shrub

Scarlet Geranium

The Story

Plant Bio

Pelargonium inquinans is a softly woody, much-branched evergreen shrub native to the Cape provinces of South Africa. It features succulent-to-semi-woody stems that harden with age and orbicular, shallowly lobed green leaves covered in velvety, viscid hairs.

The foliage is covered in characteristic reddish glandular hairs that leave a rust-colored stain on fingers when handled. Bright scarlet-red flowers are borne in dense pseudo-umbels on long stalks, blooming continuously in frost-free climates.

Uses & Benefits:

Bright scarlet flowers and velvety green foliage provide continuous color in sunny borders and containers.

Highly drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for low-water landscapes.

Flowers attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and generalist insect pollinators.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

35"

Width

24"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

South Africa

Toxicity

Skin Irritant

Bloom period

Spring – Fall

In flower about 9 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a planting location in full sun with sharply draining sandy or loamy soil.
Dig a hole slightly wider than the root ball and set the plant at the same depth as its container.
Water moderately after planting, allowing the top few inches of soil to dry completely before watering again.
Bring container-grown plants indoors to a bright, frost-free location before autumn temperatures drop below freezing.

Pro Tip

Prune stems back lightly after heavy flowering to maintain a compact shape; cutting too deep into old, leafless wood prevents successful bud break.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Grow in containers that can be easily moved indoors before winter frosts arrive.
Provide full sun to maximize flower production and maintain compact growth.

Don't

Do not allow the plant to sit in waterlogged soil or standing water.
Avoid overhead watering, which wets the foliage and encourages fungal blights.
Do not prune heavily into old, leafless wood as it will not regenerate well.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Propagate
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Container plantingsSunny bordersBedding displays

Companion Plants

Salvia greggii Rosmarinus officinalis Lavandula dentata

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Scarlet Geranium questions

What zones can Scarlet Geranium grow in?

Scarlet Geranium is hardy in USDA Zone 10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Scarlet Geranium bloom?

Scarlet Geranium typically blooms in spring through fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Scarlet Geranium need full sun?

Scarlet Geranium does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Scarlet Geranium drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Scarlet Geranium handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.