Varieties and species of pelargoniums and geraniums

Geraniums and pelargoniums are probably the most popular plants. They are characterized by their irrepressible blooms, which shine in all imaginable colors. In addition, the plants are quite undemanding and therefore easy to care for. They are ideal for planting beds and for beautifying balconies and terraces.

In the spring, garden centers are overflowing with plants labeled "geraniums" or "pelargoniums". The names are used as synonyms, which is not true from a botanical point of view. Plants sold under the name "geraniums" belong to the genus Pelargium. But no matter what name the species ultimately bears - the important thing is the aesthetic aspect. The selection of geraniums is almost endless. There are basically four different forms of geraniums.

noble geraniums

These pelargoniums are characterized by their strikingly large flowers. Its jagged leaves give the plant great aesthetic value. Flower color varies from light pink to dark purple depending on the species. Despite the ease of care, the plants need a lot of sun, a rain-protected place and a warm place to overwinter.

Pelargonium grandiflorum: variety Aristo "Beauty"

This variety not only impresses with its large flowers, which characterize the genus. This noble pelargonium forms flowers in a deep dark red with a light edge. Its flowering period begins in mid-March. You can spend the summer outside, but should be in a dry location. The plant is sensitive to waterlogging.

Pelargium grandiflorum: Variety Aristo "White with Eye"

This variety is a real eye-catcher with its white flowers, which are decorated with a dark purple eye. It has the same location requirements as its closely related variety Aristo "Beauty".

Pelargium grandiflorum: Candy Flowers variety "Strawberry Cream"

This plant develops purple flowers that get lighter towards the edges. Their flowering time depends on the beginning of cultivation. As a rule, the species forms the first flowers about 10 weeks after root formation. However, the flowering period can be intensified by the use of additional light and by increasing the temperatures.

Scented geraniums

These geraniums are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. They can easily thrive in the sun or partial shade. This robustness makes the plants so popular. However, they should also hibernate in a warm place. They exude an intense scent that can have a wide variety of nuances.

Pelargonium graveolens: Lemon Pelargonium

This species is originally from South Africa and produces purple to pink flowers. Its palmately lobed leaves give off a subtle lemony scent. This plant prefers sunny to semi-shady locations and can easily be propagated from cuttings. It tends to form ground-covering shoots. Tip: To promote a bushy growth habit, you should cut back the plant regularly.

Pelargonium fragans: Nutmeg pelargonium

This species provides a nutmeg-like scent with a note of cinnamon. Its leaves are less incised than those of the lemon geranium. It forms white flowers with red veins. It can also be placed in sunny to partially shaded locations.

Pelargonium odoratissimum: Apple geranium

This species is characterized by its pleasant scent of a mixture of apples and mint. The flowers are white or pink and sit at the end of small tendrils. The small shrub forms growth heights of up to 30 cm.

hanging geraniums

Characteristic of these varieties are the shiny leaves and the delicate flower stalks. Especially in the Alpine regions, the species are preferably used to decorate window boxes. However, not all varieties are suitable for this cascading growth.

Pelargonium peltatum: "Fire Cascade" variety

This hanging pelargonium forms fiery red flowers that are not filled. This variety is particularly popular because of its self-cleaning properties. The flowers do not need to be plucked out after they have faded. The plant automatically ensures that the plant parts are shed.

Pelargonium peltatum: "Blanche Roche" variety

Another hybrid of the hanging pelargonium variety, this species has white to pastel-colored flowers that are semi-double. She cleans herself too. The plaster on the house wall is also decisive for the choice of the variety. Against a white background, this species hardly stands out.

Pelargonium peltatum: varieties "Ville de Rot" and "de Rosa"

These two varieties are typical representatives of the Bavarian balcony planting. These plants with their bright flowers are particularly suitable for south-facing balconies. Their shoots can reach a length of over a meter.

Ground-covering geraniums and pelargoniums

These varieties include geranium and pelargonium species that can also overwinter outdoors. However, it is important that the plants are planted in light shade or completely in the shade. They are ideal for underplanting trees or for the visual design of slopes. These species can tolerate drought well.

Geranium macrorrhizum: Balkan cranesbill

This plant forms dense stands and can also withstand the pressure of tree roots well. With a height of 40 cm and a leaf diameter of up to 10 cm, the species is one of the larger strawberry plants. The species is a popular plant for gardens and parks. However, it should be planted in total shade.

Pelargonium Peltatum: "Caliente" varieties

With their different colored flowers, these geraniums ensure a lush sea of ​​flowers. Their colors vary from orange to red to violet. Six to eight plants per square meter are sufficient for a dense ground-covering stock to form. The plant is characterized by rapid growth.

Geranium dalmaticum: Dalmatian cranesbill

This species offers an alternative solution for all gardeners for whom graceful growth is important. The plant grows to a maximum height of 20 cm and develops dense cushions covering the ground. The delicate pink flowers appear between June and July. The leaves are also very dainty and transform the bed, especially in autumn, into a dreamy sea of ​​colour. In contrast to the Balkan cranesbill, this species can also be planted in the sun.

frequently asked Questions

True geraniums are hardy garden perennials

true geraniums (geranium) are generally hardy as garden perennials. They come in a wide variety of breeds. These varieties include those that resemble the flowering splendor of the balcony geranium: The geranium 'White Snow Double', the geranium 'Red Burcs Double' and the geranium 'Blue Birch Double'. They produce double flowers throughout the summer. For this reason alone they are strongly reminiscent of the usually not hardy balcony geraniums (pelargonium).

The flowers, for example, are not quite as lush, but the foliage is interesting Geranium maculatum 'Espresso', also referred to as 'Dark Cranesbill'. The soft pink flowers of this variety stand out well against the dark, bronze to chocolate brown foliage of the shrub away.

Hardy balcony geranium varieties

Actually, geraniums are not hardy because they come from South Africa. But there are also a few varieties that come from Turkey and the Middle East, such as Pelargonium finiterianum and are therefore hardy. The hardy balcony geranium varieties (Pelargonium finiterianum) differ significantly from the other species and varieties in terms of their flowers. Because most of the balcony geraniums are known and also popular because of their round, double flowers.

Rather heart-shaped and somewhat inconspicuous, the flowers of the Pelargonium finiterianum look. The three-colored geranium (Pelargonium tricolor / Pelargonium violareum). It should also be hardy. It differs from the P. finiterianum with its multicolored and multipetaled flowers. A flower is made up of red and white petals held together by a black eye, such as in the pelargonium 'Splendid' or 'Funny Face' is the case.

Tips for more flowering power

• Water neither too much nor too little, avoid waterlogging in any case.
• Fertilize regularly.
• Continuously pluck faded and withered leaves.

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