Pelargonium Madame Salleron

Pelargonium 'Madame Salleron' is an old dwarf variety of zonal geranium that was once very popular in Victorian gardens. This unique plant forms a round and dense clump, adorned with beautiful variegated green and silver leaves. However, it does not flower. It elegantly complements other plants and enhances all types of blooms. The plant thrives in partial shade, morning sun, and afternoon shade.

Zonal pelargoniums are perennial hybrids in the geranium family, grouped under the name 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. 'Madame Salleron' is a horticultural creation dating back to 1877. It developed as a 'mutant' branch that appeared on another variety, P. 'Mangle's Variegated', propagated through cuttings. It belongs to a series of old hybrids called 'Fancy', known for their beautiful foliage. This group of pelargoniums are experiencing a renewed interest. 'Madame Salleron' forms a dense clump, with a particularly compact and regular habit, reaching a compact size of 30cm (12in) in height and 40cm (16in) in diameter. This curious variety rarely flowers; when the flowers do appear, they are simple and delicately salmon-pink. The evergreen foliage is composed of small, rounded leaves with irregular variegation in shades of green-grey, white, and silver. The stems develop from the crown of the plant.

Once reserved for balconies and patios, pelargoniums have made a highly noticeable entrance into sunny flowerbeds and borders. Plant them en masse to create a lasting and cheerful display throughout the summer season. These plants tolerate drought quite well, making them perfect companions for garden verbenas, blue lobelias, and ipomoeas with black or purple foliage (Ipomoea Illusion Midnight Lace, Ipomoea Sweet Heart 'Purple'). Create stunning pots and hanging baskets by combining them with vibrant pink or red varieties, Million Bells, variegated periwinkles, Dichondra 'Silver Falls', violets, and calibrachoas. The 'Madame Salleron' variety works particularly well in slightly formal flower beds featuring trimmed boxwoods or miniature topiaries.