Pelargonium Frank Headley

Pelargonium 'Frank Headley' is a superb variety of decorative zonal geranium that doesn't go unnoticed. It produces an abundance of salmon-coloured flowers and develops beautiful variegated foliage splashed with dark green and cream-white. Flowering from spring to autumn, it forms highly colourful bushes that are extremely unique. This plant is a reliable choice, and will beautify flower pots and window boxes for the whole summer season.

Zonal pelargoniums are perennial hybrids of the geranium family, belonging to a large group called Pelargonium x hortorum. They are mostly derived from P. inquinans, native to the southeastern tip of Africa, with contributions from P. zonale and P. frutetorum. 'Frank Headley' forms a bushy clump with an upright habit and vigorous growth, reaching about 50cm (20in) in all directions. It flowers from spring to autumn, tirelessly producing an abundance of medium-size single flowers in a bright and pure orange-pink. The flowers are grouped together on a long peduncle in an umbel. They open against magnificent dark green foliage irregularly marginated and variegated with white. Its sturdy and succulent stems carry circular, undulate, villous leaves with dentate edges and a thick texture. The foliage is very healthy. After a few years of cultivation, it may tend to lose its variegated foliage, which becomes solid green again. The solution is to cut the stems that bear green leaves.

Once reserved for balconies and patios, pelargoniums are now making a noticeable entrance into sunny flower beds and borders. Plant them en masse to create a lasting and cheerful decoration throughout the summer season. These plants tolerate drought quite well, meaning they can be combined with garden verbenas, blue lobelias, and black or purple-foliaged ipomoeas (Ipomoea Illusion Midnight Lace, Ipomoea Sweet Heart 'Purple'). Create beautiful pots and hanging baskets by pairing them with bright pink or red varieties, Million Bells, variegated periwinkles, Dichondra 'Silver Falls', violets, and calibrachoas.

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.