On a couple of recent trips to Longwood Gardens, I have photographed a wonderful flower – Heart-Leaf Pelargonium (pelargonium cordifolium). It’s name comes from the heart shape of its leaves – what I really find fascinating is the heart shape of the flowers.

Pelargonium cordifolium is a member of the geranium family native to South Africa. In the U.S. it grows as a perennial in zones 9b – 11. According to William Curtis’ The Botanical Magazine (published 1792) it was introduced in England at Kew Gardens in 1774 by Mr. Masson.

In general, the upper two petals of the heart-leaf pelargonium are larger and more colorful than the lower three petals. On the ones I photographed, The upper petals were pink & purple, while the lower three petals were white.

Here are some of my favorite photos of the Heart-Leaf Pelargonium

(c) 2010 Patty Hankins

(c) 2010 Patty Hankins

(c) 2010 Patty Hankins

(c) 2010 Patty Hankins

(c) 2010 Patty Hankins