UK compost
What compost for pelargonium peltatum 'roi des balcons lilas' in the UK?
Pelargonium peltatum 'Roi des Balcons Lilas'
More about pelargonium peltatum 'roi des balcons lilas' in the UK
Which compost pelargonium peltatum 'roi des balcons lilas' needs
For pelargonium peltatum 'roi des balcons lilas' the mix to buy is peat-free multipurpose compost cut roughly half-and-half with horticultural grit or perlite. A multipurpose mix lightened with perlite suits it; incorporate slow-release feed for long-season baskets. Free-draining containers are essential to prevent rot.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 peltatum 'roi des balcons lilas' 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 peltatum 'Roi des Balcons Lilas' 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 peltatum 'roi des balcons lilas' soil & potting-mix guide.
Compost for Pelargonium peltatum 'Roi des Balcons Lilas' in the UK — frequently asked questions
What compost should I use for pelargonium peltatum 'roi des balcons lilas' in the UK?
Use peat-free multipurpose compost cut roughly half-and-half with horticultural grit or perlite. A multipurpose mix lightened with perlite suits it; incorporate slow-release feed for long-season baskets. Free-draining containers are essential to prevent rot. 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 peltatum 'roi des balcons lilas'?
Not on its own — multipurpose compost holds too much water for pelargonium peltatum 'roi des balcons lilas' 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 peltatum 'roi des balcons lilas' 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 peltatum 'roi des balcons lilas' need grit or perlite added?
Yes — pelargonium peltatum 'roi des balcons lilas' 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 peltatum 'roi des balcons lilas' need?
Always a pot with drainage holes. Free-draining peat-free or loam-based container compost. 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 peltatum 'roi des balcons lilas' care
See the full pelargonium peltatum 'roi des balcons lilas' care guide, its UK watering and UK hardiness.