Pelargonium by Irina Yashina: hybridization, selection and character
A passion born by chance (or perhaps not)
A translator by profession, Irina Yashina came to the world of pelargoniums almost by chance. Yet, as often happens with the most authentic journeys, nothing truly happens by chance.
The first encounter occurred through some varieties of PAC Elsner, which sparked a new curiosity in her: the complexity, nuances, and expressive possibilities offered by this genus of plants.
From collection to hybridization
Irina's collection expanded over time and includes various types of pelargoniums:
zonals, stellars, peltatum, Angel, and some scented varieties.
Then came the decisive encounter for her with the Zonartics, the fascinating creations of the Australian hybridizer Cliff Blackman.
It was a natural transition towards an inevitable question: what if I tried to create new ones?
“Try, learn, create”
In 2016, Irina began her work of controlled pollination.
From the first seeds, new plantlets emerged which, once observed and selected, became recognizable and distinctive varieties, such as:
Primo Ballo (donated by bees),
Fata Suanna,
Mele sulla Neve,
Rahat Loukoum,
Ludwig,
Madreperla.
Initially, the chosen prefix was IY (Irina Yashina), but with the involvement of her parents in the hybridization process, the definitive prefix was born: IRIOL – IRI(na), O(leg) and L(iudmila).
Stellar: a choice from the heart
Despite the excellent results obtained with the Zonartics, stellars are Irina's favorite category.
Pelargoniums which, according to her, have a different, more subtle energy that needs to be observed carefully.
Her collection consists mainly of her varieties and her seedlings, the result of years of work and observation.
Rigorous selection, without compromise
Space is the primary natural limit that prevents Irina from further expanding her collection. But the true core of her work is something else: the cultivation and testing of seedlings.
Among hundreds of plantlets, most are discarded.
The reasons are many:
- a spectacular flower, but a less harmonious bush
- a plant too similar to existing varieties
- a shape that does not achieve the desired balance
In stellars, as in hybrids, achieving something truly new is difficult.
Out of dozens of seedlings, only a few truly attract attention.
Form, balance, personality
Irina prefers:
- semi-double and double flowers
- dwarf or standard bushes
- well-branched, tidy, and clean plants
Each plant must function as a harmonious whole: flower, leaf, and habit.
Stellar pelargoniums, in particular, have a special energy for her that deserves to be appreciated calmly, over time.
Who are Irina Yashina's pelargoniums for?
Her creations are designed for those who love:
- plants rigorously selected
- refined and balanced forms
- uncommon varieties, to observe and get to know
👉 Discover the available varieties in the category dedicated to Irina Yashina's pelargoniums.
