Pelargonium Hortorum, 'Elite

Elite Zonal Geranium

Pelargonium × hortorum ‘Elite’
Elite Zonal Geranium / Elite Garden Geranium

‘Elite’ is a seed-grown series of tender perennial bedding geraniums, commonly grown as annuals in cold-winter climates. Plants form compact, upright mounds of rounded, scalloped green leaves, often with darker horseshoe-shaped zoning. Large rounded flower clusters bloom above the foliage in shades of red, pink, salmon, rose, white, and bicolors depending on the specific Elite selection. The Elite series is noted as compact and quick to reach bloom, with little to no pinching usually needed.

Type: Tender perennial, usually grown as an annual
Mature Size: 12–18 in. wide × 12–18 in. tall; varies slightly by color selection and growing conditions.
USDA Zones: 9a–10b as a perennial; grown as an annual in colder zones
Form: Compact, upright, bushy mound
Light: Full sun to part shade; best flowering in full sun, with light afternoon shade helpful in hot climates
Soil / Water: Well-drained potting mix or garden soil; moderate water, allowing the soil surface to dry slightly between waterings; avoid soggy soil
Bloom Time / Length: Spring through frost outdoors; can bloom nearly year-round in frost-free or indoor bright-light conditions
Wildlife: Flowers may attract bees and butterflies; not a major wildlife plant, but useful for seasonal pollinator color in containers and beds

Features & Landscape Uses:
Excellent for containers, window boxes, hanging baskets, porch planters, bedding displays, edging, cemetery planters, and sunny annual borders. ‘Elite’ is especially useful where a compact, uniform zonal geranium is wanted from seed. It provides strong season-long color and pairs well with sweet potato vine, calibrachoa, petunia, lobelia, alyssum, dusty miller, coleus, and ornamental grasses.

Care:
Plant after danger of frost has passed. Provide full sun, good drainage, and regular feeding for best bloom. Deadhead spent flower heads to keep plants tidy and encourage continued flowering. Avoid overhead watering when possible, and provide good air circulation to reduce botrytis and leaf disease. In fall, plants can be overwintered indoors in a bright window or propagated from stem cuttings.

Plant type

Perennial

Height

12-18''

Width

12-18"

Hardiness zones

9–11

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Fast

Bloom time

Early Spring, Fall, Summer

Flower color

Amber, Red Violet, White

Leaf color

Dark Spring Green

Attracts

Bees, Butterflies

Soil

Rich, Well Drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Container, Mass Planting

Shape

Compact, Mounded, Upright, Wide Spreading

Drought tolerant

No