Pelargonium reniforme

Pelargonium reniforme, also known as the kidney-shaped geranium, is a South African botanical species that is rarely offered for sale. This "geranium" is valued for its beautiful velvety foliage, its long flowering season with vibrant magenta flowers, and its excellent drought resistance. This pelargonium also has an interesting growth habit that forms a low, spreading cushion in a rockery or container. Outside of coastal areas, it should be grown in a pot and overwintered frost-free.

Pelargonium reniforme is a wild plant native to the Eastern Cape in South Africa. It is quite commonly found in fairly dry areas that are regularly subjected to fires. It is a small evergreen shrub belonging to the Geraniaceae family. This species is known for its tuberous roots, which are used in herbal medicine. The plant typically reaches a height of 30 to 35cm (12 to 14in), but it spreads through its slightly suckering roots, occupying an area of 50 to 80cm (20 to 32in) in all directions. Its flowering branches are soft and downy, but its short main stem has a rough appearance. The evergreen foliage consists of reniform (kidney-shaped) or heart-shaped leaves with crenate or finely lobed margins. They usually measure 2 to 3cm (1in) in diameter. The presence of hairs gives these leaves a velvety texture. They boast a lovely green colour that is slightly bluish-grey. The lower surface of the leaves has thicker hairs and more pronounced veins. They are borne on long petioles. In our climate, flowering occurs from September to November. The flowers are arranged in umbels of three or more. They are a vibrant pink to magenta colour, with the upper two petals adorned with spots and stripes of a deeper pink.

Pelargonium reniforme will delight collectors of pelargoniums and geraniums. It forms large, flowering cushions for weeks during a time of year when they are scarce. Plant it where you can admire it and show it off. It will look wonderful in a rockery or along a path of a coastal garden. Alternatively, plant it in a pot on a patio or in a conservatory. Pelargoniums often delight us with their sometimes unexpected and wonderful scents. In mild climates, protected from frost, it requires no watering or maintenance, making it valuable for dry coastal gardens.