UK hardiness
Is Pelargonium 'Fragrans Variegatum' hardy in the UK?
Pelargonium 'Fragrans Variegatum'
More about pelargonium 'fragrans variegatum' in the UK
Pelargonium 'Fragrans Variegatum' and the RHS hardiness rating
Pelargonium 'Fragrans Variegatum' is rated RHS H2 — tender, meaning it withstands winter minimums of about 1 to 5°C. In practice that means it needs a frost-free greenhouse or indoors over winter — a UK frost will kill it. The RHS rating describes an absolute minimum temperature, not an average: a single hard frost below its band is what does the damage, so the question is always "what is the coldest night my garden gets?", not "what is a typical winter here?".
This follows the RHS plant hardiness rating system (H1a–H7), the UK standard. For the US growing-zone view, see the pelargonium 'fragrans variegatum' USDA hardiness guide.
Does UK region change it?
Because pelargonium 'fragrans variegatum' is frost-tender, UK region matters less than the simple rule: it does not stay outdoors over winter anywhere in the UK. Treat any time outside as a summer holiday — bring it back indoors once nights drop toward 10°C, well before the first frost, and acclimatise it over a week each way so the leaves do not shock.
Overwintering pelargonium 'fragrans variegatum' in the UK
Overwintering pelargonium 'fragrans variegatum' in the UK means bringing it in: a bright, frost-free room or a heated glasshouse, watered sparingly while growth slows. Do not leave it against cold glass or near an unheated porch. Move it back out only after the last spring frost has passed for your area.
Pelargonium 'Fragrans Variegatum' UK hardiness — frequently asked questions
Is pelargonium 'fragrans variegatum' hardy in the UK?
Pelargonium 'Fragrans Variegatum' is rated RHS H2 (tender, hardy to about 1 to 5°C). It is not winter-hardy anywhere in the UK and must be overwintered under cover.
Can pelargonium 'fragrans variegatum' stay outside over winter in the UK?
No. Pelargonium 'Fragrans Variegatum' is frost-tender — a UK frost will kill it. Bring it indoors or into a frost-free greenhouse before the first autumn frost and return it outside only after the last spring frost.
What does RHS H2 mean?
RHS hardiness ratings run H1a (needs a heated glasshouse) to H7 (survives below -20°C). Pelargonium 'Fragrans Variegatum''s rating, H2, means tender — it tolerates winter minimums of about 1 to 5°C. The rating is an absolute minimum, not an average.
How do I overwinter pelargonium 'fragrans variegatum' in the UK?
Overwintering pelargonium 'fragrans variegatum' in the UK means bringing it in: a bright, frost-free room or a heated glasshouse, watered sparingly while growth slows. Do not leave it against cold glass or near an unheated porch. Move it back out only after the last spring frost has passed for your area.
Does UK region change whether pelargonium 'fragrans variegatum' survives?
Because pelargonium 'fragrans variegatum' is frost-tender, UK region matters less than the simple rule: it does not stay outdoors over winter anywhere in the UK. Treat any time outside as a summer holiday — bring it back indoors once nights drop toward 10°C, well before the first frost, and acclimatise it over a week each way so the leaves do not shock.
More pelargonium 'fragrans variegatum' care
See the full pelargonium 'fragrans variegatum' care guide, its temperature & humidity needs, and the US (USDA) hardiness version of this page.