Sansone Smart Violet

Class

Dicotyledoneae

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Geraniaceae

Order

Geraniales

Genus

Pelargonium

Species

x hortorum

Description

A vigorous pelargonium with an upright or semi-trailing habit, depending on the variety, and a rounded crown. An early-flowering plant, it produces large flowers arranged in umbel-like inflorescences, with petals in a wide range of colours that remain in bloom for a long period, from spring until mid-autumn, creating colourful and eye-catching displays in pots and planters, making it the ideal choice for enhancing terraces, balconies and building façades. It is highly hardy and requires little maintenance.

Variety description

The Sansone Smart series comprises interspecific geraniums that are stronger and hardier than common zonal varieties, but less vigorous than ‘Champion’ varieties. They have an upright growth habit. They have been selected for their superior heat tolerance, making them the preferred choice during the hottest summers. In a greenhouse, when grown at temperatures of 14–15°C, they have a shorter growing cycle than traditional geraniums. Interspecific geraniums such as the Sansone can be used for low-energy cultivation because they grow well even at temperatures 4 degrees lower than the common zonal geranium. They are the ideal geraniums for long-term cultivation at low temperatures (7–8°C).

Curiosities and special features

The genus name, Pelargonium, derives from the Greek ‘pelargos’, meaning ‘stork’, in reference to the shape of its seeds, which resemble a stork’s beak, whilst the specific epithet, hortorum, comes from the Latin ‘hortus’, meaning ‘garden’.

Origin and distribution

Pelargonium x hortorum is a hybrid derived from various species belonging to the genus Pelargonium, primarily P. zonaleand P. inquinans, which are native to the Cape Province and were introduced to Europe in the early 18th century for cultivation in botanical gardens, and subsequently in the 19th century as an ornamental plant for greenhouses or gardens. Initially classified by C. Linnaeus as part of the genus Geranium, the genus Pelargonium was subsequently officially distinguished from the latter at the end of the 18th century by the botanist L’Hèritier.

Commonly known as the zonal pelargonium, it features a wide range of varieties prized by both professional growers and hobbyists alike, thanks to its brightly coloured blooms and ease of cultivation.

Flower size

The individual flower appears large in size when compared with those of other varieties belonging to the same species.

Leaf

Leaf blade is pentalobed.

Flowering period

The showy flowering period lasts from early spring to late autumn for between 200 and 240 days. This wide interval allows us to enjoy its colourful inflorescences in flowerbeds, terraces and balconies for almost three seasons, even combined with other different blooms that can alternate throughout the year.

Inflorescence

Inflorescence umbrella.

Leaf colour

The variegated foliage, together with the inflorescences, gives this variety great ornamental value.

Plant height

The plant grows to a height of between 0.22 and 0.32 m, making it ideal as a second-tier plant in a mixed planting scheme with other ornamental plants.

Lifespan

Plant grown as an annual.

Where to plant

Versatile, it is widely used in various outdoor spaces such asbalconies, terraces, outdoor planters, small pots, hanging baskets, large pots and window boxes

Stem

The stem is herbaceous; the plant has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is semi-double, large in size, with a dialipetal corolla and variegated petals. It is arranged in large umbel-like inflorescences. It flowers from early spring to late autumn, with a flowering period of between 200 and 240 days.

Growth

A variety with medium-vigorous growth, ideal for creating striking displays with a moderate number of plants.

Plant habit

Plant habit allows it to be used in different contexts, even in Composition with other ornamental Species.

Branching

It develops with Medium branching, expressing a balanced relationship between foliage and flowers.

PH

Like most ornamental plants, it thrives in soil or growing media with a slightly acidic pH, particularly with values between 5.8 and 6.5.

Sun exposure

Suitable forpartial shade, full sun and dappled shade.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 14 and 20 °C; it grows and flowers well in warm temperate climates.Its biological temperature range is between 5 and 35 °C.

Use

Owing to the shape and colour tones of its inflorescences, it is highly prized and widely used as a plant for
outdoor ornamental Outdoor landscape design Landscaping

Hardiness

A variety characterised by itshigh hardiness.

Soil

For use in pots and planters, a well-draining substrate for spring plants containing peat and perlite is recommended.

Difficulty

It is certainly an easy plant to grow and look after; overall, the level of difficulty involved in its cultivation is low.

Growing tips

To achieve the best results in terms of growth and flowering, bear in mind the following cultivation tips:

Avoid overwatering Keep the growing medium dry at low temperatures Avoid direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day

Combinations with other plants

Recommended for planting alongside other ornamental plants such asAngelonia angustifolia, Brachyscome multifida, Sutera diffusa, Euphorbia ‘Euforia White’, Helichrysum petiolare, Heliotropium arborescens, Lobularia xhybrida, Sanvitalia speciosa, Plectranthus coleoides, Verbena x hybrida and Vinca, taking care to arrange the plants in advance according to a design plan that takes into account their mature height as well as colour combinations.

Propagation

It propagates easily from cuttings.

Watering

Use rainwater, or mains water if rainwater is not available, either by watering by hand or using an irrigation system. In the early stages, provide an adequate initial supply of water and look after the seedling to prevent stress in its new location; thereafter, allow the growing medium to dry out thoroughly between waterings, preventing both periods of drought and waterlogging, the latter being a cause of fungal diseases and root rot, leading to the death of the entire plant. It is advisable not to water the above-ground parts in the late afternoon or evening to prevent the development of plant diseases.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Fertilising

Apply a liquid fertiliser to the medium, to be diluted in the irrigation water, specifically for ornamental plants, containing the nutrients required by the plant which, by encouraging vegetation and the emission of new flowers, will allow balanced growth of foliage and Inflorescence. Fertilising must be regular but not excessive.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Pet safety

It may be toxic if swallowed in certain quantities.

Edibility for humans

Inedible.

Toxicity for humans

Some varieties may be toxic if ingested and may cause contact dermatitis.

Tip

Interspecific geraniums can be planted out on the balcony early in the season because they thrive even at temperatures 4–5 degrees lower than those required by the common zonal geranium; in fact, their foliage is more robust and compact, and they can withstand minimum temperatures of 7–8 °C even in their first year.