Pelargonium 'Dolly Varden'

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 · 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 · Indoors

Water to keep soil moist

Water regularly, but do not leave the plant sodden or with water in a saucer at its feet. It likes to be dry during the winter months.

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-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 · 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

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).