Appleblossom Geranium plants: Despite the common name, these are not true geranium plants (cranesbill),but actually pelargonium plants (scented geranium, storksbill). It is a zonal geranium… well, just to be correct: it is a zonal pelargonium; a Pelargonium x hortorum hybrid and also known as Pelargonium x hortorum 'Apple Blossom', Geranium 'Appleblossom Rosebud' and Rosebud Geranium.
This hybrid is very special! It is not so well known as many other pelargonium plants and it is actually quite rare not so easy to get hold of it.
These flowers are true attention getter! The packed, double-filled, flowerheads resemble an apple blossom. Their colour is white-pink and the foliage is dark green; flowers and leafs display an attractive contrast!
Tip: These are excellent flowers for flower arrangements!
The flower period lasts many weeks during summer and autumn (from June to the first frost). Your balcony/garden will be immersed in a sea of blossoms! (A sea of dreams!)
These plants grow about 60 centimetres (24 inches) in height and straight upright. They make good container and bedding plants. You can plant them as single plants or combine them with other garden and balcony flowers.
Appleblossom Geranium plants like to grow in places with full sun and also places that are sheltered from the rain. Water them regularly.
It is advised to take these plants inside in wintertime from late fall to early spring to prevent them from freezing to death. When you take them inside in fall, it is best to trim them back to about 15 centimetres (6 inches). This will encourage the plant to produce lots of fresh growth in spring.
Keep them in a room that has enough sunlight and has a temperature of 5 to15 degrees Celsius (40 – 60 Fahrenheit). Important: Do not water them much during wintertime! They need a kind of rather dry dormancy period.
You cannot find a place to buy these plants? Well, you can easily grow them from seeds. Just go for it! It is well worth the (little) effort!
Preculture them inside from in late winter/early spring (about January till March). Sow the seeds in good quality seeding soil/seeding compost about 0.5 to 1 cm (not more than half an inch) deep. Keep the soil moist and cover it up. The temperature should be preferably between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius (68 – 77 Fahrenheit).
The germination period is about 20 days (sometimes less). Prick the germ buds when they have grown to about 2,5 centimetres (one inch) in height. Plant them outside after the last freeze. Give them enough space to develop fully and plant them at least 20 centimetres (eight inches) apart.
Good luck and enjoy these gorgeous flowers!