Pelargonium hortorum 'Hot Coral'
At a local nursery this week, I found one of the prettiest colors I've seen in Zonal Geraniums (Pelargonium hortorum). Every fall, I fill my empty containers with Zonal Geraniums for fall/winter/spring color, so I bought several of them.
In the Phoenix area, Zonal Geraniums do especially well from October until May, and other than constant dead heading and regular watering, they are easy to grow. Although it's possible to grow them year-round here, they must have light shade in the summer, but even in shade, the leaves become yellow, and the flowers sparse, so I remove them from the containers by mid-May.
Apparently, I'm not the only one who appreciated ‘Hot Coral’, as I purchased the last few that were left. In the past, I always stuck with the red or pink shades, but when I saw this color, I just had to get it. Most folks would be surprised at how well Zonal Geraniums complement desert landscaping, and 'Hot Coral' will fit right in.
Although Zonal Geraniums are easily propagated with cuttings, the tag on my purchases stated, in bold capital letters, PATENTED VARIETY: PROPAGATION STRICTLY PROHIBITIED. I don’t intend to propagate these annuals, but it makes me wonder—how would anyone know?
19 comments:
Red pelargoniums are very popular and traditional here in Switzerland. Almost every farmerhouse is decorated with them (though a lot of other color variations exist). We have to overwinter this plant as it isn't hardy in our climate. You have chosen a very special and brilliant red!
Regards from Switzerland, Barbara
Your Hot Coral looks quite a find. Deep, warm reds really make a difference in winter. They liven the garden up and bring some cheer.
How strange to forbid propogation - I suppose they do not want you to sell them and spoil their market.
Hi Aiyana,
I've still got some geraniums around my front door, they have given a great display this summer.I will take them in soon and keep them for next year.
You are right though they do provide a lovely splash of colour, but you had better whatch out for the propagation police, they get everywhere and will root you out.
Cheers Mark
These are certainly vibrant flowers. I agree how would anyone know if you did propagate them?
Sara from farmingfriends
Love the color!! Happy GTS!
Yes i really like that flower. Our flowers in the house are just pansies, roses and other flowers that i dont know the names. mine is here http://happymomiam.blogspot.com and http://mommygen.blogspot.com.
My favourite geraniums! I have one on my blog today too. We have to bring them indoors most winters in the UK.
Oh that is a lovely Zonal Geranium.
Makes you wonder how would they know.
Hi Aiyana, I just read your comment you made when visiting my blog. When you visited Erlach, so you've been on the lake I grew up. Erlach is just 4 villages distance (about 18km) from where I come from.Have a good start into the new week!
Barbara
Hi Aiyana,
I noticed you posted a comment on my foggy day post ( the before holiday post) Your blog is pretty as well wth this great flowershot!
You have such a beautiul name :"Aiyana", I love your name:)
:)I am back from my short trip to South of Italy, thanks for 'not forgetting me' I posted an overview of pictures from my holiday , soon more... Have a great sunday!!!
Greetings JoAnn:)
How can you patent a plant? And why shouldn't you propagate the plant you bought? I think I must be missing something here.
It is lovely.
My guess about patented plants is so that another commercial grower doesn't take something one person has developed and sell it and profit from the first's efforts...?
Very pretty!! All winter long, huh? WOW, what pretty winter color! Enjoy it! Happy GTS! :)
Your geraniums are so pretty! It is great that you have found a flower that is so persistent despite your desert conditions. I think the tag that was on the geraniums was absolutely hilarious! I wonder what the punishment is for propagation? It does sound pretty offensive!
Have a great week!
Wow! on my monitor, that bright color just about glows! I like zonals too and they are year-round plants for me here in So Cal - often getting too big too quickly.
the color is stunning!
Thanks to everyone for your comments.
The more I think about the prohibition on propagation, the more I want to do it. I guess it's like telling a kid not to do something!
I live in Phoenix as well, and my husband recently brought home a Zonal Geranium which is still in the nursery pot. Since it is getting hotter outside, should I leave it inside? My front door is in constant shade. I could leave it there. Inside I can leave it on a sofa table about 6 feet from several large west facing windows. I draw the curtains in the afternoon though to keep the temperature manageable inside.
Audra,
You could try it near the front door, but even without getting direct sun, this plant suffers from the exteme heat. You may be able to keep it going through summer, and it will start looking good again around mid October. I've never tried these in the house, and from what I understand, they do better outside.
Aiyana
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