Troubleshooting
Pelargonium 'Paton's Unique' problems — and how to fix them
Pelargonium 'Paton's Unique' (Pelargonium 'Paton's Unique') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Reduced flowering
Fewer blooms result from shade, lack of deadheading or too little potassium. Give full sun, remove spent heads and feed with a high-potassium fertiliser.
Leggy growth
Long, sparse stems develop in low light or without pinching. Pinch growing tips and provide bright sun for a compact, floriferous plant.
Botrytis on blooms
Grey mould rots faded flowers in damp, still air. Deadhead promptly and improve ventilation, especially under glass.
Whitefly
A common conservatory pest on pelargoniums. Check leaf undersides and treat early with insecticidal soap or sticky traps.
Prevent pelargonium 'paton's unique' problems before they start
Most pelargonium 'paton's unique' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for pelargonium 'paton's unique' in general rather than its problems? Read the full pelargonium 'paton's unique' care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Pelargonium 'Paton's Unique' problems — FAQ
Why is my pelargonium 'paton's unique' reduced flowering?
Fewer blooms result from shade, lack of deadheading or too little potassium. Give full sun, remove spent heads and feed with a high-potassium fertiliser.
Why is my pelargonium 'paton's unique' leggy growth?
Long, sparse stems develop in low light or without pinching. Pinch growing tips and provide bright sun for a compact, floriferous plant.
Why is my pelargonium 'paton's unique' botrytis on blooms?
Grey mould rots faded flowers in damp, still air. Deadhead promptly and improve ventilation, especially under glass.
Why is my pelargonium 'paton's unique' whitefly?
A common conservatory pest on pelargoniums. Check leaf undersides and treat early with insecticidal soap or sticky traps.