Angel Pelargonium, with its beautiful flowers and enchanting fragrance, is a popular choice among gardening enthusiasts. However, a common query that often arises is whether this much-loved garden plant is a perennial or not. Let’s take a closer look at the question, is angel pelargonium a perennial?
Is Angel Pelargonium a Perennial?
Angel Pelargonium, also known as Angel Geranium or Angel Flower, is generally considered a perennial plant in regions with mild climates.
It belongs to the Pelargonium genus within the Geraniaceae family and is known for its charming blooms and unique leaf shapes.
In its native habitat of South Africa, where the climate is relatively temperate, these bushy plants often behave as perennials.
They can survive through multiple growing seasons, regenerating from their established root systems and producing new growth and blooms each year. In these favorable conditions, they can indeed be classified as perennials.
In regions with colder climates where frost is a concern, Angel Pelargoniums may not survive the winter outdoors. In such areas, these plants are often treated as annuals or tender perennials.
This means that they are cultivated as outdoor plants during the warmer months but are not expected to survive the winter. Gardeners might either replant new specimens each spring or take steps to overwinter the existing plants indoors.
The key factor influencing whether Angel Pelargoniums are considered perennials is the local climate. In mild climates, they have the potential to live and bloom for several years, exhibiting true perennial behavior.
In colder climates, they might need extra care, protection from frost, or indoor overwintering to maintain their growth over multiple seasons.
Understanding Angel Pelargonium
Known for their fabulous vibrant flowers and gorgeous green leaves, these smaller plants have captured the hearts of gardeners worldwide.
The Angel Pelargonium is characterized by its smaller flowers that come in a range of shades, from soft pinks to deep purples, often with contrasting markings on the petals.
Are Angel Geraniums True Geraniums?
“Angel geraniums” are not true geraniums (genus Geranium) but rather a term for a specific group of plants known as Pelargoniums. Pelargoniums are commonly referred to as geraniums, but they are not botanically related to true geraniums.
True geraniums belong to the Geranium genus and are often called “hardy geraniums” or “cranesbills.” They are herbaceous perennials known for their delicate, five-petaled flowers that are similar to each other and deeply lobed leaves.
They are generally well-suited for cooler climates and are often grown as ornamental plants in gardens.
Pelargoniums, often called “geraniums” in gardening, belong to the Pelargonium genus and are tender perennials, typically grown as annuals in colder climates or as perennials in warmer regions. They are known for their vibrant flowers and diverse leaf shapes.
The flowers on pelargoniums differ from geraniums in that the top two petals are similar, compared to the bottom three.
“Angel geraniums” have characteristics such as unique flower colors, patterns, or growth habits that are described under this name.
It’s important to recognize the distinction between true geraniums and the Pelargoniums commonly referred to as geraniums when discussing these plants.
How to Care for These Perennial Plants
Is Angel Pelargonium a Perennial? Yes, angel pelargoniums are typically grown as tender perennials in warmer climates, but they are often treated as annuals in colder regions due to their sensitivity to frost.
Planting: When planting angel pelargoniums, choose a well-draining location with full sunlight to encourage healthy growth. Ensure that the soil is enriched with organic matter to support their development.
Soil and Watering: Use a well-draining potting mix if planting in containers or amend garden soil with compost if planting in beds. Angel pelargoniums prefer slightly moist soil but are susceptible to root rot, so avoid overwatering. Allow excess water to drain away to prevent waterlogged conditions.
Fertilization: Feed angel pelargoniums with a balanced liquid fertilizer every two to three weeks during their active growing season, typically spring through early autumn. This promotes vigorous growth and encourages continuous blooming.
Pruning: Regularly pinch back the tips of the stems to encourage branching and a bushier growth habit. Deadheading spent flowers will prolong the blooming period and keep the plant looking tidy.
Overwintering: In colder climates where frost is a concern, angel pelargoniums can be treated as annuals or brought indoors before the first frost. If you want to overwinter them as perennials, bring potted plants indoors to a cool, bright location. Reduce watering and stop fertilizing during the winter months, allowing the plant to go dormant. You can trim back the foliage if it becomes leggy.
Pest and Disease Control: Monitor your angel pelargoniums for common pests like aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites. Regularly inspect the undersides of leaves and treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Good air circulation can reduce the chance of fungal diseases.
Propagation: Angel pelargoniums can be propagated through stem cuttings. Take cuttings from healthy, non-flowering stems and root them in a well-draining rooting medium. Once rooted, transplant the new plants into pots or the garden.
Is Angel Pelargonium a Perennial? Remember, while angel pelargoniums are technically perennial plants, their overwintering strategy depends on the climate. In colder regions, they’re often treated as annuals or brought indoors for the winter.
Perennials and Their Traits
Perennials are plants that live for more than two years, and they have the ability to regrow each spring from their established root systems.
