Geranium
Pelargonium × hortorum
The familiar bedding "geranium" is actually a Pelargonium, a drought-tolerant flowering plant with rounded leaves and bold clusters of red, pink, or white blooms. True Geranium species (cranesbills) are separate hardy perennials.
- Light
- Full sun to bright light
- Water
- Water when top inch is dry
- Difficulty
- Easy
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Overview
What gardeners commonly call a geranium is usually a Pelargonium, a tender South African genus grown as an annual or container plant. The botanically true Geranium (cranesbill) is a different, hardy perennial group.
Zonal geraniums are loved for their showy ball-shaped flower clusters, aromatic foliage, and exceptional tolerance of heat and dry conditions, making them a classic windowbox and patio plant.
How to identify it
Look for rounded, often zone-marked leaves and rounded clusters of flowers on long stalks.
- Leaves: Round to kidney-shaped, soft, often with a darker horseshoe-shaped "zone" band; aromatic when brushed
- Flowers: Dense umbel clusters of five-petaled blooms in red, pink, salmon, white, or purple
- Habit: Bushy, upright, 12-24 in tall (trailing in ivy-leaf types)
- Stems: Thick, slightly succulent, becoming woody at the base
Care & growing
Geraniums are forgiving and prefer to dry slightly between waterings.
- Light: Full sun outdoors; very bright light indoors
- Water: Let the top inch of soil dry, then water thoroughly; they dislike soggy roots
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix
- Temperature: Warm-season; protect from frost, overwinter indoors in cold climates
- Feeding: Light, regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer during growth
- Maintenance: Deadhead spent flower stalks at the base to keep blooming
- Propagation: Easy from stem cuttings
Habitat & origin
Pelargoniums are native to southern Africa, especially the Cape region of South Africa, where they grow in dry, sunny habitats.
They are now grown around the world as ornamental container and bedding plants, popular on balconies, windowsills, and in Mediterranean-style gardens.
Frequently asked questions
Is my geranium a true geranium?
Most bedding 'geraniums' are actually Pelargoniums. True hardy Geraniums (cranesbills) have more delicate five-petaled flowers and are cold-hardy perennials.
How do I overwinter geraniums?
Bring them indoors before frost and keep in a bright, cool spot, watering sparingly, or take cuttings to root.
Why are the leaves turning yellow?
Usually overwatering. Let the soil dry more between waterings and ensure good drainage.
How do I keep geraniums blooming?
Give full sun, deadhead spent flower stalks at the base, and feed lightly during the growing season.
Geranium guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for Geranium.
Geranium identified by the community
Real specimens identified with Plant Identifier.
