Growing pelargoniums

 

The bright, carefree flowering plants have long been called the wrong name by botanists who lumped them with a similar-looking plant group called geranium, but the correct name is pelargonium.

 

It’s an important player in the perfume industry as scents of mint, citrus or rose can be extracted from the leaves.

 

Also useful is the Citrosa geranium, called the mosquito plant, that’s genetically engineered to repel mossies when the leaves are crushed and rubbed onto skin.

 

Most pelargoniums thrive in any climate if given well-drained soil and at least four hours of full sun a day.

 

Avoid nitrogen-rich fertilisers that encourage masses of leaves but few flowers. Add slow-release fertiliser twice a year and liquid feed potted plants every few weeks.

 

For continued blooming pinch off the flower heads when they finish.