Pac® Bermuda Cherry

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Geraniaceae

Order

Geraniales

Genus

Pelargonium

Species

grandiflorum

Description

A polyannual ornamental herbaceous plant with a globose habit, appreciated for its flowering which lasts from spring until early autumn with a profusion of flowers in bright, vivid colours, which lend elegance to terraces and balconies in pots and tubs, also in compositions with other species. It tolerates summer heat well, while during winter it is preferable to protect it so that it becomes perennial.

Variety description

Interspecific balcony and terrace pelargonium. It is characterised by superior heat resistance and does not need a cold period for flowering. Fast growing with low thermal requirements. Also flowers more in summer than traditional pelargoniums.

Curiosities and special features

The epithet Pelargonium derives from the Greek pelargós, meaning stork, in reference to the shape of the beak-like fruits of this bird, while the term grandiflorum was assigned because of the size of the flowers.

Origin and distribution

Belonging to the botanical family Geraniaceae, which includes around 800 species native to subtropical and tropical areas of the world, there are around 270 species of the genus Pelargonium, native to southern, eastern and north-eastern Africa, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. Pelargonium grandiflorum arrived in Europe from South Africa via Dutch traders during the 17th century and immediately aroused great admiration among the gardeners of the time for its brightly coloured blooms to such an extent that it became one of the ornamental stars of parks and gardens in historic mansions. Today's varieties retain a primary role in lending elegance to terraces and balconies.

Flower size

The flower individually is medium-sized, united in the elegant inflorescence.

Leaf

The tomentose leaves have a pentalobed lamina.

Flowering period

The lush and scenic flowering lasts from mid-spring to mid-autumn for a duration of 140 to 160 days.

Inflorescence

Umbrella inflorescence rising colourfully among the foliage.

Leaf colour

Solid-coloured, in perfect colour contrast with the shades of the inflorescences.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.22 to 0.35 m, making it the ideal choice for adding a highly ornamental colour accent to terraces and balconies.

Lifespan

Plant with a polyannual life cycle.

Where to plant

It is one of the most popular ornamental grasses used to decorate balconies, terraces, tubs

Stem

Herbaceous stem, the variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower has a simple, medium-sized form with bi-coloured petals. It is arranged in medium-sized umbel inflorescences. It flowers from mid-spring to mid-autumn, with a flowering period of between 140 and 160 days. It is not particularly attractive to pollinating insects.

Growth

A medium to vigorous-growing variety, perfect for achieving full-bodied and colourful decorative results.

Plant habit

It develops a globular, well-proportioned vegetative habitus.

Branching

The branching appears medium overall with a balanced ratio of foliage to inflorescences.

PH

As with other pelargoniums, the ideal pH of the substrate is between 5.0 and 6.0.

Sun exposure

It grows well when exposed in half shade, full sun.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 16 and 20 °C. The biological temperature is between 5 and 33 °C; it tolerates heat and, if sheltered, the winter cold.

Use

Appreciated by gardeners and green enthusiasts, at all levels of experience, as a plant for use in:

Ornamental

Hardiness

Versatile variety with medium hardiness, withstands heat but fears excess water.

Soil

Use a specific substrate for spring plants, which is light and well draining and contains peat and perlite.

Difficulty

Cultivation is on the whole easy; with a low level of management effort, excellent results will be achieved as long as suitable growing conditions are provided.

Growing tips

For optimum vegetative growth and luxuriant flowering, consider the following cultivation aspect:

With little light, plants do not flower Expose the plant to maximum light

Combinations with other plants

Ideal both as a plant to be used in homogeneous monochromatic groups and in compositions with other ornamentals such as Euphorbia Euphoria white to create bright, saturated colour combinations.

Planting

Take care to remove the seedling from its container without damaging the roots, placing it with the collar level with the surface of the substrate in the pot and ensuring that the lump is well moistened.

Propagation

Multiplication is mainly by cutting.

Watering

Use rainwater, alternatively from the aqueduct, either manually or by irrigation. Immediately after transplanting, water abundantly while assisting the seedling to ensure proper adaptation to the new site; then allow the substrate to dry out slightly between watering, avoiding both dryness and water stagnation. Do not water the aerial part of the plant during the late afternoon or evening to avoid damaging the flowers.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Fertilising

Apply a specific fertiliser for ornamental plants to the substrate by spreading it in liquid form, i.e. diluted in the irrigation water, without exceeding the doses and frequency. Fertilisation should be carried out carefully, not earlier than 4 weeks after planting, one every 10-12 days, suspending it during the hottest period for a month, especially if the plant is exposed to direct sunlight for many hours.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Edibility for humans

Species ornamental, not edible.

Toxicity for humans

Toxicity not known, avoid ingestion.

Tip

Avoid over-abundant watering, even in summer, as the roots may become too hot, lose their root hairs and suffer from asphyxia. Fertilisation should also be done carefully, not earlier than 4 weeks after transplanting, one every 10-12 days, then suspending them in the hottest period for a month, especially if exposed to direct sun for many hours.