Geranium Vs Pelargonium – How To Identify And Grow The Right Flower
Have you ever bought a beautiful “geranium” at a nursery, only to have it wither away after the first winter frost? You are certainly not alone in this frustration.
The geranium vs pelargonium debate has confused even the most experienced green thumbs for centuries due to a botanical naming mix-up from the 1700s.
In this guide, I will help you clear up the confusion so you can choose the right plants for your garden beds, hanging baskets, and patio containers.
Defining the Differences: Geranium vs Pelargonium
To understand why these two plants are so often confused, we have to look back at their history. They both belong to the same family, Geraniaceae, which is where the similarity starts.
Back in the day, botanists grouped them together because their seed pods look remarkably similar. Both pods resemble the long, pointed beak of a bird, leading to common nicknames.
True geraniums are often called cranesbills, while pelargoniums are frequently referred to as storksbills. Despite these similarities, they have very different needs and growth habits.
When comparing geranium vs pelargonium in a garden setting, the most important distinction is their ability to survive the cold. One is a tough survivor, and the other is a tropical beauty.
Think of the true geranium as the reliable perennial that returns year after year. Think of the pelargonium as the showy, sun-loving star that usually needs a warm spot indoors for the winter.
I always tell my friends to check the label for the word “hardy.” If it says hardy, you are likely looking at a true geranium that can handle a bit of snow.
The Visual Guide to True Geraniums (Cranesbills)
True geraniums are the “set it and forget it” heroes of the gardening world. They are herbaceous perennials, meaning they die back to the ground in winter and sprout again in spring.
Flower Shape and Symmetry
If you look closely at a true geranium flower, you will notice it is perfectly symmetrical. It has five petals that are all the exact same shape and size.
These petals are arranged like a star or a wheel. This radial symmetry is a dead giveaway that you are holding a hardy geranium rather than its cousin.
The colors are usually found in the blue, pink, purple, and white range. You will rarely find a true hardy geranium in a bright, fire-engine red.
Foliage and Growth Habit
The leaves of a true geranium are typically deeply lobed or divided. They often look quite delicate, almost like lace or a bird’s footprint on the soil.
Most varieties grow in low, spreading mounds. This makes them the perfect choice for a ground cover or for filling in the gaps between taller shrubs.
Some varieties, like the popular ‘Rozanne’, will bloom from early summer all the way until the first hard frost. They are truly the workhorses of a low-maintenance landscape.
Identifying Pelargoniums: The Common Garden “Geranium”
Most of the plants sold in big-box stores as “geraniums” are actually pelargoniums. These are the plants you see in window boxes and hanging baskets across the country.
Unique Flower Structure
Unlike the symmetrical true geranium, pelargonium flowers are irregular. If you look at a single bloom, you will see two upper petals and three lower petals.
The upper petals are often a different size or have different markings than the lower ones. This bilateral symmetry is a key feature of the pelargonium genus.
These flowers come in a massive range of colors. You can find them in vibrant oranges, deep reds, bicolors, and even shimmering whites.
Stems and Leaf Texture
Pelargoniums generally have thick, succulent-like stems that can become woody as the plant ages. These stems store water, helping the plant survive dry spells.
The leaves are often circular or heart-shaped and may have a dark “zone” or ring of color in the center. These are known as zonal pelargoniums.
If you rub the leaves of certain varieties, you might smell lemon, rose, or peppermint. These are the “scented-leaf” varieties that are favorites for indoor herb gardens.
Key Differences in Growing Requirements
Understanding the needs of geranium vs pelargonium is the secret to a thriving garden. If you plant them in the wrong spot, they will likely struggle to bloom.
True geraniums generally prefer a bit of shade, especially in the hot afternoon sun. They love moist, well-draining soil and are very happy in a traditional cottage garden.
Pelargoniums, on the other hand, are sun worshippers. They need at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight to produce those big, beautiful flower clusters.
Because pelargoniums are often grown in pots, they need a high-quality potting mix. I recommend using a mix that contains perlite to ensure the roots don’t sit in water.
Don’t forget the fertilizer! Pelargoniums are heavy feeders. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season to keep the flowers coming.
True geraniums are much less demanding. A simple top-dressing of compost in the spring is usually all they need to stay happy and healthy for years.
A Deep Dive into Popular Varieties
Knowing which variety to pick can feel overwhelming. Let’s break down some of the most reliable options for your home garden.
Top Hardy Geranium Varieties
- Geranium ‘Rozanne’: Famous for its violet-blue flowers and incredibly long blooming season. It is virtually indestructible.
