Regal Pelargonium: How to Grow, Care for, and Enjoy These Showy Pelargoniums
Regal pelargoniums are among the most striking and dramatic pelargoniums you can grow, prized for their large, richly coloured flowers with bold markings. Often called show pelargoniums, they are grown primarily for ornamental display rather than mass bedding, making them favourites with collectors and enthusiasts.
Keter Manor Outdoor Apex Double Door Garden Storage Shed (6 x 8ft)
A durable and stylish beige and brown garden storage shed perfect for storing garden tools, equipment, bikes, and outdoor essentials. Weather-resistant, low maintenance, and ideal for any garden or allotment setup.
Vegetable Plants & Seedlings
Browse Plants
All-Purpose Compost & Soil Improvers
View Compost
Plant Feed & Fertiliser for Strong Growth
Shop Fertiliser
⭐ Recommended Products — 🌸 Geraniums & Growing Essentials
Geraniums (Pelargoniums) are classic, colourful garden and patio favourites that bloom all summer long with the right care.
• Geranium Seed Collection (Mixed & Fragrant Varieties)
A varied seed pack of garden and scented geraniums — perfect for sowing early under cover to grow on for summer displays.
👉 Click here to see top options
• Geranium Plug Plants / Young Geraniums
Healthy young plants ready to plant out into borders, containers, or hanging baskets for immediate colour.
👉 Click here to see top options
• Geranium Compost / Flowering Plant Compost
Rich, well-draining compost that gives geraniums the nutrients and drainage they need for strong root growth and abundant blooms.
👉 Click here to see top options
• Geranium Feed & Fertiliser
Plant food formulated to support continuous flowering — feed regularly during the growing season for best results.
👉 Click here to see top options
• Decorative Pots & Planters for Geraniums
Attractive outdoor pots and containers that complement geranium blooms — perfect for patios, windowsills, and balconies.
👉 Click here to see top options
This article explains what regal pelargoniums are, how they differ from other types, how to grow and care for them successfully, and why they remain so popular today.
What Is a Regal Pelargonium?
A regal pelargonium is a group of pelargoniums bred specifically for large, decorative flowers with dramatic colour contrasts and markings. Botanically, they belong to Pelargonium × domesticum.
They are known for:
- Large, rounded flower heads
- Deep colours such as crimson, purple, maroon, and pink
- Dark blotches or veining on the upper petals
- Compact, bushy growth
Unlike bedding pelargoniums, regal pelargoniums are grown as feature plants rather than fillers.
Regal Pelargonium vs Other Pelargoniums
Regal pelargoniums differ noticeably from zonal, trailing, and scented types.
Regal Pelargoniums
- Large, showy flowers
- Shorter, more compact habit
- Grown for display and exhibition
- Less tolerant of poor weather
Zonal Pelargoniums
- Smaller but more numerous flowers
- Upright growth
- Ideal for bedding and pots
Trailing (Ivy-Leaved) Pelargoniums
- Cascading stems
- Best for hanging baskets
Scented Pelargoniums
- Grown mainly for aromatic foliage
Choosing a regal pelargonium is about impact and elegance, not mass planting.
Flower Characteristics
The flowers are the main attraction.
- Large and rounded
- Often velvety in texture
- Strong contrast between petal colours
- Marked upper petals that create a “face” effect
Flowering tends to be more concentrated than continuous, creating a spectacular display when in bloom.
Foliage and Growth Habit
Regal pelargoniums have attractive but understated foliage.
- Soft green leaves
- Lightly textured or scalloped edges
- Compact, upright growth
- Neat and controlled shape
The foliage provides a backdrop that highlights the flowers rather than competing with them.
Are Regal Pelargoniums Hardy?
No. Regal pelargoniums are tender perennials.
- Cannot tolerate frost
- Must be protected in winter
- Grown outdoors only during warm months
- Best suited to container growing
They are ideal for patios, conservatories, and greenhouses.
Where to Grow Regal Pelargoniums
They thrive in bright but sheltered locations.
Best positions include:
- Pots on sunny patios
- Conservatories and greenhouses
- Bright windowsills
- Sheltered outdoor spots in summer
Protection from heavy rain and strong wind helps preserve flower quality.
Light Requirements
- Prefer bright light
- Full sun to light shade
- Too much shade reduces flowering
Morning sun with some afternoon shelter is often ideal.
Soil and Compost Requirements
Regal pelargoniums need:
- Free-draining compost
- Moderate fertility
- Containers with good drainage holes
Avoid heavy, water-retentive compost, which can lead to root problems.
Watering Regal Pelargoniums
- Water when the compost surface feels dry
- Avoid overwatering
- Reduce watering in cool or dull weather
They prefer slightly drier conditions than constantly wet soil.
Feeding and Nutrition
- Feed lightly during active growth
- Use a balanced or low-nitrogen fertiliser
- Avoid excessive feeding, which encourages leaves over flowers
Steady feeding supports healthy flowering without soft growth.
Flowering Period
Regal pelargoniums usually flower:
- From late spring
- Through early to mid-summer
Flowering is often intense but shorter than zonal pelargoniums. Regular deadheading helps prolong the display.
Deadheading and Pruning
- Remove spent flowers promptly
- Lightly pinch back shoots to maintain shape
- Avoid heavy pruning during flowering
After flowering, light pruning helps keep plants compact.
Overwintering Regal Pelargoniums
Overwintering is essential for long-term growth.
How to Overwinter
- Bring plants indoors before the first frost
- Place in a bright, frost-free position
- Reduce watering significantly
- Stop feeding until spring
In spring, prune lightly and gradually resume watering.
Propagating Regal Pelargoniums
Propagation is best done by cuttings.
- Take cuttings in late summer
- Choose healthy, non-flowering shoots
- Allow cut ends to dry before planting
- Root in free-draining compost
Cuttings ensure plants remain true to type.
Common Problems
Poor Flowering
- Insufficient light
- Overfeeding
- Too much shade
Yellow Leaves
- Overwatering
- Poor drainage
- Cold conditions
Bud Drop
- Sudden temperature changes
- Water stress
Most problems are solved by better light and watering control.
Are Regal Pelargoniums Worth Growing?
Yes, especially if you enjoy ornamental plants with dramatic impact.
They offer:
- Exceptional flower size and colour
- Elegant, refined appearance
- Strong visual impact in containers
- Ideal plants for collectors and enthusiasts
They are less forgiving than bedding types but far more striking when in bloom.
Final Thoughts: Regal Pelargonium
Regal pelargoniums are true showstoppers, offering bold flowers and refined growth that elevate any patio, conservatory, or greenhouse display. While they require a little more care than standard pelargoniums, the reward is a spectacular floral display that few other container plants can match.
With good light, careful watering, and winter protection, regal pelargoniums will thrive and remain a highlight of your growing collection year after year.