30 Popular Types Of Pelargonium Pictorial Guide

Pelargonium, also known as storksbill, is a genus of flowering plants that belongs to the Geraniaceae family. This genus contains around 200 species of perennial, annual, and biennial herbs, shrubs, and succulents. Pelargoniums are native to southern Africa, and they are known for their colorful and fragrant flowers. The plants are widely cultivated and used as ornamental plants in gardens, parks, and indoors.

Appearance

Pelargonium plants come in a wide range of sizes, from small succulents to large shrubs. The leaves are usually lobed or toothed and have a soft texture. The flowers are usually five-petaled and come in a variety of colors, including red, pink, white, and purple. Some species have a distinct two-tone coloration, with a darker center and lighter petals. Pelargoniums bloom profusely from spring to fall, producing clusters of flowers that attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Cultivation

Pelargoniums are easy to cultivate and can be grown in pots, hanging baskets, or garden beds. The plants prefer well-drained soil and require moderate watering. They thrive in full sun or partial shade and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from hot and dry to cool and humid. Pelargoniums can be propagated from stem cuttings or seeds.

Uses

Pelargoniums are commonly used as ornamental plants in gardens, parks, and indoors. The plants are prized for their colorful and fragrant flowers, which can be used to create beautiful and long-lasting floral arrangements. In addition, Pelargoniums are used in the production of essential oils, which are extracted from the leaves and flowers. These oils are used in aromatherapy, perfumes, and cosmetics.

Medical Uses

Pelargoniums have a long history of medicinal use in Southern Africa. The Zulu people traditionally used the plants to treat respiratory infections, tuberculosis, and digestive disorders. Today, Pelargonium extracts are commonly used to treat colds, flu, and other respiratory infections. The extracts are believed to have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial properties, which make them effective in relieving symptoms such as cough, congestion, and sore throat.

In conclusion, Pelargoniums are beautiful and versatile plants that can be grown both indoors and outdoors. They are easy to cultivate and provide a wide range of colors and fragrances. Additionally, they have a long history of medicinal use and are commonly used to treat respiratory infections. Whether you are looking for a colorful addition to your garden or a natural remedy for colds and flu, pelargoniums are an excellent choice.

Here are 30 Popular Types Of Pelargonium Pictorial Guide:

Pelargonium ‘Appleblossom Rosebud’

Pelargonium ‘Appleblossom Rosebud’ is a hybrid plant species that produces beautiful, delicate pink flowers with ruffled petals that resemble miniature roses. The plant is a member of the Pelargonium genus, which is known for its showy blooms and is commonly grown as a houseplant or in outdoor gardens. ‘Appleblossom Rosebud’ is a popular cultivar that is prized for its unique and charming flowers.

Pelargonium ‘Attar of Roses’

Pelargonium ‘Attar of Roses’ is a popular cultivar of Pelargonium, commonly known as scented geraniums. It is prized for its aromatic leaves, which have a strong rose fragrance when rubbed. The plant produces clusters of pink flowers that bloom throughout the growing season. ‘Attar of Roses’ is a relatively small plant, reaching up to 12 inches in height, and is often grown in containers or as a border plant. It requires moderate sunlight and well-draining soil to thrive.

Pelargonium ‘Ardens’

Pelargonium ‘Ardens’ is a cultivar of the Pelargonium genus, commonly known as storksbill or geranium. ‘Ardens’ is a compact plant with dark green leaves and vibrant orange-red flowers that bloom in clusters. It is a popular garden plant and is often grown in containers or as bedding plants. ‘Ardens’ is easy to care for and is drought-tolerant, making it a great choice for beginners and those with limited gardening experience.

Pelargonium ‘Angel Eyes’

Pelargonium ‘Angel Eyes’ is a hybrid variety of Pelargonium, commonly known as a geranium plant. It features delicate, pale pink flowers with dark pink markings and a contrasting dark center, resembling an angel’s eye. This plant is a compact and bushy perennial that grows up to 12–16 inches tall and 10–12 inches wide. It is a popular choice for gardens, balconies, and indoor spaces due to its attractive flowers and ease of care.

