern Africa.
Pelargoniums are a different genus to geraniums, ,which are also from Southern Africa with a few from Australia. Pelargonium rodneyanum being one such species
Regals grow well in containers and this also allows them to positioned where they they will not be subject to frosts.
Propagating Regal Pelargoniums from Cuttings.
CRegal cuttings are taken mid summer, use the new stem growth and from non flowering stems.
Preparation for Taking Cuttings
- 1/3 drainage material potting mix with added perlite make the mix moist
- Try a 2 inch pot for individual cuttings. Larger pots can retain to much moisture.
- Water the plant the day before taking the cuttings
How to Take Regal Pelargonium Cuttings Successfully. 20 Easy Steps
- Look for s sturdy new growth stem, so thick and sturdy
- Choose healthy tip cuttings around 5 cms (2 inches) long. They need to be cut cut below where the leave joins the stem (at a leaf node).
- Cut your cutting just above a node the base of the cutting needs to be firm. As this will resist rot more easily.
- Remember non flowering stems.
- Remove the lower leaves
- Now recut the stem to just below the bottom node.
- Use a rooting hormone powder, it acts as a fungicide as well and this is important.
- Leave around 2-3 main leaves at the top of the cuttings. Plus the small new leaves
- The node contain the dormant growth hormones.
- Fill your pots
- We use individual pots for Regals as this allows for easier handling.
- Firm the soil in and Label
- Use a dibbler to make a hole in the soil.
- Insert the cutting to around 1 inch deep
- Firm in again and label
- Sit in a tray of water for a minute or two.
- In cooler climates maybe use a propagation tray that gives bottom heat of around 20 C is ideal. If you don’t have one of these keep the cuttings in a warm position.
- Remove from the water, keep in shade for 7 – 10 days.
- Water regularly with a diluted liquid seaweed fertiliser, however do not allow the soil to become soggy. Good drainage is essential.
- They will take around 4 weeks to take root properly
The cuttings will soon show signs of new growth and once some good leaf growth is evident it is time to pinch out the central leader to promote a bushy habit.
Once the plants reach a good size you can pot them up into larger containers.