UK compost
What compost for pelargonium graveolens 'lady plymouth' in the UK?
Pelargonium graveolens 'Lady Plymouth'
More about pelargonium graveolens 'lady plymouth' in the UK
Which compost pelargonium graveolens 'lady plymouth' needs
For pelargonium graveolens 'lady plymouth' the mix to buy is peat-free multipurpose compost cut roughly half-and-half with horticultural grit or perlite. A peat-free multipurpose compost opened up with grit or perlite. Excellent drainage is non-negotiable; it prefers neutral to slightly alkaline conditions.In British garden centres the bagged growing medium is sold simply as “compost” (multipurpose, ericaceous, or loam-based John Innes), which is a different thing from the rotted garden “compost” you make in a heap — for a pot you want the bagged kind.
Peat-free compost
Buy peat-free. The sale of peat compost to home gardeners is being phased out across the UK, and the RHS recommends peat-free on environmental grounds. A good peat-free multipurpose grows pelargonium graveolens 'lady plymouth' perfectly well; the one habit to change is watering — peat-free dries faster at the surface while still moist below, so check by feel a knuckle deep rather than trusting the look of the top.
Ericaceous or multipurpose?
Pelargonium graveolens 'Lady Plymouth' does not want a rich, water-holding compost — it wants sharp drainage. Cut peat-free multipurpose roughly half-and-half with horticultural grit, sharp sand or perlite, and always pot into a container with drainage holes. A "cactus and succulent" bagged mix is a ready-made shortcut.
For the full recipe, pH and drainage detail (US wording), see the pelargonium graveolens 'lady plymouth' soil & potting-mix guide.
Compost for Pelargonium graveolens 'Lady Plymouth' in the UK — frequently asked questions
What compost should I use for pelargonium graveolens 'lady plymouth' in the UK?
Use peat-free multipurpose compost cut roughly half-and-half with horticultural grit or perlite. A peat-free multipurpose compost opened up with grit or perlite. Excellent drainage is non-negotiable; it prefers neutral to slightly alkaline conditions. In UK garden centres this is sold simply as "compost" — the bagged growing medium, not garden-made leaf-mould — so match the description above rather than a brand.
Can I use ordinary multipurpose compost for pelargonium graveolens 'lady plymouth'?
Not on its own — multipurpose compost holds too much water for pelargonium graveolens 'lady plymouth' and will rot the roots. Cut it roughly 50:50 with horticultural grit, sharp sand or perlite so it drains fast.
Should the compost be peat-free?
Yes. Sales of peat compost to home gardeners are being phased out in the UK, and the RHS recommends peat-free for environmental reasons. Modern peat-free multipurpose composts grow pelargonium graveolens 'lady plymouth' perfectly well — they dry a little faster at the surface, so check moisture by feel rather than by the look of the top.
Does pelargonium graveolens 'lady plymouth' need grit or perlite added?
Yes — pelargonium graveolens 'lady plymouth' must have sharp drainage. Add about one part horticultural grit or perlite to one part compost, and always use a pot with drainage holes.
What pot and drainage does pelargonium graveolens 'lady plymouth' need?
Always a pot with drainage holes. Free-draining loam or potting mix with added grit or perlite. Stand it on a saucer, empty any water that collects after watering, and never leave the pot sitting in a full outer cover — waterlogged compost in a cool UK room is the commonest cause of root rot.
More pelargonium graveolens 'lady plymouth' care
See the full pelargonium graveolens 'lady plymouth' care guide, its UK watering and UK hardiness.