I’ve been sent samples of two gorgeous-looking pelargoniums from the Vernon Nursery, that specialise in all manner of geraniums.

I’ve long-loved ‘Appleblossom’ – a delightful specimen plant with tiny, rosebud-style flowers in pale pink and cream, but I stopped growing them some years ago as I found the buds tended to stay half-unfurled, never actually opening before turning brown and dying. I am truly hoping Appleblossom Improved will have ironed out this kink and it can be as beautiful in real life as it is in my head.

I fell in love with Tommy the moment I saw those deep red-purple flowers. I love ivy-leafed pelargoniums in hanging baskets and Tommy’s rich, sophisticated colour makes it a must-have.

Five plugs of each variety arrived today (April 20) and I’ve put them into communal holding-pots until the weekend when I can properly pot them up. As with all the plants I’m trialling this year, I’ll be regularly updating this post over the season for a full review.

They’ve arrived in time as I totally forgot to take cuttings of my existing pelargoniums and only managed to do it about 10 days ago. I have no idea if they’ll take.

UPDATE, July 27, 2016

I am delighted to say they are utterly stunning. All the plugs took, they are doing fine in their window boxes and blooming beautifully. Tommy is even richer purple than I dared hope and Apple Blossom actually is Improved – the flowers are open, creamy and sweetly flushed with pink.

They may not be edible, but they are certainly an Event.