Data sources

Red Mallow

Pelargonium fulgidum

Animal-friendly

Supports sunbirds

Tolerances & suitability

Drought-resistant

Good potplant

Growth features

Easy to grow

Social features

Edible

Aspect

Sun

Plant types

Succulent

Shrub

Scrambler

Soils

Soil: sandy

Flowering

Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Pelargonium Fulgidum (or rooi malva) is a small, perennial, shrublike plant around 0.4 to 1 meter in height although it grows a few additional meters when supported by branches of other plants growing nearby. Its most striking feature is its bright red flowers with its 5 scarlet or carmine petals. These flowers bloom from June to November (winter to early summer). P. Fulgidum have half-succulent stems which become more woody with age thereby enabling them to withstand harsh conditions. Their leaves are serrated and covered in small, silvery hairs, giving them a silky feeling and assisting the plant in trapping moisture by condensing fog during the nights.

This plant is well-suited to coastal and water-wise gardens, especially in Cape Town with its winter rainfall patterns. It is a staple in many gardens due to its beautiful and unique flowers. It therefore comes as no surprise that P. Fulgidum mostly grows in the western coastal districts and does not mind harsh conditions such as strong winds and rocky terrain. P. Fulgidum is specially adapted to these conditions by becoming dormant during summer months. Its leaves are edible with a slightly sour and astringent taste, sometimes eaten as a snack in the wild.

Due to its dormancy during the summer months P. Fulgidum should not be overwatered, rather, allow the soil to dry before watering again. It can be planted in a rockery or in a pot, to be kept as a potplant.

Propagation by seed

To propagate P. Fulgidum from a cutting one should take cuttings from healthy, non-flowering stems during autumn (April to May) when the plant starts putting out leaves. Aim for a cutting of 10 - 15 cm taken just below the leaf node. Use a sharp knife and make a diagonal cut at the base of the stem. Any lower leaves should be removed and dip the cutting into rooting hormones to help stimulate growth. The cutting should be left to dry for a day or two whereafter it can be inserted into a tray filler with river sand. The tray should be kept cool, so a shaded area will do the trick, and should remain damp but not wet. In around four weeks you will have roots growing from the cuttings. Next, one should pot the cuttings into a well-drained, sandy medium. They should be placed in a sunny area and watered every third day. They will soon form a strong root-ball which indicates their readiness to move to the garden.

Propagation by cutting

Seeds pods start forming after the flowers have faded. When the pods turn brown and dry the seeds will be ready for harvesting. Pods should be carefully snipped after which seeds should be gently extracted. Ensure seeds are dry before storing. Early spring is the best time for sowing P. Fulgidum seeds. Fill a few seed trays with a well-drained potting mix and press the seeds gently onto the surface after which they should be covered with a thin layer of soil. Soil should be kept consistently moist, but not wet, and the tray should be kept in a warm and bright environment. Seedlings will appear within 2 - 4 weeks. Once a few sets of true leaves have grown, the plants can be carefully repotted into their individual pots. Take care not to disturb the roots during the repotting process.

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