Pelargoniums ( Pelargonium ), also known as geraniums, bloom in a variety of colors, with both double and small, sparse flowers. Pelargoniums are easy-care and hardy plants that will bloom profusely from spring to autumn in flower beds, boxes, or decorative baskets, where they will form multi-colored clusters of flowers.
Do you know?
Pelargoniums are native to South Africa. Due to the similarity of the fruit of the pelargonium to the beak of a stork, the flower got its name from the Greek word pelargos , which means “stork”. Many people associate pelargoniums with a specific, not everyone likes smell, but this is only characteristic of zonal pelargoniums. True, fragrant-leaved pelargoniums also smell, but differently - they are specially created varieties, the leaves of which smell of lemons, oranges, apples, pines, nuts. They are also often used in cooking, because they are edible - they perfectly complement desserts, teas and even flavor sugar. In turn, large-flowered and drooping pelargoniums do not emit any specific aroma.
How to navigate the diversity of pelargoniums?
Pelargoniums are surprisingly diverse – they differ in growth form, flower color, and leaf fragrance.
Drooping geraniums ( Pelargonium x peltatum ) or shield geraniums are very popular in the summer season, as they look beautiful in arranged baskets. The shoots are completely or partially drooping; they can be up to one and a half meters long. Drooping geraniums are the most difficult to overwinter.
Large-flowered geraniums ( Pelargonium x grandiflorum ), also called English geraniums, form large bushes with magnificent flowers. They do not have a specific smell!
Zonal geraniums ( Pelargonium x zonale ), also called banded geraniums because of the dark circular pattern of the petals. Zonal geraniums form bushes, up to 40 centimeters high, the flowers are simple or double, collected in clusters. They have the specific scent of geraniums.
Fragrant and variegated-leaved geraniums ( Pelargonium x species ) bloom with relatively modest flowers, but are distinguished by the fact that their leaves emit various aromas.
Planting pelargoniums
Pelargoniums are best planted in May or early June, when temperatures are stable and the soil is warm enough. Pelargoniums need humus-rich, loose soil. Leave 20–30 cm between plants in the beds to give them enough room to grow and air to circulate. Plant more closely in pots and boxes, but leave at least 15 cm between plants.
Pelargonium care
Pelargoniums love the sun and are drought tolerant, making them an ideal choice for those who want a beautiful but undemanding plant. To ensure they bloom profusely, they need to be provided with regular, but not excessive, watering and periodic fertilization.
