Some plants have a much richer history than their appearance would suggest. This is the case with Pelargonium ‘Alexandre’, a new variety developed in Quebec, the result of an unexpected mutation… and eight years of patient and rigorous work.
A Little Botanical Clarification
Although many people mistakenly call it a geranium, Pelargonium ‘Alexandre’ belongs to the Pelargonium genus, which is distinct from the true perennial geraniums often found in flower beds. That said, the popular usage is well established, and it is still common to hear people refer to pelargoniums such as this one as “annual geraniums.”
Alexandre’s First Steps
It all began in January 2017, in the greenhouses of Jardins André Carbonneau in Louiseville, when a cutting of Pelargonium ‘Crystal Palace Gem’ showed a spontaneous variation: very light green, almost luminous foliage topped with simple, coral-orange flowers carried elegantly. Intrigued by this natural mutation, Rock Giguère, a well-known horticultural communicator, and André Carbonneau, a passionate horticulturist, decided to put this plant to the test.
The following spring, intensive propagation by cuttings was undertaken to verify the stability of the characteristics. Steps were taken with American companies to test the plant in different environments. However, the first commercial trials were interrupted when viruses were detected in the plants sent for evaluation.
A Long Detour
The project could have ended there, but that was without counting on the determination of the team. A local solution was found thanks to the Phytoclone laboratory in Saint-Étienne-des-Grès, which agreed to reproduce the plant in vitro to eliminate the viruses. This highly specialized process took nearly two years, finally resulting in a healthy and stable strain.
In 2020, trials resumed in Michigan, but difficulties in reproducing the plant in the laboratory led to the project being withdrawn. In 2022, the Jardins André Carbonneau decided to focus their efforts here in Quebec and submitted a plant variety application to the federal government. The following year, the Institut québécois de développement de l’horticulture ornementale (IQDHO) conducted the necessary trials, leading to the official granting of reproduction rights. In 2024, Pelargonium ‘Alexandre’ received plant protection from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, valid until 2044.
The result? A plant that is both bright and hardy, with distinctive lime green foliage, abundant coral orange blooms, and a medium, well-branched habit, perfect for containers and planters. Best of all, it requires minimal maintenance—which is sure to please laidback gardeners!
The Pelargonium That Unites and Supports
The name Alexandre was chosen in honor of Alexandre Carbonneau, founder of Jardins André Carbonneau and a long-time pelargonium enthusiast. As André, the creator of the variety, puts it: “It’s the pride I feel for my father that makes me happy in this project.” This emotional connection, passed down from generation to generation, is now firmly rooted in this unique variety.
The city of Louiseville, touched by the story, has adopted Pelargonium ‘Alexandre’ as its emblematic flower. And in a wonderful show of solidarity, 50% of sales of the one-gallon size will be donated to the organization L’Avenue Libre during Mental Health Week, May 5-11, 2025.
The story of Pelargonium ‘Alexandre’ reminds us that behind some plants lie years of effort, perseverance, and passion. And that in the end, there is no more beautiful result than a flower that is well rooted in its territory.
Gorgeous plant! Interesting story!
Very interesting, the Pelargonium ‘Alexandre’ is beautiful.
Thank goodness Alexandre and Andre persevered and this lovely pelargonium is now in production. Hope some of them make their way out west.