Pelargonium Double Royal Blue - Ivy Geranium

Pelargonium 'Royal Blue' is part of a series of excellent double-flowered ivy geraniums. They are all early, floriferous, fast-growing, and bear flowers with vibrant colours. It is as easy to grow as it is generous, and will work wonders in planters, balcony planters, and hanging baskets. Its flexible stems are adorned with healthy leaves. It bears large bouquets of double flowers in a rich, purple-pink colour. They tirelessly renew themselves from spring until the first frosts, transforming the plant into a cascade of flowers

This geranium is derived from Pelargonium peltatum, also known as P. hederaefolium or ivy-leaf geranium. It is a tender perennial plant of the geranium family, with ancestors from South Africa. It is of horticultural origin. This hybrid is characterised by its trailing or cascading habit and long stems adorned with shiny, lobed leaves that theoretically persist through winter if the plant is kept frost-free. It is hardy to about -4°C (24.8°F), so it is usually grown as an annual in our climate.

In a matter of weeks, this variety forms a semi-trailing bushy clump measuring about 35cm (14in) in height and 40 to 50cm (16 to 20in) in diameter. Its leathery leaves are circular and palmate, with pointed lobes. Their glossy colour changes from light green when they emerge to a dark green with brown markings at the centre. The long and abundant flowering renews from April-May until the first frosts, with a peak in July-August despite the heat. The double flowers are rounded and fully open, gathered in big clusters.

Ivy-leaf geraniums are generous and undemanding plants, perfect for decorating pots for a large part of the year. Plant them en masse, combining different colours, to create a lasting and cheerful display throughout summer. These plants can be used to cascade from a planter, a raised pot, or a hanging basket. They can also be grown as ground cover in flower beds, where they tolerate water scarcity very well. Depending on the preferences of each gardener, this variety can be paired with its siblings from the same series, verbenas, blue lobelias, morning glories, Million Bells, Madagascan periwinkles, Dichondra 'Silver Falls', bidens, or even diascias, for example.

Please be aware that our young plug plants are professional products intended for experienced gardeners. Upon receipt, repot and store them under cover (veranda, greenhouse, cold frame) at a temperature above 14°C (57.2°F) for a few weeks before planting them outdoors, once the risk of frost has definitely passed.