Zonal Geraniums
Zonal is the general name for the large group of geraniums often found in summer gardens. Zonal refers to the ring of darker color inside the leaf margin. Flower colors available include lavender, magenta, orange, pink, salmon, red and white and variations of bi-colored flowers, too. They come in singles, semi-doubles and doubles. The plants have an upright and mounding habit and love full sun.
‘Maverick Orange’ has fluorescent orange flowers. ‘Peppermint Twist’ gets up to 14” tall; the petals are splashed with red over a white background. ‘Moulin Rouge’ has scarlet red blooms. ‘Freckles’ has pink flowers with a dark rose middle and was an All-America Selections winner for 1991.
Fancy-Leafed Geraniums
A sub-group of the zonals is fancy-leafed geraniums. Even when the flowers do not bloom the variegated leaves will stand out. These geraniums will tolerate part shade.
Geranium ‘Mr. Henry Cox’ has yellow leaves with a red ring and splashed with green and a purplish brown. The ‘Black Velvet Series’ has black leaves slightly edged with green. Choose from flowers in red, rose, salmon or appleblossom. The geranium ‘Black Velvet Rose’ was an All-America Selections winner for 2002.
Stellar Geraniums
Stellar geraniums are also part of the zonal geranium group. They are small bushy plants. The leaves and flower petals are deeply incised creating a star-shaped appearance. Stellar geraniums will tolerate less sun, especially in southern regions. Some cultivars to look for are ‘Vancouver Centennial, 'Peppermint Star,’ ‘Chinese Cactus,’ or ‘Exotic Glitter.’
Ivy Geraniums for Hanging Baskets
Ivy geranium have waxy, succulent leaves with a trailing habit. These geranium plants are perfect for hanging baskets, placed in an east facing location, protected from hot afternoon sun. The botanical name for ivy geraniums is Pelargonium peltatum.
'Breakaway’ is an ivy geranium that tolerates hot weather. The ‘Summer Showers Mix’ includes red, rose, lavender, plum and white colors and trails 15-24.”
Martha Washington Geraniums
Also known as regal or pansy types, with their azalea like blooms these geraniums make beautiful houseplants. Indoors, they will prefer sun from an eastern exposure but cool temperatures (air conditioning.) Outdoors, plant them in containers and set the pots where they would be shaded from afternoon sun such as near evergreen shrubs.
Scented Geraniums
Pelargonium graveolens can be used indoors or outside. They like full sun, avoiding the hot afternoon sun. Scented geraniums should be pinched back when they become leggy.
This geranium is usually grouped with herbs; the oils, leaves and flower petals are used in perfumes and potpourris. The plants are terrific in a container garden outside or indoor among houseplants. Position these geraniums where someone is sure to brush up against the aromatic leaves.
Most plants are upright, however, there are some trailing types useful in a hanging basket. Some examples include ‘Chocolate Mint’ or ‘Snowflake Rose.’ Scented geraniums come in scents such as rose, lemon, apple, orange or mint. Usually found sold among this group would be the citrosa-scented geraniums, which is perfect for a patio used to repel mosquitoes.
Annual bedding geraniums are part of the Geraniaceae family, genus Pelargonium. To further confuse gardeners the genus Geranium is part of the same family but is a perennial plant.
Permission received for all photos used in this article.
Chris Eirschele - Chris writes on plants grown and gardens explored; she is a member of the Garden Writers Association.
Join the Conversation