Geranium Maderense

I've been growing these for three years now, and it looks like this year they are going to flower.
I thought I'd post a pic or two now and then hopefully follow up with others showing the development of the flower spikes.
I grew them quite a few years ago, and they can become pretty impressive



They've been kept frost free this winter under a tempory frame.

 

pretty tall 3' ish, I have grown mine through twiggy supports so they dont flop to much, but really impressive

 

They're only in pots, and have grown more horizontal rather than upwards. Probably 3ft horizontal, had they been in the ground I reckon the leaf stalks would have provided more upright support.

 

Nice plants Pete,and a nifty frame. What do you use to cover it with? Got to be flexible.

 

Well, when we had some snow around Christmas time I covered it with correx, that white sheeting, a bit of which I sent your cuttings in.
But most of the time I drape an old blanket over the top on frosty nights.

 

Ah, but is it Maderense and not palmatum?

 

I thought you may have had poly on a roll.
You have given me an idea anyway,and saved me a few quid buying another glass house

 

Yes its Maderense as far as I know.
According to my RHS book, palmatum flowers in late summer.
I did grow anemifolium once but I wasn't that impressed, although its similar.

 

If you look closely Paladin there's even a strelitzia at the left hand end thats survived under there. Thats planted in the ground, and its got a couple of flower buds.

 

Problem I have is over wintering. I don't have a green house,but as I said..you have given me ideas

 

Exoticmania.... I looked at the Strelitzia first instead of the Geranium! shows how hardy they are.
Bye the way Pete, I have just received some Albizia Summer Chocolate from USA via Ebay(10 seeds) It'll be interesting to see how they do. :D

 

Strelitzia seem OK right down to zero, I'm too scared to let them go lower. :D
Yeah, would like to see pics of the Albizzia

 

Things have moved on a bit, but its slow due to the cold spring.



[ 01. May 2006, 09:01 PM: Message edited by: pete2255 ]

 

That's lovely Pete, very impressive as usual! Does it smell?

 

No it has no scent Liz, did you see my post about zaluzianskya.