Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy
Confusingly known as geraniums, pelargoniums are in the same plant family as hardy geraniums, but fall into a different genus and bear no resemblance to them at all. They are normally grown as annual bedding plants although they can be overwintered indoors, and are prized for their bright summer flowers and attractive, often fragrant, foliage.
Pelargoniums come in a variety of forms, and most belong to one of the following six horticultural groups: Angel, Ivy-leaved, Regal, Scented-leaved, Unique and Zonal. All thrive in full sun and do best when grown in a sheltered, sunny spot.
Pelargonium ‘Polka’ is a Unique pelargonium. It has large orange-red flowers with darker blotches on the upper petals. It’s perfect for growing in a large pot on a sunny patio, or at the front of a sunny border.
For best results, feed ‘Polka’ with a high potash fertiliser during summer and deadhead spent blooms regularly. Bring plants indoors for winter.
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Pelargonium ‘Polka’ and wildlife
Pelargonium ‘Polka’ has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.
