Pelargonium gibbosum

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Botanical Name

Pelargonium gibbosum

Family

Geraniaceae - The geranium family -

Pronunciation

pe-lar-GO-nee-um gib-OH-sum

Common Name(s)

Gouty pelargonium; Arthritic pelargonium

Plant Group

Perennial A plant whose life cycle lasts for three or more seasons.

Plant Size

Medium

Tree 10m to 16m

Shrub 1m to 2m

Perennial/ground cover 40cm to 60cm

Bulb 40cm to 60cm

Succulent 40cm to 60cm

Position

Sun The area is in full sun for all or most of the day, all year round.

General Information

Deciduous Plants which completely lose their foliage for part of the year.
Evergreen Plants that have leaves all year round.
Fragrant / Aromatic These plants posses a strong, usually pleasant odour.
Frost: Half-hardy The plant is able to survive low temperatures and some frost but requires protection against severe frost.
Water Wise Plant species originating from low rainfall regions that require less water to survive and thrive than other plant species.

Specific Information

Called 'gouty pelargonium' because of its swollen joints or nodes, this is one of the few yellow pelargoniums. This is definitely one for collectors of caudiciforms and succulent pelargoniums.The deeply toothed, blue-green leaves are semi-succulent.The plant is usually dormant in summer, the plants being much more compact and dense if they are allowed their normal dormancy. In the right position Pelargonium gibbosum forms a thick mound 30-60cm high, and with time will develop a caudiciform base, the plant spreading to over a meter across. They will tolerate light frost if protected.

The flowers in the above pictures were taken while the plant was still fresh from the nursery where it was lightly shaded and watered. Once planted out in full sun with less water, the next flowers were, as well-described by another author, chartreuse-sulfur yellow. This is the more natural colour. (Will add photos when available)

Flowers

Description

clusters of pelargonium flowers at the end of fairly long stems, strongly scented at night

Season

All Year Plants will seldom bloom for the entire season as given in the list, but should flower during a period within these parameters.
Autumn to Winter Plants will seldom bloom for the entire season as given in the list, but should flower during a period within these parameters.

Colour

yellow
tan yellow

Growth Rate

Moderate Specifying growth rate can be very misleading as there is considerable variation of growth rate depending on type and species of plant, available water, supplementary feeding, mulching and general care, as well as the plants suitability and adaptability to the garden environment.

Plant Uses

Accent or Focal Point A plant used to attract the attention because of its colour or form.
Attracts bees and other insects This plant attracts insects which can be food for birds or other creatures in your garden.
Container Trees, shrubs and ornamental species that can adapt to growing in a restricted environment.
Filler Either a fast growing tree or shrub used temporarily to fill in an area while the permanent plants grow to a desired size, or a plant used to fill gaps in borders or beds.
Pot Plant A plant that needs a protected environment on a patio or indoors.
Rock Garden An area constructed of larger rocks, arranged naturally, to emphasise the use of stones as a main element. Generally plants used do not need a lot of care.
Suitable for coastal gardens Plants adapted to dry, sandy soil, forceful wind, limited rainfall and intense sunlight.
Wild Garden An indigenous garden planted for the benefit of wildlife and birds. Provides food, water, a variety of mini-biomes and no poisonous chemicals are used.

Ad Break

Distribution

along the western coast of the Western Province of South Africa, from the Richtersveld to the Cape Peninsula (winter rainfall area), in sandy and rocky places

Planting Suggestions

Pelargonium gibbosum is normally dormant in summer but will grow year round if moderately watered. Their time of maximum growth is autumn to winter, during their natural rainy season. They do best in the ground or a large pot where they can really spread their roots. They need very well drained loam or sandy soil. A little compost and a thin layer of mulch around and below, but not against, the stems can be applied if the soil is very depleted.

Medicinal Uses

No data found.

Availability