I have to confess that whenever I begin to think of geraniums (syn. Pelargoniums); my mind starts to wonder and I get sleepy! Just how many shades of red, pink and white can the breeders come up with? Even though I get paid to take data on 100’s of annual geraniums each year I’m hard pressed to tell the difference between some.  So you can imagine my surprise when I actually came across a geranium that abruptly woke me from my slumber!  It was ‘Crystal Palace Gem’ an exotic type of Zonal Geranium due to its unique foliar variegation.  Who cares if it flowers! This one has the brightest variegated foliage around in early spring, and amazingly enough it tough enough to last up into mid-summer.

Zonal Geraniums have been around for a long time!  In fact, they were first cultivated in England by the Duchess of Beaufort in 1710.  These bedding plants are considered to be an annual in most parts of the United States (Zones 4-9) but in tropical parts of the world it is grown as a tender perennial.  Here in North Central Texas Geraniums don’t seem to strive in our high pH and heavy clay soils but if you plant this beauty in a container watch out!  Crystal Palace Gem’s beautiful contrast between the chartreuse green variegated foliage and the bright red flowers will surely stop you in your tracks. It even received a Best in Class award in 2006 from University of Minnesota.  In general, this variety will perform best from April to June and can last longer if it has some afternoon shade. 

Crystal Palace Gem has an excellent compact habit and grows 1’ – 1 ½’ tall and wide.  The flowers are bright red and borne singly in clusters.  Now this variety of annual geranium is not the heaviest bloomer but it doesn’t need to be.  The foliage is round and has slightly scalloped edges with beautiful chartreuse variegation that will brighten up any spot in your garden.  Like I stated earlier, it makes an excellent container plant and looks marvelous planted in full sun with Bacopa, Trailing Petunias, and Diascia. 

This sun loving annual likes to be planted in well drained soil.  Since its origin is from South Africa it doesn’t mind staying on the dry side but should be kept moderately moist.   Annual geraniums have a hard time handling our hard summer heat but may be able to pull through it if they get a little afternoon shade. Keep in mind that this plant will need at least 6 hours of sunlight in order to perform at its best.   For best floral display keep this plant dead headed and fertilized well with a slow release granular fertilizer like Osmocote. 

Geranium ‘Crystal Palace Gem’ should be available at your local retail nurseries in 4” or 6” containers.    If you can’t find it locally break out your computer and do some searching on Google.

About the author: Denise Robb is the Research and Greenhouse Manager at the Dallas Arboretum, visit www.dallasplanttrials.org for more information on the trial program.