Pelargonium
( pel - ar - GOH - nee - um )
At-A-Glance InformationThe common name of this genus is Geranium, and needs some shade in warmer climates and moderate to regular water. The flowers will attract birds to your garden. These plants are frost-tender and woody-based and native to South Africa. They have succulent-type stems and leaves, with flowers held in clusters. They perform best in areas with warm dry days and cooler nights. All types of Pelargonium do best in containers; they bloom the best when they are somewhat pot-bound. Geranium leaves can be used to flavor teas and jellies.
|
Pelargonium Species and Varietals
Pelargonium domesticum (Lady Washington Pelargonium, Martha Washington Pelargonium, Regal Geranium) Leaves on this species are dark green and appear on a plant that is 3 feet tall and wide. Flowers come in many colors, including pink, red, lavender and purple blotched with darker colors. Great for containers or hanging baskets. |
Pelargonium x hortorum (Common Geranium, Garden Geranium)
This hybrid species of Geranium has stems that are succulent, and gets to 1-2 feet tall and just as wide. Some varieties have plain green foliage, others have banded leaves. Flowers can be single or double and come in white, pink, rose, red, orange, lavender-blue and violet. There are many interesting varieties in this group of Geraniums, some of which are outlined below.
This hybrid species of Geranium has stems that are succulent, and gets to 1-2 feet tall and just as wide. Some varieties have plain green foliage, others have banded leaves. Flowers can be single or double and come in white, pink, rose, red, orange, lavender-blue and violet. There are many interesting varieties in this group of Geraniums, some of which are outlined below.
Pelargonium peltatum (Ivy Geranium)
Reaches 1.5 feet tall and 3-5 feet wide. Leaves are bright green and succulent, and flowers can be single or double in colors that include white, pink, rose, red and lavender. Upper petals may be streaked with darker colors. Select varieties are described here.
Reaches 1.5 feet tall and 3-5 feet wide. Leaves are bright green and succulent, and flowers can be single or double in colors that include white, pink, rose, red and lavender. Upper petals may be streaked with darker colors. Select varieties are described here.
Scented Varieties of Geranium
This group of Pelargonium has foliage with a marked fragrance. Most reach 1-3 feet tall and just as wide, with a trailing habit. Leaves vary in size and shape, and small flowers are borne in clusters, blooming in white or rose. Their common names usually refer to the scent of their leaves. Choice selections are described below.
This group of Pelargonium has foliage with a marked fragrance. Most reach 1-3 feet tall and just as wide, with a trailing habit. Leaves vary in size and shape, and small flowers are borne in clusters, blooming in white or rose. Their common names usually refer to the scent of their leaves. Choice selections are described below.
Caring for Pelargonium
Geranium likes fast-draining soil but is not picky otherwise, as long as the soil is amended with organic material. If grown in sandy soil, feed these plants with a fertilizer during active growing periods. When young, tips can be pinched to encourage a more bushy habit.
Harvesting Pelargonium
Harvesting Pelargonium
Propagation
Problems and Pests
Whiteflies
Aphids
Spider Mites
Geranium or Tobacco Worm
Aphids
Spider Mites
Geranium or Tobacco Worm
Gallery
Videos
A video all about growing camellias successfully
|
Propagating camellias
|
Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Pages 487 - 488, Pelargonium
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or photos you’d like to add to the gallery, please let me know by sending me a message using the button below!