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Pelargonium reniforme

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Water Needs

low; water wise; drought hardy

Pelargonium reniforme
Groundcover; Perennial
Kidney-leaved Pelargonium; Rooiabas; iyeza lizikhali

40 cm

Size

Light Conditions

sun; semi-shade

Frost

moderate

Flowers

pink, magenta, mauve; spring autumn

Garden Situation

sun; afternoon sun; semi-shade; dry soils; sandy soils; clay soils; rockery; container; walls; roof garden; windy exposed; slope bank; salty air; wildlife bees butterflies insects butterfly host; clay soils;

Habitat

coastal eastern cape; fynbos; hot dry; grassland

Region

thicket; western cape; karoo

Rain Season

summer; winter

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Description

This evergreen perennial groundcover produces showy, pink to magenta flowers above grey-green leaves; the finely lobed margins, distinct veins, and velvety texture make for a most attractive groundcover even when not in flower. Leaf shape is kidney-shaped (reniform) to heart-shaped (cordate), and between 20 – 30 mm in diameter. Plants form soft mounds up to 40 cm high, in some cases up to 60 cm. While it will take a little shade, this is a valuable plant for hot, dry conditions, where leaves may be smaller and more grey, and growth more compact. Flower colour can be pink, magenta, mauve, and flowering continues for much of the year from spring to autumn. Remove old flower heads for continued flowering, and trim off dead leaves and flower stalks in winter. Propagate via cuttings in sand, or seed sown in late summer to early autumn. Pelargonium reniforme is a valuable muthi plant; according to SANBI: P. reniforme is not at any risk of becoming extinct but is intrinsically linked to soil erosion and insect interaction being minimized through effective management of its populations by conservation authorities. So, please make sure you buy plants from a registered business.

Pelargonium reniforme
Pelargonium reniforme
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