Pelargonium 'Ardens' syn. Pelargonium x ardens

So pleased with the recent growth of this tuberous pelargonium. Unlike other pelargoniums, this one grows from a large tuberous root which is dormant during summer. It flowers in April/May, I stop watering it, it drops its leaves and sleeps over summer during the hottest months. And I restart watering in September. It’s the biggest it’s ever been now, should have a bumper number of flowers in the spring!

This sounds very interesting, I’ve never heard of a tuberous pelargonium before 🤔

Yes, I was surprised when I was found out about them. But quite a few species pelargoniums have tuberous roots and dormancy periods. Haven’t dared propagate this one yet as I’m scared i’d kill it! I read that I might be able to propagate using a bit of root @pelly

Jist a wee bit of root, are you repotting before spring?

Yes, very #interestingfoliage

I see what you mean, I wouldn’t want to kill it either. Could you try a leaf cutting? 🤔

@richard.spicer.7906 ....... Evening Richard......... Never heard of this one ..... I'm intrigued...... please post photos of the future flowers ....... the leaves look a bit like a cross between a Begonia and a Pelargonium.

Prob not, it was only repotted recently and it’s a slow grower. Normal cuttings would be hard I think as the leaves are so close together on the stem, and you don’t get much stem anyway. But good point I can try a root cutting when I repot it next @thehardygardener

It’s looking it’s best this year Laura since I bought it, the leaves are much bigger than in previous years. Can’t really say I’ve done anything different this year either but happy to see it thriving 😃 @columbiariver

The leaf petioles are so close together it’s quite difficult to take a cutting as it wouldn’t leave much plant behind, it seems to not branch as well as other pelargoniums 🤔 - but was reading last night that some people have successfully taken some cuttings in spring. Will be hard I feel as it would be going to sleep normally after flowering so will have to force it to stay awake for summer @pelly

Hey John! Thought you might like this pelargonium- It’s flowers are stunning, Scarlet red clusters. I’ll tag you in another photo I took earlier this year @johninbrighton

Thanks Eileen 😊👍🏼 @emch

Older photo from 30th May 2020, just wanted to show you the super display earlier this year 👌🏼 #pelargonium #pelargoniumardens

That’s lovely, the flowers are beautiful

Beautiful 🥰💕

Omg such beauty ❤️❤️

Really lovely❤️

Sweet 🤗

Wow that is very pretty❤

These are fabulous!💘😍

@Richard.spicer this is very special and gorgeous. Such a great colour.

Gorgeous ♥️

Love it. Tender?

Def tender @edward 👍🏼

This is Pelargonium 'Ardens', quite different from your regular pelargonium. It’s normally summer dormant and grows in cooler autumn/winter period, flowers in spring. It drops all its foliage after flowering, rests during hot summer. I keep it dry during dormancy. Then in autumn I begin watering it again. Looks like last few weeks cooler weather has made it break dormancy a little early (some of my cyclamen have woken early too).

Also unusual is that it grows from a tuber, thick tuberous roots, which helps it survive during dormancy. In spring, it had its best display of rich red clusters of tiny flowers - I didn’t post at the time but did take a picture so will follow up after this post #pelargonium #pelargoniumardens

Pelargonium ‘Ardens’ - #whatmakesyouhappy - finding hidden gems at plant fairs and garden shows 😊😍, that makes me very happy! - obviously this jumped straight out and flagged me down in the aisles at #bbcgwlive #bbcgardenersworldlive last week, so had to snap it up #pelargonium #pelargoniumardens #pelargoniumnotgeranium 😉

I’m not surprised Richard. It’s gorgeous

What a beauty!

Wow, superb Richard 👌

Oooh, now that's a delicate beauty! ❤

What a stunner 👍🏼 does this one spread and make good ground cover? just read description so don’t worry. Doesn’t like frost and needs over wintering... pretty though!

Very dainty,super colour Aswel.😍

Beautiful photo ❤️

Oh that’s a cutie! 👌🏼❤️ lovely pic too Rich #bestofjune

That’s a stunning photo. It’d make a beautiful canvas print 👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼

So delicate

Brilliant