Types of Geraniums: Learn Hardy, Zonal, Ivy and More

April 27, 2026 Bill Hageman

Close-up of a Tiny Geranium Robertianum Flowers

Types of Geraniums: Understanding Hardy, Zonal, Ivy, and Other Popular Types

Quick answer: Garden “geraniums” fall into two broad botanical groups: hardy cranesbills in the genus Geranium, and several frost-tender Pelargonium groups, including zonal, ivy, regal, and scented-leaved forms. Choose by growth habit, climate, light, and intended use rather than relying on the common name printed on a sign.

Choose a geranium by garden role
Garden role	Type to investigate	Key consideration
Perennial border or ground cover	Hardy geranium / cranesbill	Match the species or cultivar to light, soil moisture, and climate
Upright seasonal container color	Zonal Pelargonium	Protect from frost and avoid waterlogged potting mix
Hanging basket or window box	Ivy Pelargonium	Trailing stems need bright light and consistent container care
Showy cool-season display	Regal Pelargonium	Flowering is sensitive to heat and growing conditions
Fragrant foliage	Scented-leaved Pelargonium	Grow for leaf fragrance as well as flowers
Long-blooming spreading perennial	Geranium ‘Rozanne’	Allow room for its vigorous, weaving habit

Use Geranium vs. Pelargonium explained for the naming issue, hardy versus annual geraniums for life-cycle decisions, and the linked care guides below for light, containers, propagation, and browsing damage.

Geraniums are among the most versatile garden plants, but the wide range of types of geraniums can make them confusing at first. When gardeners talk about geranium types, they may be referring to very different plants with unique growth habits, care needs, and uses, including hardy geranium cranesbill varieties, which are known for their durability and perennial nature.

This guide breaks down the most common geranium varieties so you can better understand how each fits into your garden.

Why There Are So Many Geranium Types

The term geranium is often used loosely. In reality, it includes two main groups:

True geraniums, also known as cranesbill geranium
Geranium pelargonium, which includes many popular bedding plants

These groups explain why there are so many geraniums types and different types of geranium plants available. Each group contains its own set of geranium plant types with distinct features.

Hardy Geraniums (Cranesbills)

Perennials for Long-Term Growth

Hardy geranium varieties are also called cranesbills and belong to the group of true geraniums. These are reliable perennials that return each year, making them a favorite for gardeners who want lasting structure.

These geranium types hardy thrive in drained soil and adapt well to full sun to partial shade. Their spreading growth habit makes them useful in borders and rock gardens.

Common features include:

Soft, rounded green leaves
Open flowers, often in pink flowers or white flowering tones
A low, spreading form ideal for ground cover

Well-known cranesbill geranium varieties include the classic bloody cranesbill and modern selections like Rozanne.

These plants are part of a broader group of perennial geranium varieties that are easy to maintain and dependable across seasons.

vibrant red geranium flower bloom outdoors

Zonal Geraniums

The Most Common Garden Center Choice

Among the most recognizable different types of geraniums, zonal geraniums are widely used in containers and garden beds.

These belong to the pelargonium group and are often grown as annuals. They are known for:

Upright growth
Bold, colorful blooms
Distinct patterns on their leaves, which help identify different types of geranium leaves

They perform best in sunny conditions and provide season long color during the warmer months.

Ivy Geraniums

Trailing Plants for Vertical Spaces

Ivy geraniums are another popular option within the pelargonium group. Their trailing stems make them ideal for hanging baskets and containers.

They feature:

Glossy leaves
Cascading growth
Continuous flowering during the growing season

These plants are perfect if you want to add movement and softness to elevated displays.

Vibrant Pink Geranium Blossom Against Brick Wall

Regal Geraniums (Martha Washington Types)

Bold Flowers with Shorter Bloom Time

Regal geraniums, also known as Martha Washington geraniums, stand out for their large, showy blooms.

They differ from other different geranium varieties by:

Producing more dramatic flowers
Blooming heavily in early summer
Preferring cooler temperatures

While their flowering period is shorter, they offer striking color and detail.

Choosing the Right Geranium for Your Garden

With so many varieties of geranium plants, the best choice depends on your goals and space.

Choose hardy types if you want:

Long-lasting perennial geranium varieties
Plants for natural planting areas
Low-maintenance ground cover

Choose pelargoniums if you want:

Bright, seasonal color
Plants for containers or hanging baskets
A wide range of flower styles and colors

Understanding these different varieties of geraniums helps you select plants that match your climate and design.

Recommended Geranium Varieties to Try

If you want to explore dependable options, consider these well-known geranium plant varieties:

Geranium (Rozanne Cranesbill) known for long bloom time and spreading growth
Geranium maderense (Ginormous Geranium) for bold structure and height
Geranium pyrenaicum (Bill Wallis Hedgerow Cranesbill) for natural-style planting

You can explore more geraniums varieties in this geranium collection to find the right fit for your garden.

Conclusion

There are many types of geranium plants, each suited to different uses and growing conditions. From hardy cranesbills to colorful pelargoniums, these plants offer flexibility for nearly any garden style.

By understanding the difference between geranium plant types and how they grow, you can choose plants that will thrive in your space. With the right selection, geraniums can provide lasting beauty from spring through fall.

FAQs About Types of Geranium

What are the different types of geraniums?

The main types commonly referred to as “geraniums” include hardy geraniums (also called cranesbills, genus Geranium) and cultivated geraniums (Pelargonium), which include zonal, ivy-leaved, regal (Martha Washington), and scented-leaved types. Each group differs in growth habit, hardiness, and use in gardens.

What is the most common geranium?

Zonal geraniums (Pelargonium × hortorum) are the most widely grown type in bedding displays, containers, and gardens around the world. They are especially popular due to their long flowering period and ease of care.

What is the difference between zonal geraniums and “regular” geraniums?

Zonal geraniums are a type of Pelargonium, commonly grown as tender perennials or annuals in many climates. “True geraniums” refer to plants in the genus Geranium (cranesbills), which are hardy perennials in many regions. They differ in flower structure, growth habit, and cold tolerance.

What kind of geraniums come back every year?

Hardy geraniums (Geranium species, cranesbills) are perennial plants that reliably return each year in suitable climates. Most zonal and other Pelargonium types are not frost-hardy and are treated as annuals or overwintered indoors in colder climates.

Are there many varieties of geraniums?

Yes. There are many species and cultivars within both Geranium (hardy cranesbills) and Pelargonium (zonal, ivy-leaved, regal, and scented types). They vary widely in flower color, growth habit, size, and climate suitability.