Evelyn Decora Bicolor

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Geraniaceae

Order

Geraniales

Genus

Geranium

Species

peltate

Description

An ornamental herbaceous plant with a trailing or semi-trailing habit and vigorous growth. It produces lush blooms in bright, vibrant colours throughout the spring and summer, and in some varieties, even into early autumn. Popular with horticulturalists, landscape architects and gardeners, of all experience levels, and is considered a highly versatile species, thanks above all to its elegant flowers, which make it suitable for outdoor settings and spaces that highlight its decorative appeal, creating light splashes of colour interspersed with green foliage, even when combined with other species.

Variety description

Vigorous and semi-trailing with single flowers, the decorative geranium is characterised by branches with cream-coloured stems rather than green ones. A compact, easy-to-care-for plant, it is suitable for cold-weather cultivation, preferably after 2–3 weeks of rooting in warm conditions (t>14°C). Growing entirely in the warmth is completed quickly in 6–8 weeks. Thanks to its vigour, long-lasting repeat flowering and, above all, the resilience of its foliage, it is highly wind-resistant. It is very well suited to balconies in the mountains and valleys where the wind blows harder, as the branches do not snap and the flowering cushions are never damaged.

Curiosities and special features

The generic epithet, Pelargonium, derives from the Greek word palergos meaning 'stork' in reference to the shape of the fruits visible on the plant after flowering; the common name, ivy geranium, derives from the shape of the leaf blade, similar to that of ivy.

Origin and distribution

Belonging to the botanical family Geraniaceae, which comprises around 800 species native to the subtropical and tropical regions of the world; there are approximately 270 species in the genus Pelargonium, native to southern, eastern and north-eastern Africa, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. Pelargonium peltatum, from which many hybrids have been derived, was brought to the Netherlands in the 18th century, whilst in 1774 the royal gardener Sir Frances Masson introduced it to Great Britain, from where it then spread throughout Europe as an ornamental plant.

Flower size

The individual flower is of average size compared to other varieties of the same species.

Leaf

Leaf has a palmately lobed lamina.

Flowering period

It has a long flowering period, from mid-spring to mid-autumn, lasting between 160 and 200 days, allowing us to admire its bright, vibrant flowers for almost three seasons.

Inflorescence

Inflorescence umbrella.

Leaf colour

Solid colour.

Plant height

The plant grows to a height of between 0.3 and 0.5 metres, making it ideal for creating uniform, monochrome groups or for mixed plantings with other ornamental plants of varying sizes.

Lifespan

It is a perennial in the wild, but is commonly grown and generally used as an annual, although in temperate climates it can survive the winter if sheltered.

Where to plant

Due to its vigorous Growth and abundant flowering, it is considered an ideal plant for settings such as balconies, terraces, outdoor tubs, hanging baskets, planters

Stem

The stem isherbaceous;this variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower has a simple, medium-sized form with a dialipetal corolla and plain petals. It is arranged in medium-sized umbel inflorescences. It flowers from mid-spring to mid-autumn, with a flowering period of 160 to 200 days. It is not particularly attractive to pollinating insects.

Growth

Medium to vigorous Growth, it develops beautiful and abundant flowerings if appropriately cultivated.

Plant habit

With its typical hanging Plant habit, it is suitable for decorating planters and pots.

Branching

A variety with moderatebranching – that is, a tendency to form multiple side shoots, resulting in a well-shaped plant with abundant foliage – and a well-balanced ratio of leaves to flowers.

PH

For ivy geranium, the optimal pH of the Soil/medium is sub-acidic, between a minimum value of 5.8 and a maximum value of 6.5.

Soil preparation

In spring, before transplanting to the flowerbed, dig the soil to a depth of 20–30 cm, removing any weeds and large stones, then work in some organic or slow-release chemical fertiliser, which will provide the necessary nutrients during the initial period following planting. Continue by breaking up the larger clods to ensure the soil is looser, and finally level the surface carefully.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Sun exposure

Suitable forpartial shade, full sun and dappled shade.

Ideal climate and temperature

The biological temperature ranges from 5 to 34 °C. The ideal temperature is between 14 and 22 °C.

Use

Thanks to its vigorous growth and long flowering period, it is widely appreciated as a plant for use in
outdoor landscape design Landscaping

Hardiness

A variety of moderate hardiness.

Soil

For planting in flowerbeds and gardens, a medium-textured or slightly sandy, light and well-amended soil is ideal; for use in pots and planters, we recommend a potting mix for spring-flowering plants containing peat and perlite.

Difficulty

This variety is easy to grow and maintain, requiring little effort to look after – a feature that adds value to the plant.

Growing tips

For excellent vegetative growth and abundant flowering, bear in mind the following cultivation tips:

Avoid overwatering Keep the growing medium dry at low temperatures Requires regular, generous fertilisation

Combinations with other plants

It is possible to create arrangements with balanced colour schemes and well-proportioned heights by combining them with other ornamental plants such as Euphorbia hypericifolia, Helichrysum petiolare,Lobelia erinus, Lobularia x hybrida, Petunia x hybrida, Plectranthus coleoides, Sanvitalia speciosa, Verbena x hybridaor by combining different varieties of Pelargonium peltatum to achieve an elegant and striking colour palette.

Planting

For planting in a flowerbed, we recommend an average density of 14 plants per square metre to ensure proper development of the root and above-ground systems of each plant, thereby achieving a harmonious and proportionate final arrangement. We suggest positioning each seedling with the root collar above ground level, taking care not to damage the roots and avoiding burying the root balls completely; they should be kept well-moistened. Finally, water immediately after planting, preferably in the morning.

Propagation

It can easily be propagated, even as a hobby, by taking cuttings from the tips of the branches or from side shoots.

Watering

Use rainwater or, alternatively, tap water, either by hand or via an irrigation system. When transplanting into a flowerbed, more frequent watering will be required to allow the young roots to develop properly; once the plants have settled in and become well-rooted in their new location, watering can be reduced, taking care, even when growing in pots, to allow the soil or growing medium to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent waterlogging and subsequent root rot.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Fertilising

During pre-transplant soil preparation, carry out background fertilisation by burying slow-release organic or chemical fertiliser. During the spring-summer period, following proper post-transplant settlement, regularly apply a balanced fertiliser suitable for ornamental Species to the soil or medium at the foot of the plant, to be distributed in liquid form, i.e. diluted in the irrigation water, without exceeding the frequency and doses applied.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Pet safety

No cases of toxicity following ingestion by pets are known; assess the specific circumstances and do not administer.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

Toxicity for humans

No known toxicity following ingestion; avoid ingestion.

Tip

It has simple, self-cleaning flowers. In full sun, it forms dense, colourful clumps that are very hardy. In pots on balconies, it thrives in full southern sun but only above 300–400 m a.s.l., with an optimum at 600–1,200 m. It also grows at higher altitudes, where the flowering period is simply shortened due to lower temperatures.