Pelargonium ‘Bourbon’

Pelargonium ‘Bourbon’ is a type of hybrid geranium that is popular for its fragrant and colorful blooms. This plant is characterized by its upright growth habit and glossy green leaves that are sometimes marked with dark zones. The flowers of Pelargonium ‘Bourbon’ are typically pink, purple, or white and have a distinctive ruffled appearance. This species is often grown as an ornamental plant in gardens or as a houseplant. It is named after the Bourbon Islands in the Indian Ocean, where it is believed to have originated.

Pelargonium ‘Cascade’

Pelargonium ‘Cascade’ is a cultivar of Pelargonium, commonly known as a trailing geranium. It is a perennial plant that produces cascading stems of bright pink flowers, making it a popular choice for hanging baskets and containers. The foliage is also attractive, with deeply lobed leaves that are often variegated in shades of green and white. ‘Cascade’ is easy to grow and requires minimal maintenance, making it a great option for beginner gardeners.

Pelargonium ‘Choun Cho’

Pelargonium ‘Choun Cho’ is a hybrid cultivar of Pelargonium, commonly known as scented geraniums. It is characterized by its delicate, pale pink flowers and distinctive scent, which is reminiscent of cinnamon and cloves. ‘Choun cho is a compact, bushy plant that is commonly grown for its ornamental value and used in aromatherapy and perfumery. It prefers well-drained soil and full sunlight and is relatively easy to care for.

Pelargonium ‘Citronella’

Pelargonium ‘Citronella’ is a hybrid variety of pelargonium plant known for its lemon-scented foliage. It is commonly used for its insect-repelling properties, particularly against mosquitoes, and is often grown in outdoor containers or as a houseplant. The plant produces small pink or white flowers, but it is sought after primarily for its fragrant leaves.

Pelargonium ‘Clorinda’

Pelargonium ‘Clorinda’ is a hybrid plant that belongs to the family Geraniaceae. It is a compact and bushy perennial plant that produces clusters of bright pink flowers with darker markings on the upper petals. ‘Clorinda’ is known for its long blooming season, making it a popular choice for container gardens and borders. It requires full sun and well-drained soil to thrive and is easy to care for.

Pelargonium ‘Cranesbill’

Pelargonium ‘Cranesbill’ is a hybrid species of flowering plant that belongs to the Pelargonium family. It is known for its beautiful pink or purple flowers with delicate white markings and a cranesbill-like shape. This plant is popular in gardens and indoor spaces and requires minimal care, making it an excellent choice for beginners or those with limited gardening experience.

Pelargonium ‘Deerwood Lavender Lad’

Pelargonium ‘Deerwood Lavender Lad’ is a cultivar of Pelargonium, commonly known as a geranium. This particular cultivar is valued for its fragrant lavender-colored flowers and compact growth habit. It is often grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and containers and can be found in a variety of climates around the world.

Pelargonium ‘Dolly Varden’

Pelargonium ‘Dolly Varden’ is a type of flowering plant that belongs to the Pelargonium genus, which is commonly known as geraniums. It features variegated leaves with white and green markings and produces clusters of bright pink flowers that bloom throughout the growing season. ‘Dolly Varden’ is a popular cultivar of Pelargonium, often grown as an ornamental plant in gardens, containers, and hanging baskets.

Pelargonium ‘Dr. Livingstone’

Pelargonium ‘Dr. Livingstone’ is a hybrid plant species that belongs to the Pelargonium genus. It is a perennial plant with thick stems and succulent leaves that grow in a rosette form. The flowers of this plant are dark pink with dark red stripes and have a distinctive shape, similar to that of an orchid. ‘Dr. Livingstone’ is a popular choice for indoor or outdoor gardening due to its unique and eye-catching appearance. It requires moderate watering and prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.

