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Care and Growth of
Pelargonium Geraniums
There are many varieties of geranium and different plants are called
the same name by different people.
A blue flowering plant with similar flowers (and sometimes leafs) has
the Latin name Geranium but is commonly called Cranesbill.
The bright red garden favorite has the Latin name Pelargonium and the
common name Geranium.
I have found red flowering pelargonium hortorum, or the Common Garden
Geraniums to be dependable dry garden plants, and that is the focus of
this article.
These perennial plants grow up to 3 feet tall (or more) and have a
shrubby habit. The leafs are slightly hairy and aromatic and can
measure from 1 to 3 inches across. There are many different
hybrids of geraniums, some with scalloped leafs and some with colorful
edges or centers.
They are native to South Africa so they can take heat and bloom almost
year round. In my heavy, clay soil they do well with occasional
water. They can take full sun to part shade, but if it gets over
100 degrees in the afternoon they will need shade during that time.
Geraniums are great in the gardens or in containers. In planters,
geraniums (Pelargonium) want regular to moderate water. The
smaller the pot, the faster they will dry out. Many Swiss
villages are known for their colorful geraniums blooming from every
window box and balcony.
Pelargonium flower colors range from white to pink, deep reds, peachy
oranges, to deep salmon. Colors can be gentle pastels or neon
bright colors that stop traffic.
Propagation: Geraniums are easy to root.
I've had great luck just sticking branches in the ground. If the
ground is kept moist for the first week or two they should take
easily. I have also heard geraniums will root in water, but I
haven't tried it myself.
Geraniums can also be grown from seed. But seeds from hybrid
plants will not remain 'true'. Meaning they will not be the same
at the parent plant. It is so much easier to root a cutting and
you know you will get the exact same plant.
Scented Geraniums: Several different versions
of Pelargonium are grown for their scented leafs. Scents include
rose, apple, lime and mint. These plants also grow to about 3
feet tall. Their leafs may not be as large or as round as the Garden
Geraniums. Usually flowers are small, pink and only bloom in the
spring.
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