It’s Time for the Always Popular Geraniums

Both the Geranium and Pelargonium are members of the family Geraniaceae. So the Geranium and Pelargonium are related, but they are quite distinct. A true Geranium, also known as cranes bill, referring to the shape of their fruit, has symmetrical flowers containing ten fertile stamens, while most Pelargonium have bilaterally symmetrical flowers with up to seven of the ten stamens fertile. True Geraniums also have a different seed dispersal technique than Pelargoniums. Geraniums actually fling their seeds away, and Pelargonium seeds float away on the breeze and usually have a feathered end that Geraniums do not have.

Growing naturally almost entirely within South Africa, Pelargoniums are tender perennials. The leaves of true geraniums are usually deeply divided and cut while those of most Pelargoniums are not. Because they originate from areas of South Africa where they have withstood summers of drought, the stems of Pelargoniums are rather thick, succulent. Forming a mound of many slender stems arising from a central core with fibrous roots, Geraniums have the appearance of normal herbaceous perennial plants.

The perennial plants sold at garden centers that are labeled "Ivy Geranium", "Scented Geranium" and "Zonal Geranium" are actually different species of Pelargonium. The common names used on true Geraniums are "Hardy Geranium", "Geranium" and "Cranes Bill".

Some types of Geraniums can grow tall in which case they do benefit from shearing after the first flush of bloom. Cut back all stems to about three inches. The plants will put on a new flush of leaves and may even bloom again. It is always good to constantly dead head Geraniums.

True Geraniums are drought tolerant, so they need little water. And be cautious not to over water because the damage this causes can be hard to reverse.

Geraniums can be grown from seed. Collect the seeds before the cranes bill (the fruit) part curls back and expels the seeds. The timing can be tricky and should be after the pod is dry. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place, and then chill or freeze the seeds for 4-6 weeks to help break their dormancy. The seeds need to be sowed 1/2" deep and kept moist. Most varieties will bloom the second year after planting from seed.

Some popular Geraniums to enjoy in your garden are ‘Ballerina’ with delightful light pink pedals and ‘Patricia’ with a brighter pink bloom. ‘Orion’ a Geranium hybrid has lavender flowers with white centers. A hardy Geranium with brilliant blue blooms all summer is ‘Johnson's Blue’. A splendid new member of the shade-loving Geranium is ‘Lavender Pinwheel’ with petals that resemble tiny watercolor paintings as the outer edges of lavender turn soft mauve towards the interior of each flower.

Dayelle Swensson is an avid writer for the web on a number of topics. Having gardened herself for many years, she is able to advise others about a variety of things including gardening tips, lawn and tree care, watering, hose reel and keeping your home garden looking attractive and healthy.