Based on the size and characteristics of its flowers and leaves, geraniums can be broadly divided into four categories. These include regal geraniums, ivy-leaved geraniums, scented geraniums, and garden or zonal geraniums. There are distinctive qualities for each variety.
The mourning widow geranium, angel geraniums, wood geraniums, and meadow geraniums are a few further popular varieties. Below, a thorough description of each sort is provided.
We leave out the countless rare hybrids that people like you and me will never have the opportunity to acquire and cultivate. We can enjoy these since they are easily accessible.
Garden Geranium
Most buyers prefer garden geraniums, which are considered to be the most common variety. The likelihood is that if you go to a nursery and ask for a geranium, you will be led to this area first.
Pelargonium x hortorum is the name of the flower in the scientific language. Due of the dark patterns of various colors, including bronze, purple, or dark green, on the flowers, it is also known as zonal geranium.
These geranium varieties are distinguished by their tall stemmed ball-shaped flowers. These blooms are available in a range of hues, including red, white, peach, salmon, burgundy, purple, and semi-colored varieties.
Dark green leaves in the shape of a fan are present on garden geraniums, and the blooms typically rise above the leaves and stems.
Despite the fact that these geraniums are renowned to be fairly resilient, you must take care of them. The simplest approach to accomplish this is to continuously removing flower clippings as soon as they start to fade.
Planting these geraniums in conditions that are a little bit dry is best. This sort of plant cannot flourish in climates that can occasionally be very hot and humid.
These geranium variants can be grown in a pot or directly on a garden bed. Whatever you decide, adding a vibrant splash of color improves the appeal of your landscape or house.
You can surely make these one of the garden’s center points with the right maintenance. Additionally, one of the plants that deters ticks is the geranium.
Scented Leaf Geranium
Gardeners love scented leaf geraniums because of the distinctive aroma they generate. Simply stroking the leaves of these geraniums will give you an idea of how they smell. They have a variety of scents, including apple, lemon, chocolate, rose, cedar, citronella, and orange.
The leaves of these geraniums can be spherical, serrated, or lacy and appear in various shapes. The fine hairs that aid in the production of the leaves’ distinctive scent give them a velvety feel.
Scented geraniums not only release a pleasing perfume but also produce lovely pink and white flowers throughout the summer.
Although the flowers are not as extravagant as those of other geranium varieties, they nonetheless offer a touch of refinement to any garden. The flower resembles a pansy because of how intensely the upper two petals bloom.
One variety of scented geranium, the citronella variety, provides a perfume that deters mosquitoes. Because of this, it is frequently bought and planted in regions where mosquitoes have a propensity to reproduce quickly.
The perfume business frequently uses other scented geraniums. Popular fragrances of this kind include Lady Plymouth, Fragrans Group, and Bitter Lemon.
Ivy Geranium
Ivy Geraniums are distinct from other geraniums because of their somewhat distinctive appearance. They have lush, glossy foliage that are attractive in any environment.
Additionally, their blossoms trail down their tiny stem rather than being upright like other flowers do. They are able to create a cascade effect as a result, emphasizing the beauty of the blooms and foliage.
Ivy Geranium varieties are excellent for windows and hanging baskets because to their trailing blossoms. They can also be utilized as garden bed borders. The optimal conditions for this type of plant are moist soils and four to six hours of direct sunlight per day.
However, take careful not to overwater the soil; for best results, wait one or two days between waterings.
These geraniums may also thrive in arid environments because of their strong leaf cuticles. The cuticles on the leaf keep it looking healthy even when it isn’t routinely watered. The plants appear to do well as long as the temperature stays below 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Ivy Geraniums can benefit from fertilizers through a certain light frequency. The best option is to purchase potting soil because it already contains fertilizers.
Mahogany Ivy Geraniums, which feature vivid red and white blooms, Royal Amethyst Ivy Geraniums, which have vivid lilac flowers, and Crocodile Ivy Geraniums, which get its name from the white veins that run throughout the leaves.
Regal Geranium
The Martha Washington geranium, Lady Washington geranium, and Pelargonium are other names for regal varieties of geraniums. They thrive in chilly climates and with only partial sunlight because they are primarily indoor plants.
Regal geraniums will blossom wonderfully as long as the temperature is not too hot or cold. The big, irregularly patterned flowers that grow in tight clusters are the primary characteristic of regal geraniums.
Pink, lavender, burgundy, white, and even clear flowers are available. It is suitable for both potted plants and edging garden beds due to its big blossoms.
The regal type of geraniums thrive in rich, well-drained soils. This flower’s blooming season often begins in the middle of spring and lasts until the first frost. In order to make room for more blooms, cut the flower heads as they start to fade.
These plants may require a little bit more attention and upkeep than the others we have covered thus far. To promote more development in the spring, make sure to remove the entire bedding after a frost.
The plants don’t require frequent watering because they are rather hardy. After a few days, when the earth is quite dry, watering the plants a little will help the flowers grow better. If you need to know how to get rid of fungus gnats, do keep an eye out for them and follow our suggestions.
Angel Geranium
Although they are smaller in size, these geraniums are almost identical to regal geranium blossoms. As a result, they are able to design a formal-looking pot.
These geranium varieties stand out for their compact, bushy look and small, viola-like leaves. These can be cultivated in hanging baskets.
Mourning Widow Geranium
These geraniums feature deep violet flowers and a cluster that has just emerged, giving them a really dramatic appearance. Among the most popular varieties of this plant are Lily Lovell and Sombor. When cultivated in the same flower bed as different varieties of violets, they stand out but blend in.
Wood Geranium
Varieties of wood geranium are highly popular since they are both attractive and therapeutic. As their name suggests, these plants primarily grow in wooded areas, although they can also be grown in gardens. If they are to be grown in gardens, they must, however, be well maintained.
Wood geranium roots can be used to manufacture herbal medicine, which has a wide range of applications. Elizabeth Ann varieties of geraniums are the most popular among the several flowers of this genus.
Meadow Geranium
One of the few geraniums that thrives in cold climates is the meadow variety. They can even grow when the temperature is in the negative digits due to their extreme cold tolerance! Because of this, it is very popular in snowy areas all over the world.
The first geraniums of these particular types were discovered in Europe and Asia. It is now grown all across the globe. Additionally, even though wood geraniums thrive in cold locations, they can also flourish in hot settings.
Which variety of geranium is ideal?
Your Garden’s Best Hardy Geraniums
- Plant named “Brookside” (Cranesbill)
- Plant named “Elke” (Cranesbill)
- Plant named “Mavis Simpson” (Cranesbill)
- “Orion” geranium (Cranesbill)
- Gardenia patricia (Cranesbill)
- Rosane geranium (Cranesbill)
- Pink “Sweet Heidy” geranium (Cranesbill)