Pelargonium 'Flower Fairy Strawberry'

Autumn - mid-late · Planting

Lift before first frost

When pelargoniums have been wintered in a frost free area, the top growth can be halved and returned to the garden or repotted when danger of frost is passed next year. If cut back by 2/3rds and kept watered and warm they will continue to flower.

When pelargoniums have been lifted for winter, they can be cut back by around half and kept in a cool environment for winter. They can also be cut back by 2/3rds, watered and kept warm so that they continue to flower.

Spring-Autumn · Outdoors

Water during dry periods

For plants in the ground, when there has been little or no rain for a period of 7-10 days and the soil is dry, give it a deep watering and repeat weekly until there is a downpour of rain. Check plants in pots more frequently, 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.

Winter · Outdoors

Water sparingly during dormancy

In its dormant period give very little water, keeping the soil barely moist. Dormancy is likely to be during the winter and the plant recommences growth in early to mid spring.

When a plant enters dormancy the leaves fade, go yellow and then brown. Eventually the whole plant may 'disappear' or unadorned stems may remain.

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

Multi-purpose compost

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