Pelargonium papilionaceum

Spring-Autumn · Indoors

Feed with high potash feed twice

Use a houseplant fertiliser that is high in potassium several times while the plant is in flower.

Where fertiliser values are listed on a packet they are in order - nitrogen, phosphate, potassium with percentage values of each. For high potassium choose a fertiliser where potash is higher.

Spring-Autumn · Indoors

Feed with houseplant food monthly

Using a balanced houseplant fertiliser, feed the plant monthly from March until September.

Where food elements are listed as three numeric values on the label representing in order Nitrogen(N)-Phosphorus(P)-Potassium(K), with percentage values for each, choose one where the values are more or less equal.

Spring-Autumn · Outdoors

Water in dry periods

Established plants in the ground can cope with 7-10 days of dryness, and shrubs often manage 2 to 3 weeks. Water one section of the garden thoroughly each day rather than a little everywhere. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather.

Spring-Autumn · Outdoors

Feed with high potash feed several times

Apply a fertiliser that is high in potash (potassium) several times while the plant is in flower.

Where fertiliser values are listed on a packet they are in order - nitrogen, phosphate, potassium with percentage values of each. For high potash choose a fertiliser where potassium is higher.

Summer - late · Planting

Trim foliage

Trim foliage to keep the plant looking neat.

Winter-Spring · Indoors

Water lightly in winter

The soil should remain just moist during the cold months when the plant is not in growth. Trickle a little water onto the soil surface every couple of weeks if the soil is dry. Do nothing if it is moist.

The roots remain active in winter and benefit from small amounts of moisture so they don't become completely desiccated.

Winter-Spring · Planting

Protect from winter cold

Bring the plant into a frost-free area before frosts occur, and do not put them outside until all danger of frost is past. Follow watering instructions, or allow the plant a period of dormancy during the winter.

Plants need to be brought inside in cold areas, i.e. colder than zone 8.

Planting

Deadhead blooms during flowering season

Remove flowers as they turn brown and fade. Snip the stem just below the bloom. This will keep the plant tidy and encourage more flowers.

The removal of spent flowers encourages the plant to produce fresh ones, rather than spend its energy on the development of seeds.

Compost · Planting

Houseplant compost for repotting

Repot using any good quality house plant compost.

Indoor temperature · Planting

2C minimum temperature

This plant requires a minimum temperature of 2 Centigrade.

Compost · Planting

Multi-purpose compost

Use a good quality peat-free multi-purpose compost when growing in pots and containers.

Indoor plant · Planting

Position in a sunny spot, close to window

Give this plant a position where there is as much light and sunlight as possible, within 2-3 metres of a sunny or bright window (one that is south, east, or west facing).