Exciting new Pelargonium release this spring at Cramden Nursery.

Here at Cramden Nursery we work alongside a commercial plant Breeder Elsner Pac, who are based in Dresden , Germany. We have worked with this family run business for over 30 years. Each year they release new varieties to add to their extensive range of Pelargoniums (aka Geraniums) this year among the new introductions come the “Interspecific range”.

Here they have interbred a Zonal Pelargonium (upright) and a Ivy Leaf Pelargonium (trailing). This produces a wonderfully bushy plant that creates a great shaped plant that will flow over the sides of pots and baskets to soften the edges. It does not have the long trailing arms of the Ivy Leaf varieties so it is in no way replacing the Ivy Pelargoniums in your hanging baskets but it does look great in tall pots and troughs.

It has a strong spreading growth habit and will work wonderfully in the borders as well, filling the planting area beautifully. They have large, single flowers in strong, clear colours. That makes a bold display. Having single flowers means that they cope well in the rain, allowing the water to just drain off them. They are early to start flowering (we have had them in flower in late March early April here at Cramden Nursery)and will flower all summer long for you, well into the autumn & early winter if the temperatures are kind.

We have grown “Two in One red” (no prizes for guessing why they named it that) for a couple of years now and the demand has been out stripping our stock levels each year. She has a rich dark red flower that is so eye catching. We have planted her up in black tall planters and she has been much admired, last year we were running low on red hanging baskets, so we planted her up in our 14” wicker baskets and they just flew out the door. Although they may not trail as long as some of the ivy leaf Pelargoniums that we grow she was just so eye catching and rolled over the edge of the basket beautifully. What the “Two in One” range lacks in hanging length, they amply make up for in volume.

This year we have “Two in One Scarlet”, which is that true “Geranium Red” colour, I think it will be very popular. We also have “Two in One White”, which we are very keen to see how it performs as we do not grow many pure white Pelargoniums and the demand for white is increasing. It mixes in so well with all colours and will lift a dull area of the garden or patio effortlessly. There is an increasing trend in white flower gardening. When the only colour introduced to the garden is white against a delightful array of different green foliage. It gives a cool, clean contemporary look. I think this variety will fit perfect here.

You can buy them as rooted cuttings to grow them on yourself. If you can grow them on in a greenhouse, porch or conservatory at first, it will give them that little extra warmth to help them start off. Then plant them out in May, once the frosts have passed.

Alternatively, buy them as well established plants in April/May ready to be planted out when the frosts have passed.

If you have any questions or queries on growing these or any other Pelargoniums, then drop in and see us at Cramden Nursery; we are open 7 days a week. From Emily and the team at Cramden Nursery, Harborough Rd North, Kingsthorpe, Northampton. Telephone: 01604842365