Cottage Garden Seeds and Cottage Garden Plants

Pelargonium sidoides Herbal: This plant, which has been used by Zulus for many generations, has been found to have potent antibacterial properties and is said to prevent or shorten the duration of many respiratory conditions, from the common cold to bronchitis. It has also been used to treat sinus and throat infections.

Herbal: This plant, which has been used by Zulus for many generations, has been found to have potent antibacterial properties and is said to prevent or shorten the duration of many respiratory conditions, from the common cold to bronchitis. It has also been used to treat sinus and throat infections.

Kalwerbossie geranium, Silverleaf geranium

Rare and gorgeous!

Type/Hardiness	Herbaceous, Perennial, Tender
Flowering period	Early summer - Late autumn
Height
Light preference	Sun (tolerates part-shade)
Soil preference	Well-drained, humus-rich
Sowing time/depth	,

This very dainty species pelargonium/geranium, which originates from Africa, has circular, crinkled, silver-grey-green leaves about an inch across and clusters of small, deep magenta - almost black - flowers on fine, long, wiry stems. Like most pelargoniums, it is frost tender, but it will sit happily on a sunny window sill indoors over winter. Depending on the time of year, plants may be trimmed hard back to keep them from becoming leggy, but will soon produce fresh foliage and blooms.

Sowing and/or growing instructions

This plant will thrive in a sunny, sheltered spot outdoors, although it should also tolerate light shade. It will be happy in a bright window indoors, which is the perfect way to overwinter the plant, during which time it should be kept slightly moist but never waterlogged. Keep tidy and disease-free by remove spent flower stems and dead leaves.