Pelargonium ‘Freckles’

Pelargonium ‘Freckles’ is a popular hybrid cultivar of the Pelargonium genus, commonly known as the “Storksbill” or “Scented Geranium”. It is a small, bushy plant with attractive green leaves that are splashed with reddish-brown markings. Its unique, eye-catching flowers are white with bright pink spots, resembling freckles, and bloom profusely from spring through fall. This plant is commonly grown as an ornamental in gardens and containers, and its leaves are often used in aromatherapy and perfumery for their pleasant scent.

Pelargonium ‘Frank Headley’

Pelargonium ‘Frank Headley’ is a cultivar of pelargonium, a genus of flowering plants commonly known as geraniums. This particular cultivar is a compact, bushy plant with small, delicate leaves and clusters of bright pink flowers that bloom throughout the growing season. It is a popular choice for container gardens, hanging baskets, and borders and is relatively easy to care for, making it a great choice for beginner gardeners.

Pelargonium ‘Happy Thought’

Pelargonium ‘Happy Thought’ is a hybrid plant that belongs to the Pelargonium family, commonly known as geraniums. It is a compact and bushy plant with distinctive dark green leaves and pinkish-red flowers that bloom throughout the summer months. ‘Happy Thought’ is a popular choice for gardeners and is often used in container gardens and hanging baskets due to its compact size and colorful blooms. It is easy to care for and thrives in full sun to partial shade with moderate watering.

Pelargonium ‘Hortorum’

Pelargonium ‘Hortorum’ is a hybrid plant species belonging to the Pelargonium genus, commonly known as garden geraniums. It is a popular ornamental plant grown for its attractive foliage and colorful flowers, which bloom in shades of pink, red, orange, white, and purple. ‘Hortorum’ is a cultivar bred specifically for its hardiness and ability to thrive in outdoor garden settings, making it a favorite among gardeners. The plant is easy to grow and care for, making it a great choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.

Pelargonium ‘Lord Bute’

Pelargonium ‘Lord Bute’ is a cultivar of Pelargonium, a flowering plant commonly known as geranium. It is a compact, bushy plant with deep green leaves and striking magenta flowers with darker markings. ‘Lord Bute’ is a popular variety for container gardens and borders due to its long blooming period and low maintenance requirements.

Pelargonium ‘Mabel Grey’

Pelargonium ‘Mabel Grey’ is a hybrid plant that is prized for its attractive grey-green foliage and delicate pink flowers. This plant belongs to the Pelargonium family, which is commonly known as geraniums. ‘Mabel Grey’ is a compact, bushy plant that typically grows up to 30–40 cm in height and 20–30 cm in width. It is a popular choice for container gardens and is easy to grow, making it a favorite among gardeners.

Pelargonium ‘Mrs. Pollock’

Pelargonium ‘Mrs. Pollock’ is a cultivar of Pelargonium, commonly known as geraniums. It features stunning variegated leaves with a blend of green, yellow, and red hues. The flowers are usually pink or white and bloom from spring to fall. It is a popular plant for gardens and containers, often used for its ornamental foliage and vibrant blooms.

Pelargonium ‘Pink Capitatum’

Pelargonium ‘Pink Capitatum‘ is a hybrid plant cultivar of the Pelargonium genus, commonly known as geraniums. It is a small, compact plant with attractive, rounded leaves and delicate pink flowers that form clusters at the top of the stems. ‘Pink Capitatum’ is a popular choice for container gardens, rock gardens, and borders due to its pleasing appearance and ease of maintenance.

Pelargonium ‘Regal’

Pelargonium ‘Regal’ is a popular hybrid cultivar of Pelargonium, commonly known as “Regal Pelargonium.” It is an herbaceous perennial plant with large, showy blooms that come in a wide range of colors, including pink, purple, red, and white. ‘Regal’ Pelargoniums are often grown as ornamental plants in gardens, patios, and balconies, and they are also commonly used as indoor houseplants. They require well-draining soil, ample sunlight, and regular watering to thrive.

