Genus Pelargonium (Geranium)

Pelargonium Pelargonium 'Pungent Peppermint' Photo/Illustration: Jennifer Brown
pel-ar-GO-nee-um Common Name: Geranium
This genus of mostly evergreen perennials, shrubs, and succulents comes mainly from South Africa. The innumerable cultivars are divided into 6 groups, and they originate from roughly 20 species. They are a staple for hanging baskets, summer bedding, and greenhouse displays. They have terminal clusters of flowers with 5 petals, which may be shaped like saucers, stars, butterflies, trumpets, or funnels. Most bloom in spring or summer, but some may flower in winter if temperatures are kept around 45° to 50°F. Many have foliage with attractive markings and a distinct, rich aroma.
Noteworthy characteristics: This plentiful and charming genus offers plants with an abundance of flower colors and decorative leaf forms for both indoors and outdoors.
Care: Deadhead spent flowers consistently. Outdoors: grow in neutral to alkaline, well-drained soil and preferably full sun (regals prefer partial shade and zonals tolerate some shade). In hot climates, provide mid-day shade; in cold climates, overwinter indoors and trim back by one-third and repot when grown resumes. Indoors: provide with light soil mix, good light and ventilation, and mid-day shade. Fertilize every two weeks during growth and water sparingly in winter.
Propagation: Root softwood cuttings in spring, late summer or early fall. Sow seed from late winter to early spring at 70°F.
Problems: Spider mites, thrips, mealybugs, caterpillars, mildew, gray mold, black leg, flower break virus, Xanthomonas blight, edema.

Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Pelargonium

Pelargonium 'Crystal Palace Gem' Pelargonium 'Crystal Palace Gem'
Be the first to rate this plant

Dazzling gardeners for well over a century, 'Crystal Palace Gem' is still highly sought after. It was first introduced in 1869 and was named for Joseph Paxton's elaborate glass house designed in 1851 for London's Great Exhibition in Hyde Park. The plant's flamboyant foliage is just as showy, in its own way, as its namesake: round chartreuse leaves with a midgreen center and salmon-red flowers. It provides an altogether eye-popping display that lasts from spring until frost.

Pelargonium ‘Attar of Roses’ Pelargonium ‘Attar of Roses’
(Geranium, Scented geranium)
Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Rose-scented leaves and clusters of pale pink flowers adorn this trailing geranium. Grow in a location where the foliage can be touched and, thus, the scent released.

Pelargonium ‘Lady Scarborough’ Pelargonium ‘Lady Scarborough’
(Geranium, Scented geranium, Strawberry-scented geranium)
Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

‘Lady Scarborough’ is blessed with strawberry-scented, crinkled-edge leaves and pale pink flowers with dark markings. It works well in a hanging basket if left unpruned.

Pelargonium ‘Pungent Peppermint’ Pelargonium ‘Pungent Peppermint’
(Geranium, Scented geranium)
Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This trailing plant has peppermint-scented, deeply cut leaves and mauve flowers.

Pelargonium ‘Roger’s Delight’ Pelargonium ‘Roger’s Delight’
(Geranium, Scented geranium)
Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Trailing ‘Roger’s Delight’ has lemon-scented leaves and large red upper petals and paler lower petals.

Pelargonium crispum Pelargonium crispum
(Geranium)
Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This plant is a lemon-scented, shrubby, upright pelargonium with pale pink flowers and crinkled leaves.

Pelargonium crispum ‘Variegatum’ Pelargonium crispum ‘Variegatum’
(Geranium, Scented geranium, Variegated lemon-scented geranium)
Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This lemon-scented, shrubby, upright pelargonium has cream-margined leaves.

Pelargonium sidoides
(Kalwerbossie geranium , Silverleaf geranium)
Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This exemplary species has felted, gray, crinkled leaves. Over a long period, it exhibits sprays of butterfly-shaped, rich wine-red flowers, which contrast dramatically with the foliage. Its small stature makes it a perfect candidate for a container or a walkway edge. It has been used medicinally for the treatment of various infections, including bronchitis. It is a native of Africa.

Pelargonium tomentosum Pelargonium tomentosum
(Mint-scented geranium, Peppermint geranium)
Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

The velvety leaves of this choice species are pale green with long, silky hairs. The angora-like feel of the foliage is matched by its heavenly aroma of fresh mint. It bears clusters of dainty white blossoms in spring, but remains an exceptional foliage plant throughout the year.