This is the most widely grown and available variety of Australian native Pelargonium. It flowers prolifically with mostly white or the palest pink flower clusters, decorated with bright magenta stripes. The flowers are the smallest of the three varieties I grow. Pelargonium australe forms fluffy seed heads readily and self seeds easily, although for me not to an annoying degree, but it is worth keeping in mind that just a few plants can easily spread to fill a large area if you have the space.

Pelargonium australe is low growing to around 50cm high and tolerates a very wide variety of conditions and soils from coast to cool areas, full sun or part shade. I have all of mine planted in full sun and also some planted under a big Ironbark where they handle the dry conditions well.

It is a low fuss and easy to grow plant and even out of flower is lovely with it’s often pink tinged stems and the colours of new leaves as they grow. The large leaves are also a nice contrast to other small leaved Australian natives. They lend a softness that is very much needed in cottage garden designs and flowering meadows or naturalistic planting.

Adaptable to a range of soils but prefers well-drained conditions. Suitable for full sun to partial shade. Drought-tolerant once established. Will self seed readily and the leaves and stems can spread wide along the garden so make sure it has some space.