Pelargonium ‘Snowy’

Pelargonium ‘Snowy’ is a cultivar of Pelargonium, commonly known as a geranium. It is a compact plant with dark green foliage and clusters of small, white flowers that bloom prolifically throughout the growing season. ‘Snowy’ is popular for its hardiness and ease of cultivation, making it a favorite among gardeners and plant enthusiasts.

Pelargonium ‘Tip Top’

Pelargonium ‘Tip Top’ is a cultivar of Pelargonium, commonly known as geraniums. It is a compact and bushy plant that produces clusters of vibrant pink flowers with dark markings. ‘Tip Top’ is a popular choice for containers, borders, and hanging baskets due to its long blooming period and low maintenance requirements. It prefers full sun and well-draining soil.

Pelargonium ‘Tomcat’

Pelargonium ‘Tomcat’ is a cultivar of the Pelargonium plant species, commonly known as geraniums. This variety features bright orange-red flowers with ruffled petals and dark green foliage. It is a compact plant that grows up to 10–12 inches in height and prefers full sun to partial shade. ‘Tomcat’ is a popular choice for container gardening and is commonly grown as an annual plant in temperate regions.

Pelargonium ‘Tongue’

Pelargonium ‘Tongue’ is a cultivar of Pelargonium, commonly known as a “Scented Geranium,” with a unique tongue-shaped leaf. The leaves have a refreshing lemon scent, and the plant produces small, pale pink flowers. It is a popular choice for container gardens, borders, and hanging baskets.

Pelargonium ‘Vancouver Centennial’

Pelargonium ‘Vancouver Centennial’ is a hybrid geranium cultivar that features vibrant, bi-colored flowers in shades of pink and white. This variety is known for its compact growth habit and profuse blooming, making it a popular choice for containers and bedding displays. It was created to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the city of Vancouver, Canada, and has since become a beloved plant among gardeners worldwide.

Pelargonium ‘White Splash’

Pelargonium ‘White Splash’ is a hybrid species of flowering plants, commonly known as geraniums, that produces vibrant, white flowers with splashes of pink and purple markings. These plants are typically grown in gardens or as houseplants, and they require moderate watering and sunlight to thrive.

Pelargonium ‘Red Dragon’

Pelargonium ‘Red Dragon’ is a hybrid cultivar of Pelargonium, commonly known as a geranium. It is a popular garden plant with attractive dark green foliage and bright red flowers. The flowers are semi-double and have a distinctive dark center, making them stand out in any garden setting. ‘Red Dragon’ is easy to grow, low maintenance, and can bloom throughout the summer and fall. It is a great choice for adding color and interest to borders, pots, and hanging baskets.

How To Grow And Care For Pelargonium

Pelargoniums, commonly known as storksbills or geraniums, are a popular flowering plant that is easy to grow and care for. Here are some tips on how to grow and care for pelargoniums:

Choose the right location: Pelargoniums prefer full sun or partial shade, so choose a location that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. They also prefer well-drained soil.

Watering: Pelargoniums do not like to be overwatered, so water them deeply once a week or when the top inch of soil is dry. Do not leave water on the leaves, as this can lead to fungal diseases.

Fertilizing: Feed your pelargoniums once a month with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.

Pruning: Regular pruning can help keep your pelargoniums bushy and promote more blooms. Cut back any dead or damaged stems and pinch back the tips of the stems to encourage branching.

Propagation: Pelargoniums can be propagated by taking stem cuttings in the spring or summer. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in a pot filled with a mixture of potting soil and sand. Keep the soil moist and in a bright location until new growth appears.

Pests and Diseases: Watch out for aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies, which can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Fungal diseases such as powdery mildew can be prevented by avoiding overhead watering and improving air circulation around the plant.

By following these simple tips, you can enjoy beautiful and healthy pelargoniums in your garden or indoor space.

How To Propagate Pelargonium

Pelargonium, also known as storksbill or geranium, is a popular plant to propagate because it’s relatively easy to do so and you can produce multiple plants from just one. Here are the steps to propagate Pelargonium:

Take a cutting: Choose a healthy stem from the parent plant that’s at least 4-6 inches long. Cut it just below a node (where leaves emerge) using sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears.

