HOW DO THEY DIFFER? Pelargonium and geranium flowers are not interchangeable. Pelargonium blooms feature two upper petals that are distinct from the three lower petals while geranium flowers have five petals that are similar.
Most naturally occurring true geraniums, also known as cranesbill geraniums or hardy geraniums, are located in the east Mediterranean and other temperate zones, including New Zealand. The Geranium genus contains about 422 species, many of which are annual, biennial, and perennial flowers. Currently, eight of our native geranium species have received official identification; the total number may reach 20. The most well-known is Geranium traversii from the Chatham Islands, while the most recent to be named is Geranium aff. retrorsum ‘Oakley Creek,’ which botanist Rhys Gardner found in Auckland while conducting research in the Oakley Creek neighborhood before the Waterview Tunnel was built.
Succulents, sub-shrubs, shrubs, and perennials all belong to the genus Pelargonium. There are about 280 species total. In the southern parts of Africa, especially in South Africa and Namibia, they are primarily found growing naturally in a variety of settings from mountains to deserts. In addition, the Middle East, Turkey, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as the northern and eastern regions of the African continent, are covered by the Pelargonium genus.
Kpata (Pelargonium inodorum), a little-known native species that is also from eastern Australia, features tiny pink blooms and vivid green foliage. The majority of pelargonium plants grown in Europe and the US are South African in origin. These are frequently grown as annuals in cooler locations because they are typically not frost tolerant.
PASSION FOR PELARGONIUM Pelargonium triste was the first pelargonium to be found in Europe. Around 1600, it appeared in the Netherlands at the Leiden Botanical Gardens, from whence cuttings were shortly sent to France and England.
By the middle of the 18th century, interest in the species had grown quickly as Dutch and British plant collectors brought back seeds and plants from southern Africa to cultivate in their respective nations’ nurseries.
However, as the political climate in Africa evolved and plant collecting became more challenging, interest shifted to hybridization in Europe. Gardeners in the Victorian era were passionate about pelargoniums, and many cultivars were created in England, Europe, Australia, and the US, especially California, which had the perfect climate for growing (several species have naturalised on the coast there). Even though pelargonium and geranium organisations around the world are working to reproduce them, many of the early hybrid varieties are already extinct.
By the end of the 19th century, pelargoniums had become victims of their own success, with notable individuals like William Morris and Oscar Wilde mocking the red geranium, which at the time was widely employed as a bedding plant in borders, window boxes, and pots. However, despite being perceived as suburban and affluent, the flowers persisted, claims Kasia Boddy, author of Geranium (2013). They are now once again among the most well-liked plants in the world, especially in the US and Europe where they are highly appreciated as bedding and container plants.
PARALLEL GROUPS The number of groups that make up the Pelargonium genus is a subject of debate. The following five are the most widely grown of the seven according to the Royal Horticultural Society.
1. ZONAL The largest and most prevalent group, sometimes referred to as bedding geraniums, can be found in window boxes and pots all over Europe. Although they are more commonly known as Pelargonium x hortorum, a hybrid of Pelargonium zonale and Pelargonium inquinans, the name derives from the parent plant Pelargonium zonale.
The zones or patterns in the center of the leaves that are dark in color serve as a good indicator of zoning. The majority are semi-shrubby plants that often produce double or single red, salmon, violet, white, or pink blooms in compact, spherical clusters. There are, however, a number of more flower varieties, such as cactus, rosebud, and tulip.
Smaller, compact zonal variants are frequently utilized as bedding plants in addition to container plants. Be on the lookout for fresh hues in this category, like the yellow “Allwoods Lemon Drizzle” cultivar.
FANCY-LEAVED 2. Decorative pelargoniums have distinct leaf patterns, which can include black blotches, a sort of white, grey, or yellow variegation, or perhaps both. Both the leaves and the flowers are grown for these plants.
3. IVY LEFT These are descendants of Pelargonium peltatum, and because of their trailing growth pattern, they make great groundcovers and climbers for covering fences and other buildings. Additionally, they are frequently cultivated in window boxes, pots, and hanging baskets.
Ivy-leaved pelargoniums produce single, double, or rosette-shaped flowers. There are currently new cultivars available with gorgeous flower colors, including the dark burgundy blossoms of “PAC Tomcat.”
4. REGAL This second-largest group earned its name from their upbringing in Sandringham Palace in the middle of the 19th century. The plants in Regals, often referred to as Martha Washington pelargoniums in the US, are bigger and more shrub-like than those in Zonal kinds. They typically don’t have any zonal coloration on their spherical, occasionally lobed, or somewhat serrated leaves.
Large and flamboyant, with a far wider variety of colors than those of other groupings, some regal flowerheads on tall stems are even bi- or tri-colored. Petals may have fringe or ruffles.
