Is Angel Pelargonium a Perennial?

Angel pelargoniums, also known as angelwing geraniums, are beautiful plants that add a pop of color and fragrance to any garden. With their showy blooms and lacy foliage, it’s no wonder they are so popular. But are angel pelargoniums actually perennials? Let’s take a closer look.

What is an Angel Pelargonium?

Angel pelargoniums are a group of hybrid pelargoniums that get their name from their distinct, fanned-out growth habit resembling flapping angel wings. There are over 200 named cultivars of angel pelargoniums, featuring flowers in shades of pink, purple, red, orange, white and bicolors.

Some popular angel pelargonium varieties include

• Pelargonium ‘Henry Weller’ – Deep velvet purple pansy-like flowers with white throats and paler lower petals,

• Pelargonium ‘Imperial Butterfly’ – White flowers with pinkish-purple blotches and maroon feathering. Lemon-scented leaves.

• Pelargonium ‘Roulette’ – Dark burgundy flowers with black feathering.

• Pelargonium ‘Sugar Plum’ – Lavender-pink blooms with dark purple blotches.

In addition to their showy blooms, many angel pelargoniums are scented, emitting lovely fragrances like rose, lemon, mint, nutmeg, coconut and more when their leaves are rubbed or brushed. This makes them even more prized for gardens and containers.

Are Angel Pelargoniums Perennials?

The simple answer is no, angel pelargoniums are not perennials in most climates. They are tender perennials or subshrubs native to South Africa. This means they cannot withstand freezing temperatures and will die back to the ground after the first hard frost.

However, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy angel pelargoniums year after year! In frost-free climates like USDA Zones 9-11, angel pelargoniums will live for many years. They can reach up to 3 feet tall and wide at maturity in ideal conditions.

In colder zones, angel pelargoniums can be overwintered indoors and treated as annuals. To overwinter them, take cuttings in late summer/early fall before bringing the plants inside. Place the cuttings in a sunny spot and allow them to root. Then you’ll have new plants to set outside next spring!

Here are some tips for overwintering angel pelargoniums:

• Take 4-6 inch stem cuttings in late summer/early fall. Remove flowers and all but the top set of leaves.

• Dip cut ends in rooting hormone powder to speed up rooting.

• Stick cuttings in moist propagation mix or perlite.

• Keep cuttings warm (65-75°F) and in bright, indirect light while roots develop.

• To encourage bushy growth, pinch back new shoots by half once rooted.

• Transition plants to full sun before moving them outside in spring after the danger of frost has passed. Gradually introduce to outdoor conditions.

• Feed every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer once new growth appears.

Growing Conditions for Angel Pelargoniums

Angel pelargoniums thrive in warm temperatures and full sun. Here are their ideal growing conditions:

• Hardiness Zones: 9-11

• Temperatures: Prefer daily temperatures above 55°F. Can tolerate high heat.

• Sun: Full sun to partial afternoon shade. Need at least 6 hours of direct sun.

• Soil: Very well-draining soil is essential. Mix in compost to enrich sandy or loamy soils.

• pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline pH between 6.5-7.5.

• Water: Water deeply as the top few inches of soil become dry. Avoid wet feet.

• Fertilizer: Feed every 2-3 weeks during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer.

When temperatures drop below 50°F at night, it’s time to bring angel pelargoniums inside or take cuttings. Sudden frost will damage or kill them.

Caring for Angel Pelargoniums

Here is a summary of angel pelargonium care to keep your plants looking their best:

• Plant in well-draining soil enriched with compost or organic matter. Add perlite to improve drainage if needed.

• Water thoroughly when the top few inches of soil become dry. Avoid wet feet.

• Place in full sun to partial afternoon shade. Provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight.

• Feed every 2-3 weeks during the growing season with a liquid fertilizer.

• Prune back leggy growth and pinch stems to encourage bushiness.

• Remove spent flower stems and dead or damaged leaves/stems as needed.

• Bring plants inside before temperatures drop below 50°F. Take cuttings to overwinter.

• Watch for pests like aphids, mealybugs, mites and whitefly. Treat promptly to prevent spreading.

