We know them as simply 'geraniums'. They are one of the most popular container plants, yet they are not really geraniums at all. Botanically they are Pelargonium. There are true geraniums, the perennial cranesbills, but they look little like the annual plants we commonly call 'geraniums'.
The confusion with the names can be traced back to disagreements between botanists over classification and is of little importance to most gardeners, except for the distinction that perennial cranesbill geraniums will come back each year and zonal geraniums, those now classified as Pelargonium, are topical perennials usually grown as annuals in colder climates. They got the prefix "zonal" because of the markings on their leaves.
Zonal geraniums were discovered in South Africa and if you have a similar, subtropical climate, you can grow them as perennials. This coral pink zonal geranium is Pelargonium x hortorum. Zonal geraniums are bushy plants, mainly used for containers and bedding. There has been considerable breeding done, particularly for size and abundance and colours of flowers, so there is a good deal of variety. Zonal geraniums start blooming in mid-spring and will repeat bloom until frost. Deadheading the entire flower stalk after the flower fades will encourage more blooms.
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such a soft color
ReplyDeleteI have never seen such a color befor...
ReplyDeleteMost beautiful!
I don't see that color in nature as often as I'd like, it reminds me of my mother's lipstick when I was a kid. I be you could get into a snappy Who's On First discussion with a summer help millennial by asking for true geraniums.
ReplyDeleteI like geranium, have a lot in pots. Like the scent of their leaves...
ReplyDeleteAnd they come in an ever increasing range of colours.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the info...
Happy weekend Nick!
Ruby
Wonderful blossom (muscata=geranium)! So lovely to see it in lots of colors, nuances of red! Greetings and a good weekend!
ReplyDeleteI don't see that color in nature as often as I'd like, it reminds me of my mother's lipstick when I was a kid. I be you could get into a snappy Who's On First discussion with a summer help millennial by asking for true geraniums.
ReplyDeleteWhat a tenderness!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, I always plant these in my patio pots for summer! And so many colors!
ReplyDeleteInformative, interesting, and beautifully photographed, as always. This coral color is one of my particular favorites.
ReplyDeleteHi Nick,
ReplyDeleteI like the smell of them, but this year there are none of them in may garden. I dont't know why!?!?
Have a great weekend ... Frauke
Wonderful Color, what I like so much. Great Informations, thanks.
ReplyDeleteHave a nice weekend.
Regards
Ingrid
Heisann.... they are so lovely and in so many variations, this one is very beautiful! Have a nice weekend ;:OD)
ReplyDeleteNick, fabulous color. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteVery pretty colour! Enjoy your weekend, Nick.
ReplyDeleteGeranium looks very nice, but is totaly useless for the bees, i think.
ReplyDeleteHave a nice weekend! Greetings, Nicole
WOW!! such a lovely presentation. beautiful color and composition !
ReplyDeleteHappy weekend Nick.
Interesting! And pretty, of course!
ReplyDelete