Pelargonium Vancouver Centennial

Pelargonium 'Vancouver Centennial' bears remarkably colourful palmate foliage reminiscent of maple leaves. Each beautiful leaf displays a green background marked with bronze and dark brown, with a marble centre. The edge of the leaf takes on yellow or green tones. The lamina takes the shape of a star, with 5 lobes composing the expanded branches. Its single, orange-red flowers appear from summer to autumn, although they are less abundant than in classic varieties. This plant is a little marvel for pots, providing year-round decoration. Protect the plant from frost.

Zonal pelargoniums include perennial hybrids from the Geraniaceae family, in a large group known as 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. Pelargonium 'Vancouver Centennial' is a recent and unique variety, with magnificent foliage as its main asset. It forms a bushy and dense clump with a fairly rounded habit and modest growth, reaching 30cm (12in) in height and 20cm (8in) in width. It blooms throughout summer, producing simple, vermilion flowers in star shapes with toothed petals. They contrast beautifully with the variegated foliage whose colour varies depending on how much sunlight is received. Its sturdy, succulent stems bear leaves with a light green border that is more or less pronounced during the season. The leaves have a beautiful brown centre and apple green veins.

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. This variety will adorn the house or veranda throughout the year, especially when flowers are rare in winter.

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.