With proper care, angelwing geraniums will reward you with months of vibrant blooms and fascinating foliage. They’re one of the best pelargoniums for containers and garden beds in warm climates. Be sure to provide well-drained soil and plenty of sun for the best performance.

Common Problems With Angel Pelargoniums

When grown in suitable conditions, angel pelargoniums are relatively pest and disease resistant. But here are a few potential problems to watch for:

• Root rot – Overwatering is the primary cause of root rot. Ensure soil drains well and allow it to partially dry between waterings.

• Fungal diseases – Leaf spots, powdery mildew and botrytis blight are common fungal problems. Provide good air circulation and avoid wet leaves.

• Pests – Aphids, mealybugs, mites, thrips, vine weevils and whitefly may attack plants. Treat with neem oil, insecticidal soap or other organic sprays.

• Leggy growth – Insufficient sunlight and overcrowding cause weak, leggy growth. Pinch back stems and move plants to a sunnier location.

• Leaf scorch – Hot sun and dry soil can cause brown leaf margins. Increase water and provide some afternoon shade.

Catch problems early and adjust care to resolve the underlying issue. Removing affected leaves/stems helps limit the spread of disease.

Tips for Growing Angel Pelargoniums

Here are some additional tips for successfully growing angel pelargoniums:

• Take stem cuttings in early spring to use as backups or share with fellow gardeners. Angel pelargoniums root readily from cuttings.

• Plant in containers or garden beds with excellent drainage. Add sand, perlite or small stones to improve drainage.

• Give plants a haircut midseason to encourage bushy new growth. Prune back leggy stems and pinch tips.

• Deadhead spent blooms to prolong flowering. Don’t shear plants entirely or you’ll remove next season’s flower buds.

• Rotate container plants weekly to prevent lopsided growth. Indoors, provide full spectrum grow lights if sunlight is inadequate.

• Mist foliage regularly to increase humidity around plants. Angel pelargoniums appreciate 40-60% relative humidity.

• Bring containers inside before nighttime temperatures drop below 50°F. A portable greenhouse also works well to extend the season.

With their colorful blooms, scented options and ease of propagation, it’s easy to see why angelwing geraniums are garden favorites. Although they aren’t true perennials, they can be overwintered or replaced yearly. Give them a try in your garden beds, pots and containers for gorgeous summer-long color.

Frequently Asked Questions About Angel Pelargoniums

Still have questions about growing angel pelargoniums? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:

How long do angel pelargoniums bloom?

In ideal conditions, angel pelargoniums will bloom continuously from late spring through fall, sometimes into winter in frost-free climates. Blooms appear on and off for up to 8 months of the year.

Should I deadhead angel pelargoniums?

Yes, deadheading spent blooms improves the appearance of plants and prolongs flowering. Use bypass pruners to snip off faded flowers just above a set of healthy leaves. Avoid shearing the entire plant.

How do I propagate angel pelargoniums?

Take 4-6 inch stem cuttings from the tip of a healthy stem. Remove flowers and lower leaves, dip in rooting hormone, then stick into moist propagation mix. Keep warm and humid until roots form.

What size pot for angel pelargoniums?

For long-term growth, plant angel pelargoniums in containers 12-14 inches wide and deep. Use pots with drainage holes and well-draining potting mix. Smaller pots can restrict growth.

How much sun for angel pelargoniums?

Angel pelargoniums need full sun exposure for at least 6 hours per day. Morning sun is essential. A little afternoon shade where summers are very hot may prevent leaf scorch.

Are angel pelargoniums fragrant?

Some angel pelargonium varieties are scented when their leaves are brushed or rubbed. Look for names like ‘Nutmeg’, ‘Peppermint’ or ‘Rose’ to find fragrant types. Scented angelwing geraniums are prized for their aroma.

Do angel pelargoniums attract pollinators?

Yes, the colorful blooms of angel pelargoniums attract bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and other pollinating insects to gardens. Place them near seating areas so you can enjoy observing the visitors.

With their outstanding ornamental qualities, angelwing geraniums deserve a spot in any garden that receives plenty of warm sun. Follow these tips for growing success with these beautiful pelargoniums.