Pelargonium reniforme
Water Needs
low; water wise; drought hardy
Groundcover; Perennial
Kidney-leaved Pelargonium; Rooiabas; iyeza lizikhali
40 cm
Size
Light Conditions
sun; semi-shade
Frost
moderate
Flowers
pink, magenta, mauve; spring autumn
Garden Situation
sun; afternoon sun; semi-shade; dry soils; sandy soils; clay soils; rockery; container; walls; roof garden; windy exposed; slope bank; salty air; wildlife bees butterflies insects butterfly host; clay soils;
Habitat
coastal eastern cape; fynbos; hot dry; grassland
Region
thicket; western cape; karoo
Rain Season
summer; winter
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Description
This evergreen perennial groundcover produces showy, pink to magenta flowers above grey-green leaves; the finely lobed margins, distinct veins, and velvety texture make for a most attractive groundcover even when not in flower. Leaf shape is kidney-shaped (reniform) to heart-shaped (cordate), and between 20 – 30 mm in diameter. Plants form soft mounds up to 40 cm high, in some cases up to 60 cm. While it will take a little shade, this is a valuable plant for hot, dry conditions, where leaves may be smaller and more grey, and growth more compact. Flower colour can be pink, magenta, mauve, and flowering continues for much of the year from spring to autumn. Remove old flower heads for continued flowering, and trim off dead leaves and flower stalks in winter. Propagate via cuttings in sand, or seed sown in late summer to early autumn. Pelargonium reniforme is a valuable muthi plant; according to SANBI: P. reniforme is not at any risk of becoming extinct but is intrinsically linked to soil erosion and insect interaction being minimized through effective management of its populations by conservation authorities. So, please make sure you buy plants from a registered business.