Some Facts About Pelargoniums

November 25, 2024

Pelargoniums are not just popular flowers for garden beds and balcony boxes – they also hide many interesting facts that may surprise even experienced gardeners. From their origins in South Africa to their ability to grow and bloom beautifully with minimal gardening skills, pelargoniums are versatile and vibrant, adding charm to any garden or terrace.

Zonal Pelargoniums

Tough, reliable, and drought-resistant, zonal pelargoniums form tall, bushy plants that are well-known for their resistance to slugs. Available in single, semi-double, and double-flowered varieties, zonal pelargoniums are an excellent choice for creating bedding schemes and vibrant container displays throughout the season.

Ivy-Leaved Pelargoniums

These beautiful, cascading ivy-leaved pelargoniums (the name "ivy" refers to the fleshy leaf shape, which resembles the foliage of the traditional climber) provide longevity to baskets and pots, blooming late into the season – long after other summer favorites have finished flowering.

Regal Pelargoniums

Regal pelargoniums can bloom earlier than zonal varieties and continue their display throughout the entire season. These showy and statuesque plants are known for their ruffled flowers. While they are mostly single-flowered, bicolor shades are also available.

Scented-Leaf Pelargoniums

Scented-leaf pelargoniums offer a wide range of fragrances, from citrus to lemon and rose. These varieties may produce smaller flowers than others, but they are remarkable for their scent (most intense when the plants bask in sunlight), and they come in various foliage styles, from variegated to lobed leaves.

Angel Pelargoniums

Angel pelargoniums are a smaller version of regal pelargoniums. Compact, bushy, and cheerful, they are perfect for small spaces, such as hanging baskets and smaller containers. The darker markings on the upper petals of the flowers resemble the characteristic blooms of the beloved pansy and viola. Angel pelargoniums bloom profusely (regularly deadhead to encourage more flowers) and are always a great choice for mixed planting schemes.

Originating from South Africa, pelargoniums were introduced to Europe in the 17th century. Since then, these plants have become an integral part of many cultures, with Switzerland even declaring the pelargonium its national flower. Pelargoniums also make excellent indoor plants, and varieties like regal and angel pelargoniums fit well into modern interiors.

Pelargonium x hortorum seeds | Zonal geranium

Pelargoniums not only delight the eyes with their colorful and varied flower forms but also have culinary and medicinal properties. Scented pelargoniums, for example, can be used to add aroma to meat dishes, salads, or desserts. Additionally, certain varieties, such as those with lemon or orange-scented leaves, act as a natural insect repellent.

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