Currently our Pelargonium collection is under review. We will update the site when our collections management policy is completed for this group of plants
The Florence E Clarke Geranium Conservatory has begun a change
of display! You will notice we have changed the plants on display, from the Regal Pelargoniums to plants that are a little different.
We recognise that
the collection has been overlooked and we are actively reviewing our care
procedures to ensure our plants receive the attention they deserve.
We are actively reviewing our Collection Management Procedures
to ensure our plants receive the attention they deserve.
In the interim, our Horticulturists are keen to display weird
and wonderful plants and we encourage our visitors to explore a different feel
to our Florence E Clark Conservatory.
The geranium family
The geranium family was first recorded in 1576 in southern Europe. Hybrid plants began appearing within the first 50 years of discovery. These plants are still popular today as they are easy to grow.
Sir Joseph Banks on his 1770 voyage with Captain Cook discovered the first Pelargonium in Australia at Botany Bay. He named it Pelargonium australe. Since its discovery many other species of Pelargonium and Geranium have been found in Australia.
Plants related to the Geraniaceae family can be found growing naturally through north Africa, Europe, the Middle East, the Himalayas and various islands scattered through the Atlantic ocean. Most can be found growing in South Africa.
The Geranium family consists of five distinct Genera. Geranium, Pelargonium, Sarcocaulon, Monsonia and Erodium. All of theses genera are held with in our collection.