Remove the leaves: Remove all the leaves from the bottom half of the stem. This will create a bare stem that you’ll insert into the soil.

Optional: Dip in rooting hormone: If you have rooting hormone, you can dip the bottom of the cutting into it before planting. This will help stimulate root growth.

Plant the cutting: Fill a small pot or container with a well-draining potting mix. Water the mix thoroughly, then make a small hole in the center with a pencil or finger. Insert the cutting into the hole so that the bottom half is buried in the soil.

Cover and water: If you’re using a clear container, you can cover it with a plastic bag to create a mini greenhouse. This will help retain moisture and encourage rooting. Maintain the moisture level in the soil without making it soggy.

Keep in a bright, warm location: Place the container in a bright location but away from direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist and warm, ideally around 70–75 °F.

Wait for roots to form: After a few weeks, check to see if roots have formed. Gently tug on the stem to feel if there’s any resistance. If there are, then roots have formed.

Transplant: Once roots have formed, you can transplant the Pelargonium into a larger pot or directly into the garden. Make sure to acclimate it slowly to avoid transplant shock.

With these steps, you should be able to successfully propagate Pelargonium and enjoy multiple plants for your garden or indoor space.

Top 5 FAQ And Answers For Pelargonium

Q: What is Pelargonium?
A: Pelargonium, commonly known as storksbill or geranium, is a genus of flowering plants that belongs to the family Geraniaceae. They are native to southern Africa and are widely grown as ornamental plants around the world.

Q: How do I care for my Pelargonium plant?
A: Pelargoniums are relatively easy to care for. They require well-draining soil, regular watering, and plenty of sunlight. Pelargoniums also benefit from regular deadheading to encourage more blooms. Fertilize every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer.

Q: How do I propagate Pelargonium?
A: Pelargoniums can be propagated from stem cuttings, leaf cuttings, or division. Stem cuttings should be taken in the spring or summer, and leaf cuttings can be taken at any time. Division should be done in the spring when the plant is actively growing.

Q: How do I overwinter my Pelargonium plant?
A: Pelargoniums are not frost-tolerant and should be overwintered indoors in colder climates. Cut back the foliage by one-third and reduce watering in the fall. Store the plant in a cool, dark, and dry place until spring, then repot and resume normal care.

Q: What are some common pests and diseases that affect Pelargonium?
A: Common pests that affect Pelargonium include aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Diseases that can affect Pelargonium include gray mold, powdery mildew, and bacterial leaf spot. Good sanitation practices, such as cleaning up fallen leaves and avoiding overhead watering, can help prevent these problems.

Top 10 Interesting Facts About Pelargonium

1. Pelargonium is a genus of flowering plants with its origin in southern Africa. They are commonly known as geraniums, although they are not actually true geraniums.
2. There are over 200 species of Pelargonium, and they are widely cultivated as ornamental plants in gardens and as houseplants.
3. Pelargoniums are known for their distinctive scents, which vary depending on the species. Some smell like roses, while others have a citrus or minty fragrance.
4. The leaves of Pelargoniums are often used in aromatherapy and perfumery. They contain essential oils that are thought to have a calming effect on the body and mind.
5. Pelargoniums are also used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, such as respiratory infections, digestive problems, and skin conditions.
6. The common garden geranium (Pelargonium x hortorum) is actually a hybrid of several different Pelargonium species.
7. Pelargoniums are easy to grow and care for, making them popular among gardeners and plant enthusiasts.
8. Some species of Pelargonium are edible and are used in cooking to add flavor to dishes. The leaves and flowers of the plant can be used to make tea, and the roots are sometimes used to flavor liqueurs.
9. Pelargoniums are an important source of nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators.
10. In the language of flowers, Pelargoniums are often associated with friendship, happiness, and positivity. They are a popular gift for friends and loved ones.