Sansone Fire Red

Class

Dicotyledoneae

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Geraniaceae

Order

Geraniales

Genus

Pelargonium

Species

x hybridum

Description

An ornamental herbaceous plant prized for its spring and summer blooms, which add a touch of colour and elegance to terraces and balconies when grown in pots and planters, either on its own or in combination with other ornamental plants. The numerous varieties available feature inflorescences in vivid shades, in a wide range of colours. Hardy, it is easy to grow provided it is given adequate watering and fertiliser.

Variety description

A vigorous, large-flowered interspecific geranium. Upright to semi-upright growth habit. Suitable for cultivation in cooler temperatures. Selected for its superior heat tolerance, which makes it well-suited to the hottest summers. In a greenhouse, when grown at temperatures of 14–15°C, it has a shorter growing cycle than traditional geraniums. Interspecific geraniums such as ‘Sansone Fire’ can be used for low-energy cultivation because they grow well even at temperatures 4–5 degrees lower than the common zonal geranium, and are ideal for long-term cultivation at low temperatures (7–8°C).

Curiosities and special features

Pelargoniums belong to the same botanical family as geraniums but have distinctive characteristics compared to them in terms of flower type, vegetative growth and native range; Pelargonium species were classified as Geranium until 1789, when, following research carried out by the botanists N. L. Burman and L’Heritier, the distinction between the two genera was formalised.

Origin and distribution

The botanical genus comprises around 270 species, many of which are native to the African continent. As the name suggests, Pelargonium x hybridum, the varieties found today are interspecific hybrids resulting from the cross between P. inquinans and P. zonale;both species are native to the coastal areas of the Cape Province, where they grow as perennials, and were introduced to Europe during the 18th century.

Leaf

The leaves have the characteristicfive-lobed, tomentose blade.

Leaf colour

zoned

Plant height

The plant grows to a height of between 0.33 and 0.45 m, making it the ideal choice for decorating terraces and balconies in planters and pots.

Lifespan

A perennial plant grown mainly asan annual.

Where to plant

Widely appreciated for its brightly coloured flowers, it is ideal for balconies, terraces, outdoor planters, small pots, hanging baskets, large pots, window boxes and flowerbeds.

Stem

The stem is herbaceous; this variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is semi-double in shape and large in size. The petals are shaded. It is arranged in large umbel inflorescences. It flowers from early spring to mid-autumn, with a flowering period of between 200 and 240 days. It is not particularly attractive to pollinating insects.

Growth

A very vigorous variety, ideal for creating highly ornamental displays.

Plant habit

It develops a semi-trailing, well-proportioned habit.

Branching

The branching is moderate overall, with a well-balanced ratio of leaves to inflorescences.

PH

As with many ornamentals the ideal pH of the substrate is slightly acidic, with optimum values between 5.8 and 6.3. Care should be taken not to over-fertilise in order not to incur pH drops below 5.5 resulting in chlorosis and necrosis of the leaf edges.

Soil preparation

Before transplanting into the flowerbed, dig to a depth of 20–30 cm, removing any weeds and large stones; then work organic or slow-release chemical fertiliser evenly into the soil and finish by creating a slight ridge to allow excess water to drain away. Spread high-quality growing medium over the surface.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Sun exposure

Suitable forpartial shade, full sun and dappled shade.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 14 and 20 °C. The biological temperature range is between 5 and 35 °C.

In Mediterranean climates, where summer temperatures have been very high in recent years, Sansone interspecific geraniums can be grown in pots on balconies, even on south-facing ones. Sansone geraniums are ‘Zonal-type’ geraniums that can withstand very high temperatures without damage to the plant, as they combine the best characteristics of ivy geraniums and Zonal geraniums, from which they are derived following a long selection process. However, it is still easier to grow them in partial shade (north-east) or full shade, even in hanging baskets, to limit their water requirements; if these are not adequately met, the basal leaves may turn slightly yellow.

Use

It is one of the most popular ornamental herbaceous plants in:
Outdoor ornamental settings Outdoor landscape design Landscaping

Hardiness

A variety with high hardiness.

Soil

Use a high-quality potting mix specifically designed for spring-flowering plants, containing peat and perlite.

If grown in a flowerbed or border, the soil should be of medium texture and well-drained.

Difficulty

This interspecific geranium variety is easy to grow, and the overall level of maintenance required is low, making it even more practical.

Growing tips

Some specific cultivation tips for achieving lush vegetative growth and abundant flowering:
Avoid over-watering Keep the growing medium dry at low temperatures Avoid direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day

Combinations with other plants

Suitable both for creating compact monochromatic groups and for combining with other ornamental plants such as Euphorbia hypericifolia, Glechoma hederacea and Plectranthus coleoides.

Planting

For planting in flowerbeds, an average density of 14 plants per square metre is recommended in order to ensure the proper development of each plant’s root system and above-ground growth, thereby achieving a harmonious and proportionate final arrangement. We suggest positioning each seedling with the root collar above the soil surface, taking care not to damage the roots and avoiding compressing the root balls, which should be kept well moistened.

Watering

Use rainwater, or mains water if necessary, either by watering by hand or via an irrigation system. When transplanting, provide an adequate initial watering and monitor the seedling to ensure it settles properly in its new location; thereafter, allow the growing medium to dry out slightly between waterings, avoiding both harmful periods of drought – which cause the basal leaves to turn yellow – as well as waterlogging, which can lead to root rot and the death of the entire plant. It is also advisable not to water the above-ground parts in the afternoon or evening to prevent the development of plant diseases and to avoid damaging the flowers.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Fertilising

During the spring and summer months, apply a balanced fertiliser for ornamental plants to the moist growing medium or soil; this should be applied in liquid form – that is, diluted in the watering water – without exceeding the recommended dose or frequency.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

Tip

Interspecific geraniums can be used for low-energy cultivation because they grow well even at temperatures 4–5 degrees lower than the common zonal geranium; in fact, the foliage is more robust and compact, and fewer growth-inhibiting agents are required. The 20–25 cm ‘Basket’ varieties are ideal for long-term cultivation at low temperatures. Start them off in November in a warm environment and, after 3–4 weeks, move them to a minimum temperature of 7–8 °C. When growing them on a balcony, using the same small planters, fewer plants are required, resulting in savings.