Different Types Of Geraniums – Choose The Best Varieties For Stunning
Do you ever walk through a garden center and feel completely overwhelmed by the rows of vibrant blooms? You aren’t alone, especially when it comes to the vast world of geraniums.
Choosing the right plant for your specific garden spot can be tricky, but understanding the different types of geraniums will give you the confidence to create a professional-looking landscape. I promise that once you know the secrets of these versatile plants, you will be able to pick the perfect variety for any container or flower bed.
In this guide, we will explore the five main categories of these garden favorites, discuss their unique care needs, and help you distinguish between annual pelargoniums and hardy perennials. Let’s dive into the colorful world of these resilient beauties together!
Understanding the different types of geraniums
Before we dig into the dirt, we need to clear up one of the biggest botanical mix-ups in the gardening world. Most of the plants we call “geraniums” are actually members of the genus Pelargonium.
These are the sun-loving, tender perennials often grown as annuals in cooler climates. On the other hand, “true geraniums” are hardy perennials that come back year after year in the ground.
Knowing the different types of geraniums available helps you decide if you want a temporary splash of color for a summer pot or a permanent resident for your woodland garden. Let’s look at the most popular groups you will encounter at your local nursery.
Zonal Geraniums: The Classic Garden Workhorse
If you close your eyes and picture a geranium, you are likely thinking of a Zonal Geranium. These are the quintessential porch plants known for their upright growth and sturdy, succulent stems.
They get their name from the “zone” of darker color found on their round, scalloped leaves. These markings can range from deep bronze to soft purple, adding visual interest even when the plant isn’t blooming.
Zonal varieties produce large, globe-like clusters of flowers called umbels. They are incredibly tough and can handle heat better than most other varieties, making them a top choice for beginners.
Best Uses for Zonal Varieties
Because of their upright habit, these plants are perfect for the center of a mixed container. They provide height and a strong structural element that anchors smaller filler plants.
They also excel when planted in mass groupings in garden beds. Their bold colors create a visual punch that can be seen from across the street, boosting your home’s curb appeal instantly.
Quick Care Tips for Zonals
To keep your Zonals looking their best, make sure to “deadhead” them regularly. This simply means snapping off the spent flower stalks at the base to encourage the plant to produce new buds.
They prefer full sun—at least six to eight hours a day—and well-draining soil. Be careful not to overwater, as their thick stems are prone to rot if kept in soggy conditions.
Ivy Geraniums: The Best Choice for Hanging Baskets
If you want flowers that spill gracefully over the edges of a window box, Ivy Geraniums are your best friend. These plants have a trailing growth habit that can reach several feet in length.
Their foliage is quite different from the Zonal type; the leaves are thick, glossy, and shaped much like English ivy. This waxy coating helps them retain moisture and gives them a luxurious appearance.
The flowers are generally smaller and more delicate than those of Zonal geraniums. They often come in shades of lavender, soft pink, and bi-colors that look like tiny rosebuds.
Creating the Perfect Window Box
Ivy geraniums look spectacular when paired with other trailing plants like lobelia or sweet potato vine. Their cascading stems create a “waterfall” effect that softens the hard lines of balconies and railings.
I find they look particularly charming in terracotta pots. The orange-red of the clay provides a beautiful contrast to the deep green, glossy leaves and pastel flowers.
Managing Temperature and Light
Unlike their Zonal cousins, Ivy geraniums are a bit more sensitive to extreme heat. If the temperature consistently stays above 85 degrees Fahrenheit, they may stop blooming temporarily.
In very hot climates, give them some afternoon shade to keep them happy. They also require consistent moisture, so check your hanging baskets daily during the height of summer.
Scented-Leaf Geraniums: A Fragrant Garden Surprise
Scented geraniums are grown primarily for their incredible foliage rather than their flowers. When you brush against the leaves, they release a burst of fragrance that can mimic everything from citrus to spice.
The variety of scents is truly mind-blowing. You can find plants that smell like lemon, peppermint, chocolate, nutmeg, and even ginger.
Their leaves come in a wide array of shapes and textures. Some are fuzzy and soft, while others are deeply lobed and look like delicate lace.
Why You Need Scented Varieties
These are fantastic “touch” plants for a sensory garden or a walkway. I love planting a Rose-Scented Geranium near a garden bench where guests can easily reach out and enjoy the aroma.
The leaves are also edible! Many bakers use them to flavor sugar, tea, or even jellies. Just make sure you are using a plant that hasn’t been treated with chemical pesticides.
Growing Scented Geraniums Indoors
Because they are so fragrant and easy to care for, these are excellent candidates for indoor houseplants. They will thrive on a sunny windowsill and keep your home smelling fresh all year long.
Just remember that they can become “leggy” if they don’t get enough light. Don’t be afraid to pinch back the growing tips to encourage a bushier, more compact shape.
Regal and Angel Geraniums: The Elegant Showstoppers
Regal Geraniums, often called “Martha Washingtons,” are the aristocrats of the different types of geraniums. They boast the largest and most dramatic flowers of the entire group.
The blooms often feature “blotches” of darker color in the center, giving them an appearance similar to pansies or orchids. The foliage is stiff, ruffled, and has a slightly serrated edge.
Angel geraniums are essentially a miniature version of the Regals. They have a smaller, more compact habit and produce a massive amount of tiny, pansy-like flowers.
