Indoor Plants
Outdoor Plants
Geranium (Pelargonium)
A compact aromatic plant with fragrant leaves and bright flower clusters – easy to grow in sunny pots and beds.
- Light: Direct sun
- Water: Water when the top dries
- Temperature: Mild to warm
Description
Pelargonium, known in Saudi as atra, is a compact plant grown for its fragrant leaves and clusters of colourful flowers. It loves sun, needs well-drained soil and handles short dry spells, which makes it an easy choice for pots, window boxes and small beds.
Why pelargonium?
- Fragrant leaves – the scent depends on the variety, such as rose, lemon or mint.
- Flower clusters in many colours.
- Drought tolerant once established.
- A compact size that suits pots and balconies.
Where to plant it
Pots on terraces and balconies, window boxes, the front of sunny beds and herb corners. It usually grows 30–60 cm tall and wide. Choose a spot with at least 6 hours of sun; in the hottest summer months, light afternoon shade can help.
Care in the Saudi climate
- Light: at least 6 hours of direct sun; in low light it gets leggy and flowers poorly.
- Water: let the soil dry slightly between waterings; it flowers better with moderate moisture but dislikes soggy soil.
- Soil: well-drained soil, and pots with drainage holes.
- Season: sold as a seasonal plant – it looks its best in the cooler months.
- Pruning: pinch the stem tips to keep it bushy and remove faded flowers.
- Safety: the leaves are toxic to cats and dogs – keep it away from pets.
Sizes
- 10–15 cm: Young plant. For small pots and window boxes.
Three things to get right.
Lighting
Needs at least 6 hours of direct sun to stay bushy and flower.
Watering
Water when the top of the soil is dry and make sure excess water drains away.
Temperature & humidity
Grows best in mild to warm weather and looks its best in the cooler months in Jeddah and Riyadh.
More aromatic plants.Pairs well with
Usually too little sun. Move it to a spot with at least 6 hours of sun and pinch back the stem tips.
When the top of the soil is dry. Never leave it standing in water – it likes good drainage.
No. The ASPCA lists it as toxic to cats, dogs and horses, so keep it out of their reach.
Leaves of the scented types are traditionally used to flavour tea. Ask us which type you will receive before using it.
Yes – the young 10–15 cm plant grows better in a slightly bigger pot with drainage holes and free-draining soil.