Even though regals are some of the earliest pelargoniums to bloom in the spring, they don’t fare well in really hot and muggy weather. Modern varieties have more flowers and don’t go straggly as old as older Regal pelargoniums do as they get older.
The number of these elder Regals is declining in specialized nurseries. The majority of cultivars planted now are the product of hybridization over the past 50 years.
Angel pelargoniums, which are mostly descended from Pelargonium crispum, are frequently categorized as a different group, but they are actually quite similar to Regals, albeit more compact and bushy. The flowers look like pansies.
5. FLAVOROUS LEAVES These shrubby evergreen perennials, as their name implies, are mostly cultivated for their fragrant leaf. When the leaves are touched or injured, the aroma is released.
Despite their diminutive size, flowers have a delicate beauty that ranges from dark crimson to pale pink.
Some reach heights of almost a meter, while others only grow to 30 cm. Tip trimming is a simple way to manage height.
Pelargoniums with fragrant leaves are extremely resistant to heat and drought. 140 cultivars with an astonishing diversity of scents have been created through plant breeding over the past 400 years. These include apple, cinnamon, eucalyptus, grapefruit, rose, lime, lemon, nutmeg, peach, ginger, nutmeg, oak, peppermint, strawberry, balsam, apricot, coconut, and nutmeg. Unsurprisingly, many are cultivated for its oil, which is utilized in the perfume business, in commercial settings.
In addition to being used in potpourri, cooking, jams, and even as a cold beverage, leaves can also be utilized medicinally. Many plants are excellent in luring pollinators to the garden.
DETAILED PELARGONIUMS Ivy-leafed geraniums and Zonal varieties were crossed in recent years by plant breeders in the US to develop a new class of pelargoniums. These interspecific pelargoniums, like the Caliente and Calliope series, are said to offer novel forms and colors as well as enhanced performance. They combine the heat tolerance of Zonals with the superior flowering capabilities of Ivy-leaved kinds (up to a third more blooms than Zonals).
Retailers in New Zealand can purchase “Big Red,” one of the Calliope series developed in the US, from Zealandia Horticulture. According to Aaron Blackmore, the company’s national sales coordinator, “We have found this to be a wonderful growing plant that produces masses of stunning, deep red blossoms with the most intense coloration you will find in the market.” The plant itself is vigorous and will grow into a respectable-sized bush that, when fully developed, will yield more high-quality flowers than any conventional kinds we have cultivated.
This year, Hayes Wholesale, based in Invercargill, will introduce another red-flowering interspecific variety called “Cassiopeia.” The company, which Barry Hayes founded 35 years ago, is the largest supplier of pelargoniums in the nation and the New Zealand representative for German ‘PAC’ types.
PROPAGATION Taking cuttings is the greatest way to guarantee that as your pelargoniums grow older, you will always have a steady supply of robust, healthy plants. The majority of gardeners are aware that they are some of the simplest plants to grow from cuttings, but for best results:
- Take cuttings while the plants are actively growing, which in many regions of the country can be all year long.
- Use a sharp knife to cut lengths of 4 to 8 cm. Cut the main stem just above a leaf joint, then remove the majority of the leaves.
- Two thirds potting mix and one third vermiculite or crushed pumice should be used to fill containers.
- Keep them exposed, but don’t allow them to dry out. If placed in a bright, dry area, cuttings should begin to root in a few weeks.
How can a Pelargonium be distinguished from a Geranium?
The shape of the flowers is the fundamental distinction between Pelargonium and Geranium; whilst the five petals of Geranium flowers are identical, the two upper petals of Pelargonium blooms are distinct from the three lower petals.
Both geranium and pelargonium are members of the Geraniaceae plant family. These plants aren’t the same, though. Most of the plants that people mistake for “geraniums” are actually pelargoniums since they often have problems telling these two species apart. Once you know what to look for, telling Pelargonium and Geranium apart is not as tough.
Are geraniums and pelargoniums related?
Ever ponder how geraniums and pelargoniums differ from one another? What a hardy geranium actually is has been a source of much confusion for many years. It’s common to refer to the annual ‘geranium’ (pelargonium) as a geranium. But their differences are glaring.
Where did the misunderstanding begin? Pelargoniums were initially mistaken for geraniums when they were imported from South Africa. Gardeners mistakenly misclassified them as a result, and it wasn’t until the 1700s that it was corrected. Unfortunately, it took a long time for the reclassification to gain widespread acceptance.
Pelargoniums and geraniums are related since they both belong to the Geraniaceae family. The development, appearance, and seed dissemination strategies of the two, however, differ significantly from one another.
Are geranium and geranium synonyms for one other?
