Pelargonium ‘Astrid’

‘Astrid’ is a zonal pelargonium (Pelargonium X hortorum), which offers a magnificent flower display both indoors and outdoors. It is also a hardy and grateful plant to care for.

The flowers of ‘Astrid’ are small, and can be reminiscent of roses. They are tightly packed together like a small bouquet, and the colors vary from pink to apricot depending on where the plant is placed. Indoors, the flowers will have colors that lean more towards apricot, and outdoors they will be more pink. The romantic flowers stand out well against the fresh green foliage, with wavy chocolate brown zone markings.

Pelargoniums grow best in full sun outdoors in the summer, where they will be bright and airy, but ‘Astrid’ also thrives in places with a little shade – and it can be left on the windowsill as long as the weather is mild and the nights are frost-free. With the right amount of water and fertilizer, it grows beautifully and blooms profusely in every corner of the garden, terrace or balcony.

• Planting
  Feel free to repot the plant into a larger pot, balcony box or similar. The plant thrives when the roots have plenty of room to grow large and strong. This contributes to both good growth and abundant flowering. The plant should be repotted in new soil every spring.

• Soil and fertilizer
  Pelargoniums prefer nutrient-rich soil, such as summer flower soil. From March to August, you can provide some liquid plant food.

• Water
  Pelargoniums tolerate drought well, but develop best when watered regularly. Always let the soil dry out between waterings. It is best to water in the evening, so the plant has the whole night to absorb water. If you water in the middle of the day, it is often so hot that the water evaporates before the plant can benefit from it.

• Trimming
  Make it a habit to pick off wilted leaves and flowers, so that they do not take energy from the healthy parts of the plant. This will form new inflorescences and the plant will bloom longer.

Pelargonium can overwinter and come back to life in the spring and summer. The most important thing is to bring the plant inside before the first frost arrives. Don't wait too long! Water sparingly throughout the winter and make sure it is kept both bright and cool, but not below 5 degrees. In the spring, cut back what has wilted and repot. Slowly accustom the plant to life outdoors. Start with shorter periods in the shade and then increase the amount and time in sunlight, preferably over a couple of weeks.

‘Astrid’ does well alone in its own pot, but it may come into its own even more in a mixed planting with other flowers and plants. Just remember not to plant too closely – the plant needs space to grow nicely. Here are some suggestions for plants you can plant with ‘Astrid’:

• Silver rain
• Ivy
• Light green ornamental grass
• Alum root with grey or silver leaves

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