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Re: 'European Geraniums' - an explanation.

Today, mopen@gateweb.co.uk wrote: 
Subject: 'European Geraniums' - an explanation.
Date: Wed, 30 Apr 97 02:45:53 GMT

Duncan, 
I think that this is a good topic for discussion.
> As far as all of my reference books tell me nearly all Pelargoniums
> species including Pelargonium peltatum come from South Africa 
> hence the were 'not originally from Europe'.
The genus Pelargonium comes from South Africa, and almost all (>98%) of the
species come from there.  (There's one, P. caylae from Madagascar; and
another from Australia).  The 'Balcon' strains were developed in middle
Europe (I think, Germany).  I first learned of these strains from a Swiss
propagator.  The species involved were, of course, from South Africa
originally (pre-domestication).  The 'Balcons' were developed in Europe;
the genus P comes from South Africa.  

> The 'Balcon' strain may be a sterile hybrid, but the characteristics of
> it have been bred into P peltatum over the last few years and seeds are 
> available, if v expensive from the source quoted.
The 'Balcon' strains are sterile.  They make lots of pollen but do not set
seed, at least in my hands.  I have also been unable to make seed set on
the 'Balcons', although I have not resorted to techniques such as embryo
rescue, yet.  Regardless, if you compare the 'Balcon' strains with P.
tongaense, and with P. peltatum, you can see the potential similarities,
especially as regards the inflorescence.  

Michael Open, if seeds are available commercially, I would appreciate a
source.  Thanks!  

I knew that the Dutch seed organization, Zaadunie, held European patents on
the production of F1 hybrid P. peltatum seed.  The plants I have seen from
this 
work ('Tornado series')ones I have seen have been very nice --- but still
clearly 
P. peltatum.  Is it possible that your source is these strains?  The grower
direct 
seed organization has a number of country-specific names.  In the US, it is

Sluis&Groot.  In some other countries, I think it went by Pannevis.  I have
seen 
the UK Zaadunie catalog, but cannot recall the name that was used in the
UK, 
nor in Ireland.  I have been a seed consumer, not a professional
seedsperson, 
since 1989, so that my experience with the European seed trade is all
pre-EC, 
except for occasional correspondence with old friends.  

The 'Balcon' strains handle our summers in central Pennsylvania quite well,
although dense baskets in full sun do show water stress in the late
afternoon sun.  I have been told by growers that these strains prefer it
somewhat cool, but that may be anecdotal, and not based in actual
experiment.  

I think that a Pelargonium specialist needs to address the ecological
adaptations of the species.  My experience is limited to the section
Ciconium.  Is there anyone out there who cares to address the matter?  

Oh, and Michael: thanks for the good suggestions re pelargonium cuttings.  
Good information.
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