What Are Geraniums? The Truth Behind the Name
What Are Geraniums? Understanding the Confusion Between Geranium and Pelargonium
If you’ve ever shopped at garden centers, you’ve probably seen plants labeled “geraniums.” But here’s the catch: many of them aren’t true geraniums.
The mix-up comes from naming. True geraniums (Geranium) are hardy perennials, while the popular flowering plants most people recognize are actually Pelargoniums, native to South Africa. Over time, both ended up being called “geraniums,” which causes the confusion.
Knowing the difference helps you grow them better. True geraniums do well outdoors in cooler climates, while pelargoniums thrive in warm conditions and are perfect for containers or bright indoor spots like sunny windows.
What Is a Geranium vs Pelargonium?
To start, what is a geranium plant in botanical terms? True geraniums belong to a group known as hardy cranesbills. These are perennial flowering plants that come back year after year and are often called true geraniums.
On the other hand, many popular bedding plants belong to the genus Pelargonium. These include zonal geraniums, ivy geraniums, and regal geraniums, also known as Martha Washington geraniums. These are technically different plants, even though they are commonly grouped together as geraniums pelargoniums.
Understanding this difference helps explain why there is such a wide range of growth habits, colors, and care needs.
What Do Geraniums Look Like?
Many beginners ask, what does it look like
True Geraniums
True geraniums have:
- Soft, often deeply cut green leaves
- Open, simple flowers that may be pink, purple, or blue
- A spreading or mounding habit
They are commonly used as garden geraniums for borders or ground cover.
Pelargoniums (Common “Geraniums”)
Pelargoniums, often sold in stores, look different:
- Thicker leaves with rounded edges
- Bright clusters of flowers in red, pink, or white
- Upright or trailing growth depending on type
These include popular types of geraniums like zonal geraniums, ivy geraniums, and scented geraniums.
What Do Geraniums Smell Like?
Another common question is what does it smell like or what do geraniums smell like.
True geraniums usually have little to no scent. However, scented geraniums from the pelargonium group can have strong fragrances.
For example, rose geranium has a pleasant scent with soft, herbal and slightly sweet floral notes. Other varieties may smell like citrus, mint, or even spice.
Growing Geraniums from Seed
If you’re interested in propagation, you might wonder what do geranium seeds look like or what does a geranium seed look like.
Geranium seeds are small, narrow, and often have a pointed shape. They can be a bit tricky to handle, especially for beginners.
When starting seeds:
- Use clean, well-draining soil
- Provide bright indirect light or use grow lights
- Keep soil lightly moist, not wet
You may also ask, what do geranium seedlings look like. Early seedlings have small rounded leaves, which develop into more defined shapes as they grow.
Some gardeners also refer to what are seed geraniums, which simply means plants that are grown from seeds rather than cuttings.
Types of Geraniums to Know
There is a wide range of plants labeled as geraniums. Understanding the main categories helps avoid confusion.
Common Pelargonium Types
- Zonal geraniums for upright growth and bold blooms
- Ivy geraniums for trailing baskets
- Regal geraniums or Martha Washington geraniums for cooler climates
- Scented geraniums for fragrance
True Garden Geraniums
These are hardy perennials, often used as ground covers and valued for their durability and heat tolerance.
Choosing True Geraniums for Your Garden
If you are looking for reliable, long-lasting plants, true geraniums are a great choice.
Here are a few options:
- Geranium maderense (Ginormous Geranium) for bold, large growth
- Geranium pyrenaicum (Bill Wallis Hedgerow Cranesbill) for naturalized garden settings
- Geranium (Rozanne Cranesbill) for long blooming color
You can explore more options in this geranium collection to find the right fit for your garden.
Conclusion
So, what are geraniums really? The answer depends on how the term is used.
In gardening, the name “geranium” can refer to two different groups. True geraniums are hardy perennials, while pelargoniums are often grown as annuals or tender perennials.
Once you understand the difference, it becomes much easier to choose the right plant for your space and growing conditions.