- Geranium sanguineum: Also known as Bloody Cranesbill, this variety has stunning crimson flowers and turns a beautiful red in the autumn.
- Geranium macrorrhizum: A fantastic choice for dry shade. Its fuzzy leaves have a pleasant, spicy scent when touched.
Popular Pelargonium Groups
- Zonal Pelargoniums: The classic upright plants with the “ring” on the leaf. Great for garden beds and large pots.
- Ivy-Leaved Pelargoniums: These have trailing stems and glossy leaves. They are the absolute best choice for hanging baskets.
- Regal Pelargoniums: Also called Martha Washingtons, these have huge, orchid-like blooms but prefer cooler summer temperatures.
- Scented-Leaf Pelargoniums: Grown more for their fragrance than their flowers. They are wonderful to plant near a walkway where you can brush against them.
Overwintering: How to Keep Your Plants Alive
Since true geraniums are hardy, you don’t have to do much. Once the foliage dies back in late autumn, simply cut the stems down to a few inches above the soil.
Apply a thin layer of mulch or leaf mold over the crown. This protects the roots from extreme temperature swings during the coldest months of the year.
Pelargoniums are a different story. If you live in a climate with frost, you must bring them inside if you want to see them again next year.
One popular method is the “bare root” technique. Dig up the plant, shake off the soil, and hang it upside down in a cool, dark basement.
Alternatively, you can keep them as houseplants on a sunny windowsill. Cut them back by about half to encourage bushy new growth and reduce the stress on the plant.
Water them very sparingly during the winter. They are in a dormant state and will quickly rot if the soil stays too wet while they aren’t actively growing.
Common Problems and How to Solve Them
Even the best gardeners run into trouble sometimes. The key is to catch the problem early before it spreads to your other plants.
Pests to Watch For
Pelargoniums are often targeted by the tobacco budworm. These tiny caterpillars eat the flower buds before they even have a chance to open.
If you see small holes in your buds or find “pepper-like” droppings on the leaves, you likely have an infestation. Hand-picking them at dusk is a very effective solution.
True geraniums are generally pest-resistant, but they can occasionally suffer from slugs or snails. This is especially true in damp, shady corners of the garden.
Disease Prevention
Both plants can suffer from fungal issues like rust or powdery mildew. This usually happens when there is not enough airflow around the foliage.
To prevent this, make sure you don’t crowd your plants too closely together. Always water at the base of the plant rather than splashing the leaves.
If you notice orange spots on the underside of your pelargonium leaves, that is rust. Remove the affected leaves immediately and improve the ventilation in the area.
Frequently Asked Questions About Geranium vs Pelargonium
Can I grow geraniums and pelargoniums together in the same pot?
It is usually not recommended. True geraniums like more moisture and cooler roots, while pelargoniums prefer to dry out between waterings and love the heat.
You will find it much easier to manage their care if you keep them in separate containers or different parts of the garden that suit their specific needs.
Are these plants safe for my cats and dogs?
This is a very important question. Pelargoniums contain essential oils like geraniol and linalool, which can be toxic to pets if they eat the leaves.
Symptoms usually include skin irritation or upset stomachs. True geraniums (cranesbills) are generally considered non-toxic, but it is always best to keep pets from munching on garden plants.
Why is my pelargonium getting “leggy” and tall?
Legginess is almost always caused by a lack of light. The plant is stretching out to try and find more sun. Move it to a brighter location immediately.
You can also “pinch back” the growing tips. Use your thumb and forefinger to snap off the top inch of the stem. This forces the plant to grow side branches and become bushier.
Do I need to deadhead these flowers?
Yes, especially for pelargoniums! Deadheading is the process of removing faded flowers. It prevents the plant from wasting energy on seed production.
When you snap off the old flower stalks, the plant “thinks” it needs to try again, which results in a fresh flush of beautiful new blooms for you to enjoy.
Final Thoughts for Your Garden Success
Mastering the geranium vs pelargonium distinction is a rite of passage for every serious gardener. It marks the moment you move from “buying pretty flowers” to “understanding plant biology.”
Remember that there is a place for both in your landscape. Use the hardy geraniums to create a lush, perennial carpet in your flower beds that returns every spring.
Save the pelargoniums for your high-impact areas, like the front porch or the patio table, where their bold colors can truly shine throughout the summer months.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different varieties! Gardening is all about learning what works best in your specific soil and climate conditions.
Whether you choose the resilient cranesbill or the flamboyant storksbill, you are well on your way to creating a vibrant and healthy outdoor space.
Go forth and grow, and may your garden be filled with beautiful blooms all season long!
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