Pelargonium hortorum Brocade ‘Vancouver Centennial’ – A Geranium That Steals the Spotlight
Pelargonium hortorum Brocade ‘Vancouver Centennial’, or Geranium hortorum Brocade ‘Vancouver Centennial’ a member of the Geraniaceae family, is a striking ornamental geranium prized for its vivid foliage and coral-orange blooms. Sometimes marketed under the name Geranium hortorum‘Vancouver Centennial’, this plant adds a vibrant, artistic touch to garden beds, containers, and baskets. With its scalloped, bronze-red leaves edged in gold-green, it offers ornamental value even when not in flower. Above the foliage, clusters of star-shaped coral flowers bloom steadily from late spring through fall.
This compact, heat-tolerant annual has a tidy mounded habit. It grows 30 to 38 cm (12 to 15 inches) tall and spreads 25 to 36 cm (10 to 14 inches), making it perfect for small gardens, patios, or hanging arrangements. It performs especially well in sunny locations with well-drained soil, thriving through summer and into the cooler days of autumn.
The Allure of Vancouver Centennial Geraniums
What makes Pelargonium hortorum ‘Vancouver Centennial’ truly special is its dramatic foliage. Each leaf is sharply lobed and scalloped, with an intense red-bronze center framed by a yellow-green edge. The coloration intensifies in bright light, creating a glowing, stained-glass effect. While most annual geraniums are prized for flowers alone, the Brocade series stands out for this ornamental foliage, which adds color and texture even before blooms appear.
The flowers themselves are vibrant and cheerful—coral-orange and star-shaped, rising in clusters on tall stalks above the foliage. These blooms appear in abundance from spring through fall, attracting butterflies and adding vertical interest to containers and garden beds.
How to Grow Pelargonium hortorum ‘Vancouver Centennial’
Light
This cultivar prefers full sun to partial sun. Ideally, it should receive 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. In very warm climates, providing afternoon shade helps prevent leaf scorching. For container gardening, moving pots to follow the light is a good strategy. Indoors, a bright, south- or west-facing window works well.
Soil
Plant in well-draining soil that is average to moderately fertile. Sandy or loamy soil types are ideal, and raised beds or containers with drainage holes improve airflow around roots. The plant does best in soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged spots, which can lead to root rot.
Watering
Water consistently but allow the top 2.5 cm (1 inch) of soil to dry out between waterings. While Pelargonium ‘Vancouver Centennial’ is somewhat drought tolerant, it performs best with regular moisture. Plants in the ground typically need water once or twice per week, while containers—especially in full sun—may require daily watering during summer. Be careful not to overwater, as wet roots encourage disease.
Fertilizing
Feed every 2 to 3 weeks during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or 20-20-20. If preferred, a slow-release granular fertilizer can be applied in spring. Reduce feeding in fall as the plant slows its growth. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which can encourage foliage at the expense of flowers.
Temperature and Hardiness
This geranium is hardy in USDA Zones 9 to 11 and grows as a perennial in those areas. In colder regions, it is best treated as an annual or overwintered indoors. The plant prefers daytime temperatures between 15°C and 26°C (60°F to 80°F) and does not tolerate frost. Once temperatures approach 7°C (45°F), bring the plant indoors or prepare it for dormancy.
Propagation of Pelargonium hortorum ‘Vancouver Centennial’
Propagation is easy by softwood cuttings. Take 7.5 to 10 cm (3 to 4 inch) stem segments from healthy growth in late summer or early fall. Remove the lower leaves and insert the cuttings into moist, well-drained potting soil. Keep them in a bright, indirect light setting and maintain moderate moisture. In two to three weeks, roots will typically form, and the cuttings can be transplanted into larger pots. These propagated plants can be grown indoors over winter and set out again in spring.
Pests and Diseases
Though generally robust, Pelargonium hortorum ‘Vancouver Centennial’ is susceptible to a few common pests and diseases. Aphids and whiteflies may appear on young growth, particularly in indoor or greenhouse environments. In dry conditions, spider mites can be a concern. Regular inspection and prompt treatment with insecticidal soap or neem oil will help keep these pests under control.
Fungal diseases like powdery mildew and botrytis can develop in overly humid or crowded conditions. Good airflow between plants and removing spent flowers and dead foliage can help prevent these issues. Root rot is a concern in poorly draining soil or with overwatering—always let the soil dry slightly before the next watering.
Using ‘Vancouver Centennial’ in Garden Design
Thanks to its bold foliage and compact shape, Pelargonium ‘Vancouver Centennial’ fits easily into many garden styles. It performs especially well in containers, window boxes, and hanging baskets where the foliage can spill over the edges. Pair it with silver-foliaged companions like Senecio cineraria (Dusty Miller), trailing Lysimachia, or Vinca vine for contrasting texture and color. In beds and borders, use it as a colorful edge plant or to highlight walkways and entry points.
Indoors, it also thrives as a bright windowsill plant, especially in south-facing rooms. Its tidy form and striking leaf pattern make it a standout on its own or in mixed arrangements.
Overwintering ‘Vancouver Centennial’ Geraniums
In regions outside USDA Zones 9 to 11, overwintering is essential if you want to save your plant. Before the first frost, bring the plant indoors. Trim back any leggy or overly long growth by about one-third to make it more manageable. Place it in a bright, cool room where temperatures stay between 10°C and 15°C (50°F to 60°F).
Reduce watering over the winter months, allowing the soil to dry out more than usual, and avoid fertilizing. In early spring, resume normal watering and feeding, and prune lightly to encourage bushy new growth. Once nighttime temperatures stay above 10°C (50°F), it’s safe to move the plant back outdoors.
Final Thoughts on Pelargonium hortorum ‘Vancouver Centennial’
With its richly colored foliage, bright coral flowers, and compact size, Pelargonium hortorum ‘Vancouver Centennial’ is a standout among ornamental geraniums. It brings bold color and reliable performance to garden beds, hanging baskets, and indoor spaces. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just beginning, this cultivar is easy to grow, rewarding to maintain, and sure to turn heads from spring through fall.
Other Plants in the Flower Garden:
