Pelargonium x domesticum 'African Queen'
.png)
Pelargonium x domesticum 'African Queen' $4.95• common names: Martha Washington geranium, regal geranium
• flowering season: summer through to fall; when grown in a greenhouse it can flower year around
• height: 12 to 18 inches, and even a bit taller for older plants
• Light requirements: morning sun only or filtered light; does not like as much hot afternoon sun as other geraniums like
• Soil requirements: average garden soil or potting soil that drains freely
• Water requirments: water thoroughly and then let it dry out considerably before watering it again; misting the leaves is recommended, especially where summers are hot
• Growth habit: branching and bushy
• How to propagate: cuttings root well when started with a heat mat and a grow light
• Leaf type: 2 to 3-inch medium green leaves
• Ways to use it: does well when planted outdoors for the summer in a garden; does equally well in a large terra cotta pot
• Special characteristics: if it is kept too warm over winter it will not flower well the following summer -- an ideal temperature during the winter is the mid to low-forties, such as by a window in a basement or garage; it can be cut back drastically the second year if it grows too large, but be sure not to cut off all of the leaves in the process of pruning the branches
• Other points of interests: it really is not a temperamental plant to grow except in the Deep South where summer humidity and temperatures are high -- when grown where summers are cooler it is very undemanding and easy
'African Queen' has flowers of a rich, royal dark red with an even darker center or blotch to each petal. Cannot withstand freezing temperatures.
These "geraniums" are more accurately Pelargonium x domesticum. In England they are known as regal geraniums and in the U.S. as Martha Washington geraniums or simply as Marthas. They have the same basic needs as the more frequently grown zonal geraniums, except liking less heat. They grow well in our cool maritime climate along the West Coast without needing special care. In places where the summer temperatures at night are above 70°F blooming will stop. To offset this, grow them where they receive morning light but are shaded from the hot afternoon sun, such as under the dappled light of a tree, or on the east/northeast side of your house. Doing this will extend the season of bloom in summer.
Many of these Marthas will grow quite large and need larger pots. For watering, we let our plants dry out between deep waterings, and lightly spray the foliage twice a day. To set flower buds and to flower well their second year in your garden they need a cooling down period over winter when you have them indoors. The temperature needs to be lower than 55°F at night but above freezing. So store them near the window of an unheated garage, porch or basement. They can be cut back before being brought inside, but leave a few leaves on at least a few of the branches or otherwise the plants may die from shock.