This attractive pelargonium flowers from June to January with a peak in September (spring). The flowers are borne in a branched inflorescence terminating in several (4-8) flowered umbel-like groups. The two upper petals of the flower are much larger than the three lower ones. The upper petals are usually pink or purple with darker purple veins. The lower petals are lighter in colour.

The main stem of Pelargonium cordifolium is woody at the base, while the side branches are herbaceous and covered with hairs of variable density. It has beautiful foliage.

Three varieties have been recognised on the basis of leaf characteristics. One of the varieties featured in the Kirstenbosch Garden has distinctly red stems and very attractive foliage with glabrous (smooth and free from hair) leaves.