Troubleshooting
Southernwood-leaved Pelargonium problems — and how to fix them
Southernwood-leaved Pelargonium (Pelargonium abrotanifolium) 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.
Root rot in wet compost
The most common cause of failure in UK gardens; this dry-scrub native rots quickly in moisture-retentive soil or during wet winters. Grow in very gritty compost, pot in terracotta, and bring under cover before persistent autumn rain begins.
Pelargonium rust
Orange-brown spore rings on the undersides of the feathery leaves in warm, humid conditions. Remove affected leaves and improve ventilation; the finely divided foliage makes complete spray coverage difficult, so prevention through airflow is key.
Black leg in cuttings
Stem bases of newly propagated cuttings blacken and rot in wet or cold propagation conditions. Allow cuttings to callus for 24 hours before insertion and use very gritty, barely moist propagation mix in a warm spot.
Prevent southernwood-leaved pelargonium problems before they start
Most southernwood-leaved pelargonium issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Southernwood-leaved Pelargonium problems — FAQ
Why is my southernwood-leaved pelargonium root rot in wet compost?
The most common cause of failure in UK gardens; this dry-scrub native rots quickly in moisture-retentive soil or during wet winters. Grow in very gritty compost, pot in terracotta, and bring under cover before persistent autumn rain begins.
Why is my southernwood-leaved pelargonium pelargonium rust?
Orange-brown spore rings on the undersides of the feathery leaves in warm, humid conditions. Remove affected leaves and improve ventilation; the finely divided foliage makes complete spray coverage difficult, so prevention through airflow is key.
Why is my southernwood-leaved pelargonium black leg in cuttings?
Stem bases of newly propagated cuttings blacken and rot in wet or cold propagation conditions. Allow cuttings to callus for 24 hours before insertion and use very gritty, barely moist propagation mix in a warm spot.