The main distinction between geraniums and pelargoniums is? They must be from the same plant.
I can see how you could be perplexed by these two plants. Although the names are frequently used interchangeably, the plants are not the same. Botanically speaking, the plant we typically refer to as “geranium” is actually of the genus pelargonium (of the Geraniaceae family).
But to further complicate matters, there is the genus Geranium (also of the Geraniaceae family). It goes by the names cranesbill, real geranium, and occasionally hardy geranium. They both make wonderful additions to a garden and each has certain qualities to offer, yet they are two quite distinct kinds of plants.
There are roughly 200 species in the pelargonium genus, which is indigenous to South Africa. In other regions, it might be an evergreen perennial or shrub, but in our region, you’ll typically find the more well-known cultivated forms. These are a showy summer annual that cannot withstand a winter freeze; they thrive in rich, quick-draining soil and like warm, dry days and chilly nights. Additionally, they grow well in pots.
Clusters of the flowers are borne on long stems. Unusually, the top blossoms in the clusters open first, and none of them open at once. The leaves are occasionally very scented and occasionally a little hairy. They normally bloom from spring until winter, but you may encourage new blooms by routinely removing the old blossoms. The zonal, ivy, regal, and scented pelargonium cultivars are the four most popular varieties.
The most widespread of the pelargoniums, zona is frequently mistaken for the genus geranium due to its clusters of brilliant flowers on upright stems that are typically red, salmon, white, pink, or violet. The zones or patterns in the middle of the leaves are where the name originates. Storksbill is a commonly used name.
Ivy
With clusters of flowers on long, slender stems, this variety tends to trail more as it matures. The leaves are more ivy-shaped and waxy. They are attractive complements to hanging pots, baskets, and tubs.
Additionally, there is a little more compact bush-like shrub called as Martha Washington or Lady Washington. They are admired for the beauty of their huge, occasionally double, bloom clusters. Flowers can be a single color or occasionally a blend of purple, pink, white, orange, or maroon.
Scented
The blooms are smaller and less showy on this variety, which is grown mostly for the fragrant leaves. When the leaves are touched or damaged, the aroma is emitted. When dried, fresh leaves make lovely complements to potpourri. Fresh leaves are frequently used in baking, or in the creation of jellies and scented iced drinks. Almond, apple, mint, lemon, or lime are some possible scents.
White flies, aphids, and spider mites, as well as the tobacco budworm, are typical pests of pelargoniums. Plants with budworm infestations will have tiny holes or damaged flowers. Picking out the eggs and worms by hand is the best remedy. Every day, check for budworms; they are frequently easier to find in the chilly mornings.
Regarding geranium, which is also known as cranesbills, hardy geranium, or real geranium, it is a genus with approximately 400 species of annuals, biennials, or perennials that is widespread in North America and Europe. Generally speaking, they are a hardy plant that can withstand our winters. They can thrive in about any soil as long as it isn’t waterlogged, although they like wet, well-drained soil. Summers that are cool to mild are best for geraniums, which may grow in either full sun or light shade. Cuttings taken in the summer or divisions made in the spring or fall both work well for propagation.
The geranium’s flowers are less showy than those of the pelargonium, and the plants normally grow more slowly and resemble mounds. The flowers are often blue, purple, pink, white, or magenta in color and have five petals in a symmetrical design. The geranium will bloom from spring to summer and, if pruned, possibly again in the fall. They are resilient and are great for ground cover, rock gardens, and perennial beds.
As you can see, the pelargonium and geranium are very different kinds of plants; perhaps this has led to confusion because both belong to the Geraniaceae family. Regardless of the name, however, including one or both will provide a unique touch of color and variety to your landscape from spring to fall.
What is Pelargonium’s common name?
The flowering plant genus Pelargonium (/plroni.m/), sometimes known as geraniums, pelargoniums, or storksbills, has roughly 280 species of perennials, succulents, and shrubs. A different genus of related plants also known as cranesbills has the common name “geranium” as well as the botanical name “geranium”. Both genera are members of the Geraniaceae family. Charles Louis L’Hritier de Brutelle divided the species into two genera in 1789 after Carl Linnaeus had initially placed them all in the same genus, Geranium.
While Pelargonium species are evergreen perennials native to mild temperate and tropical regions of the world, with several species in southern Africa, Geranium species are primarily temperate herbaceous plants that die down in the winter. They can withstand mild frosts but cannot handle drought or extreme heat. In temperate climates, certain species are grown as houseplants and bedding plants, and they are incredibly popular garden plants. They bloom for a long time and typically feature red, orange, or white flowers, but extensive breeding has resulted in a wide variety of cultivars with a wide range of sizes, flower colors, leaf shapes, and aromatic leaves.