Unlike annuals, which complete their life cycle within a single year, and biennials, which require two years to complete their lifecycle, perennials can continue to bloom and flourish for multiple growing seasons.
Do Pelargonium Species Need Full Sun?
Yes, angel pelargoniums typically thrive when they receive full sun. Providing them with full sunlight is beneficial for their overall growth, flowering, and overall health.
These pelargoniums are well-suited to sunny locations where they can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
In areas with hot and intense sunlight, it’s a good idea to provide some afternoon shade to prevent the plants from becoming stressed or overheated.
If you’re growing angel pelargoniums in containers, you can move the containers to a slightly shadier spot during the hottest part of the day to protect them from excessive sun exposure.
Remember that while angel pelargoniums appreciate full sun, they also require well-drained soil and regular watering for best results.
Monitoring the moisture levels and avoiding waterlogged conditions is essential for their success, especially in sunny locations where evaporation rates can be higher.
Lifespan of Angel Pelargonium
Contrary to popular belief, Angel Pelargoniums are not true perennials in all climates. Their longevity largely depends on the growing conditions, climate, and the level of care provided.
In their native habitat of South Africa, where the climate is generally mild, these plants can indeed behave as perennials, returning year after year with proper care.
In colder regions where frost is a concern, pelargonium plants are often treated as annuals or brought indoors during the winter months with their cold temperatures.
Overwintering Angel Pelargoniums
To encourage the longevity of Angel Pelargoniums in colder climates, gardeners often adopt the practice of overwintering.
This involves bringing the plants indoors before the first frost and providing them with proper care throughout the winter. Here’s how to go about it:
- Pruning: Trim the plants back to about one-third of their original size to reduce stress during the indoor period.
- Repotting: Repot the Angel Pelargoniums into slightly larger containers with fresh potting soil to promote healthy root growth.
- Indoor Care: Place the potted plants in a sunny window or under a grow light. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
- Temperature: Maintain indoor temperatures between 50-60°F (10-15°C), avoiding extreme temperature fluctuations.
- Monitoring: Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, treating them promptly if necessary to ensure healthy plants.
Different Types of Geraniums
There are two main groups of plants that are commonly referred to as “geraniums”: true geraniums (genus Geranium) and Pelargoniums (genus pelargonium). Each of these groups has numerous species and varieties with unique characteristics. Here’s a breakdown of both:
1. True Geraniums (Genus Geranium): The geranium plant, also known as cranesbills, are a group of herbaceous perennials known for their delicate flowers and lobed leaves.
They are hardy plants and are often used in garden borders and landscapes. Some popular species and varieties of true geraniums include:
- Geranium macrorrhizum: Commonly known as bigroot geranium, it has aromatic leaves and pink to purple flowers.
- Geranium sanguineum: Also called bloody cranesbill, it features magenta-pink flowers and deeply cut leaves.
- Geranium Rozanne: A hybrid geranium known for its long-blooming period and vibrant blue flowers with white centers.
- Geranium pratense: Meadow cranesbill, with deep blue to purple flowers.
2. Pelargoniums (Commonly Referred to as Geraniums): Pelargoniums are tender perennials that are often grown as annuals in colder climates. They are known for their showy flowers, diverse leaf shapes, and range of growth habits.
They are commonly used as container plants, hanging baskets, and as indoor plants. Here are some popular types of Pelargoniums:
- Zonal Geraniums (Pelargonium x hortorum): These are the common garden geraniums with rounded, often variegated leaves and large flower clusters. They come in a variety of colors.
- Ivy-leaved Geraniums (Pelargonium peltatum): The leaf pelargonium has trailing growth habits and ivy-like leaves. They are excellent for hanging baskets and container gardening.
- Scented-leaf Geraniums (Pelargonium spp.): These are prized for their fragrant leaves, which can smell like lemon, rose, mint, and more. They also produce small, often less showy flowers.
- Regal Pelargoniums (Pelargonium domesticum): Beautiful regal geraniums they have large, showy flowers with ruffled petals and distinct markings.
- Angel Geraniums (Pelargonium spp.): As previously mentioned, this is a term for specific cultivars of Pelargoniums with unique flower colors and patterns.
These lists are by no means exhaustive, as there are numerous species, hybrids, and cultivars within both the true geranium and Pelargonium groups. When selecting geraniums for your garden or landscape, it’s important to consider your climate, growing conditions, and preferences for flower and leaf characteristics.
Is Angel Pelargonium a Perennial Conclusion
The status of Angel Pelargonium as a perennial or not is contingent on the climate and care provided. While they can exhibit perennial behavior in milder climates, they are often treated as annuals or overwintered in colder regions.
With proper attention and care, these delightful plants can continue to grace our gardens and indoor spaces with their ethereal beauty for years to come, regardless of their classification as true perennials.