Tree pelargonium Pelargonium cucullatum
Tree pelargonium (Pelargonium cucullatum) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Geraniaceae family, native to SW Cape (coastal fynbos and renosterveld). It grows 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) tall and 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -3 °C (27 °F). Space plants about 1.2 m (3.9 ft) apart.
Plan Tree pelargonium in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Tree pelargonium at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Geraniaceae |
| Mature height | 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.2 m (3.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -3 °C (27 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Flowering | from about October for 9–17 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | High |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | SW Cape (coastal fynbos and renosterveld) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇿🇦 South Africa |
Is Tree pelargonium toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: leaves
Geraniol and linalool: vomiting and dermatitis in pets (ASPCA lists Pelargonium).
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Tree pelargonium
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
See Tree pelargonium in a botanical garden
It grows in these sample gardens, which you can walk through in 3D:
- UC Botanical Garden, Berkeley (4 plants)
- Kirstenbosch (20 plants)
Questions about Tree pelargonium
- How far apart should I plant Tree pelargonium?
- About 1.2 m (3.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft).
- Does Tree pelargonium need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Tree pelargonium need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Tree pelargonium?
- It tolerates about -3 °C (27 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Tree pelargonium flower?
- From about October for 9–17 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Tree pelargonium poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Geraniol and linalool: vomiting and dermatitis in pets (ASPCA lists Pelargonium).
- What grows well with Tree pelargonium?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Tree pelargonium. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- PlantZAfrica, South African National Biodiversity Institute
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- One of the ancestors of the florist's regal pelargoniums; cupped hairy leaves, magenta flowers in spring.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Geranium (Pelargonium) Pelargonium x hortorum
- Cranesbill (hardy geranium) Geranium x magnificum
- Wild geranium (spotted cranesbill) Geranium maculatum
- Bigleaf hydrangea Hydrangea macrophylla
- Rhododendron Rhododendron
- Boxwood Buxus sempervirens
- Oleander Nerium oleander
- Common ninebark Physocarpus opulifolius