Mastering the Cool-Weather Bloom
The trick to growing Regals is understanding their temperature requirements. They actually need cool nights (around 50-60 degrees) to set their flower buds.
This means they are usually at their peak in early spring. Once the summer heat sets in, they typically stop flowering and take a rest until the weather cools down again in the fall.
Best Locations for Regals
Since they prefer cooler temperatures, they make wonderful houseplants for a bright, unheated sunroom. They also look stunning in decorative pots on a covered patio where they are protected from the midday sun.
If you live in a coastal area with mild summers, you can grow these outdoors all season long. They will reward you with breathtaking displays of bi-color blooms that are sure to turn heads.
Hardy Geraniums: The Perennial Cranesbill
Now we move away from the Pelargoniums and into the world of “True Geraniums,” also known as Cranesbill. These are tough, reliable perennials that return every spring.
Unlike the potted varieties, hardy geraniums have a mounding or spreading habit. They are fantastic groundcovers that can fill in gaps between shrubs or under taller perennials.
The flowers are usually five-petaled and come in shades of blue, purple, and magenta. The “Rozanne” variety is a personal favorite because it blooms non-stop from June until the first frost.
A Solution for Every Garden Problem
Hardy geraniums are incredibly versatile. Some varieties thrive in full sun, while others are perfectly happy in the deep shade of a woodland garden.
They are also deer-resistant and rarely bothered by pests. If your garden is a buffet for local wildlife, these plants are a safe and beautiful choice for your landscape.
Low Maintenance Beauty
Once established, hardy geraniums require very little care. You don’t need to deadhead them to keep them blooming, though a quick “haircut” after the first flush of flowers can encourage fresh foliage growth.
They are easily divided in the spring or fall. This is a cost-effective way to expand your garden by turning one large plant into three or four smaller ones.
Essential Care Tips for All Types of Geraniums
While each variety has its own quirks, there are a few universal rules for keeping your geraniums thriving. Following these simple steps will ensure your plants stay healthy and vibrant.
- Light is Key: Most geraniums need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. If they look thin and stretched out, they are likely begging for more light.
- Don’t Drown Them: Geraniums hate “wet feet.” Always allow the top inch of soil to dry out before you reach for the watering can.
- Feed Regularly: Flowering takes a lot of energy! Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.
- Good Airflow: To prevent fungal issues like gray mold (Botrytis), make sure your plants aren’t crammed too tightly together.
If you notice yellowing leaves, it is often a sign of overwatering or a lack of nitrogen. Adjust your watering schedule first, as this is the most common mistake gardeners make.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Even the most experienced gardeners run into trouble occasionally. One common issue with geraniums is the Tobacco Budworm. These tiny caterpillars eat the flower buds before they can open.
If you see small holes in your buds or find “pepper-like” droppings on the leaves, you likely have an infestation. You can treat this by hand-picking the worms at dusk or using an organic spray containing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt).
Another problem is “edema,” which shows up as small, corky bumps on the underside of the leaves. This isn’t a disease but a physiological condition caused by the plant taking up more water than it can use. Improving drainage and airflow usually fixes the problem.
How to Overwinter Your Favorite Varieties
If you have a Pelargonium that you absolutely love, you don’t have to let it die when the frost arrives. Overwintering is a budget-friendly way to keep your favorite plants for next year.
- Before the first frost, dig up the plant and prune it back by about half.
- Pot it up in fresh potting soil and bring it inside to a bright, cool room.
- Reduce watering significantly; the plant should stay barely moist.
- In the spring, once the danger of frost has passed, gradually reintroduce it to the outdoors.
Alternatively, some gardeners store them “bare-root” in a paper bag in a cool, dark basement. This method takes up less space but requires a bit more effort to revive the plants in the spring.
Frequently Asked Questions About different types of geraniums
What is the difference between a geranium and a pelargonium?
In common language, we use the names interchangeably. However, botanically, Pelargoniums are the tender plants often grown in pots, while Geraniums (Cranesbill) are hardy perennials that stay in the garden year-round.
Do geraniums like sun or shade?
Most varieties, especially Zonal and Ivy types, crave full sun. However, Scented and Hardy varieties can often tolerate partial shade, and Regal types prefer protection from the hot afternoon sun.
How often should I water my geraniums?
There is no set schedule, as it depends on your climate. The best practice is to feel the soil; if the top inch is dry, it’s time to water. Hanging baskets will dry out much faster than garden beds.
Can I grow geraniums from seeds?
Yes, you can! However, most modern hybrids are grown from cuttings to ensure the flower color and habit remain consistent. Starting from seed requires patience and a good light setup indoors.
Conclusion: Start Your Geranium Journey Today
Exploring the different types of geraniums is one of the most rewarding journeys a gardener can take. Whether you want the dramatic blooms of a Regal, the trailing elegance of an Ivy, or the reliable return of a Hardy Cranesbill, there is a variety perfectly suited for your space.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors and scents. These plants are incredibly forgiving and will reward your minimal efforts with a spectacular explosion of color and fragrance.
So, the next time you visit the nursery, look beyond the basic red Zonal. Grab a scented leaf variety for your patio or a hardy perennial for that tricky shady spot. Your garden—and your neighbors—will thank you for it. Go forth and grow!
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