Pelargonium is a genus of flowering plants that includes about 280 species of perennials , succulents , and shrubs , unremarkably called geraniums , pelargoniums , or storksbills . Geranium is also the botanic name and common name of a disjoined genus of related industrial plant , also known as cranesbills . These plants are typically herbaceous perennials and can grow to a mature size of 1 to 3 feet tall and wide .
Out of the 280 species , relatively few of these coinage are commonly cultivated , many varieties of sure coinage are commercially produced . breed efforts in the retiring few decades have resulted in the introduction of many raw and superior miscellanea .
geranium originated in Africa , consort to the Old Farmer ’s Almanac . Dutch traders brought them to Europe , where they were named geranium because of their law of similarity to a hardy , raving mad geranium ( Geranium ) native to Europe . Botanists erroneously include them in the geranium compartmentalisation . They were later classify as Pelargonium , which means stork ’s bill , referring to the shape of the seedpod .
Geranium leaves can be rounded , lobed , or deeply dissected and may have a smooth or hairy texture . The heyday are five - petaled and are borne in clusters or umbels . They can be in tincture of cherry-red , pinkish , purple , white or Salmon River . Its growing habit admit chase ( English ivy - leaved geranium ) , upright ( zonary geraniums ) , and bushy or spreading grade .
These flowers are an excellent gain to the summertime annual garden . They are dauntless in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zone 10 and 11 and commonly flowers as annuals or perennials . Geraniums can be propagated from seeds , cutting , or division .
Geraniums are drought and passion tolerant but can tolerate only nonaged frosts . Some coinage are extremely popular garden plant , grown as houseplants and bedding plant in temperate regions . They usually have a long flowering period . They work well when planted on their own or combined with other plant life such as lavender and nemesia . Some eccentric of geranium are perfect for growing in hang basket .
coarse pestis that may affect geranium include aphid , wanderer touch , whiteflies , and caterpillars . Diseases such as powdery mold , botrytis blight , and bacterial leaf spot can also occur , especially in humid conditions .
List of Geraniums
Description
Pelargonium × hortorum ( Zonal geranium )
Zonal geraniums are complex hybrids which haveP. zonaleandP. inquinansas dominant parent . These plant are characterize by leaf marked with a chocolate-brown annulated zone and inflorescence in the human body of large ball of tight flowers , usually in shades of cerise , pink , or white . They are among the most vernacular geraniums find in garden centre and florists , usable in great deal for windowsills , balconies , or planted in flowerbeds .
loanblend are available in both F1 cum varieties ( exclusive flower type that bloom the first yr from seed and follow unfeigned from seed ) and vegetative varieties ( semi - double to double type that are diffuse by cuttings ) .
Pelargonium tenner domesticum ( Martha Washington or Lady Washington geraniums )
Pelargonium x domesticum , commonly love as Martha Washington or Lady Washington geranium , royal or royal pelargoniums . These plants were named after the wife of the first prexy of the United States , George Washington , and are aboriginal to North Africa . They feature large , bloom in shades of pinkish , royal , crimson , snowy , and yellow , with contrasting marking in the center of the heyday . They are ordinarily identified from their rippled petals and bright green , serrated foliage .
genus Pelargonium peltatum ( Hedera helix - leaved geranium )
genus Pelargonium peltatum , ordinarily known as Ivy - leave alone geranium or Hedera helix geranium , is trailing or cascading in nature with succulent , ivy - shaped leafage . They bring forth round clusters of unmarried or double flower in shades of pink , mauve , lilac , and white . The upper two petals of the flowers may have dark scoring and wind back almost 90 ° degrees . They bloom throughout the lovesome month from springtime through fall .
Pelargonium grandiflorum ( with child - flower geranium )
Pelargonium grandiflorum , normally known as the Large - flowered geranium feature orotund heyday and attractive foliage . Foliage is profoundly lobed , with serrated edge . This geranium has an upright growth form , with stems that may become fairly woody with years . The prime are individual or semi - double and can be in shades of pinkish , red , purple , livid , and salmon . The petals may have some markings . They bloom throughout the warmer months , from spring through nightfall .
Pelargonium odoratissimum ( Apple - scented geranium )
Pelargonium odoratissimum ( Apple - scented geranium ) feature velvety and deeply lob foliage with a scollop border . It is a small , spreading mintage that only maturate up to 30 cm high and 60 cm extensive . The leave of absence emit a secure , sweet-scented fragrancy evocative of ripe apples . This geranium produces small flowers in clusters above the foliation . The salad days are white or pale pink in color . It make a dense knoll of leafage , with stem that may become slightly woody with age .
Pelargonium graveolens ( Rose - scented geranium )
genus Pelargonium graveolens ( blush wine - perfumed geranium ) or sugared - scented geranium , honest-to-god fashion develop geranium , has deeply lobed and serrated leaves with a fuzzy grain . The leaves too have a jump - alike scent , when touched or lightly hurt which is why it is ordinarily known as the Rose - scented geranium . The blooms are pink or lavender in coloring . The flowers are not as showy as some other genus Pelargonium species . In frost - costless part , Pelargonium graveolens usually acquire into a heavy shrub .
Pelargonium citrosum ( Citronella geranium )
Pelargonium citrosum , commonly known as the Citronella geranium or Mosquito plant has bright green leaves that emit a warm lemon yellow - like fragrance when crush . It has a shaggy-coated growth habit and its good for container horticulture or as a bedding flora in garden borderline . The blooms are ordinarily sick pink or lily-white in vividness . It is mostly grown as an yearbook or land indoors during the wintertime in colder climates .
Pelargonium tomentosum ( Eucalyptus amygdalina - odoriferous geranium )
genus Pelargonium tomentosum , the Mentha piperita - scented geranium is an aromatic , low - growing , sprawl suffrutex , with branches circulate in all directions . The stems are herbaceous and brickle , becoming somewhat woody with age . The leave are greyish - green in color with fine hairs covering the surface . The leaves breathe a strong , fresh peppermint smell when crushed , similar to spearmint or peppermint candy . The leaf can be used to flavor tea , jellies , and pastries , and they are also included in corporation - pourris . The blooms are lily-white or pale pink in coloring .
Pelargonium crispum ( Lemon - odorous geranium )
Growing Geraniums
Though common geraniums tolerate partial Lord’s Day , they flower best with at least four to six hours of direct sunlight each day . Water the geraniums exhaustively , but allow the soil to dry out between watering sessions . Spent flower ask to be removed to encourage the plant to produce more blush . Pinch off theme tips to advertise the development of more branches , which creates a shaggy-coated industrial plant . Half - strength fertiliser applications serve the geranium grow if applied every two calendar month during active emergence . you’re able to broadcast common geranium through theme press clipping . They do not need root hormone to arise roots , so just slither the stems into dry soil and take into account them to take root .
Common geraniums are not ordinarily bothered by dirt ball or diseases . Whiteflies and aphids can invade the plant life , using their leaf as hiding places , but a potent stream of water from a hosiery will get rid of these little pests . The main problem for these flowers is irrigate . Both under - and over - watering will cause the leaves to plough yellow . Over - watering drive stem and root rot . Always check the soil before watering and , if in doubtfulness , waitress another day before lacrimation .
