Do I need to deadhead them?

Yes, removing spent flowers encourages the plant to produce more blooms.

Can I keep them indoors?

They do well indoors if placed in a very bright, sunny window.

Plant guide

Geranium.

Pelargonium

Pronounced peh-lar-GOH-nee-um

Also known as Geranium, Geraniums, Pelargoniums, geraniums and storksbills, stork's bills, stork's-bills, storkbills, storksbills

Pelargonium × hybridum — Photo by zebedeugalinha (CC BY) via iNaturalist

Pelargoniums are cheerful, sun loving plants that bring a classic look to gardens and containers. They are technically tender perennials often grown as annuals in cooler climates. You will love their vibrant blooms and fragrant foliage.

Another photo of Geranium — Photo by liam1294 (CC BY) via iNaturalist

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Perennial
Light: Full sun
Indoor light: Direct sun
Water: Every 3 to 7 days
Mature size: 1 to 3 feet
Growth rate: Fast
Hardiness: USDA 9 to 11
Bloom time: Spring to autumn

Care

Give these plants plenty of sunlight and keep the soil well drained to prevent rot. Watch for yellowing leaves or wilting, which often signal that the plant needs a bit more or less water. Deadheading spent flowers will encourage your plant to keep blooming all season long.

Watering: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Feeding: Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the active growing season.
Pruning: Pinch back stems to encourage a bushier shape and remove faded blooms.
Repotting: Repot when the roots become crowded or the plant stops growing well.
Soil: Well draining potting mix
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.0
Temperature: 5 to 30°C
Humidity: 40 to 60%
Drought tolerance: Moderate
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 2 to 5 years
Fragrance: Light
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes
Water running straight through the pot without soaking in

Safety

People: The plant contains essential oils that can cause mild skin irritation or stomach upset if ingested.
Pets: These plants are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.
Children: Keep out of reach of small children as the leaves can be a choking hazard and may cause mild irritation if chewed.
Contact allergens: The glandular hairs on the leaves can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: The pollen is generally not a significant allergen, but the scent can be overwhelming for some.
Edibility: While some species are used in culinary applications, many ornamental varieties are not intended for consumption and may cause digestive upset.

How to identify it

rounded leaves with scalloped edges
vibrant clusters of five petaled flowers
distinctive aromatic foliage when crushed
sturdy stems often covered in fuzz

Height: 0.2 to 0.6m
Spread: 0.2 to 0.5m
Leaves: green, semi-evergreen
Flowers: red, pink, white, purple, 2 to 5cm

Problems to watch for

Botrytis · A fungal gray mold that thrives in cool, damp conditions.
Aphids · Small insects that suck sap from new growth.

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: cuttings, seed
When to plant: spring
Overwintering: Bring pots indoors before the first frost and place them in a cool, bright spot. Reduce watering significantly during the winter months to allow the plant to rest.
In containers: They thrive in containers, provided the pot has excellent drainage and is at least 20 centimeters in diameter.

Stem Cuttings

1. Take a 10 centimeter cutting from a healthy, non-flowering stem.
2. Remove the lower leaves.
3. Let the cutting dry for a day to callous over.
4. Insert into moist, well-draining potting mix.
5. Keep in bright, indirect light until rooted.

Pair them with plants that prefer well-draining soil to avoid root rot issues.

Grows well with

Petunia · They share similar light and water requirements for container displays.
Lobelia · The trailing habit of lobelia complements the upright growth of pelargoniums.

Similar species

Hardy Geranium · Often confused due to the common name but are fully hardy perennials.

Science

Family: Geraniaceae
Genus: Pelargonium
Order: Geraniales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: South Africa
Conservation: Not of conservation concern.

They have evolved to survive in dry, sunny environments by storing water in their stems.

Value to wildlife: nectar source
Pollinators: bees, butterflies
Uses: container gardening, bedding plants, hanging baskets

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 8/9
Temperature: 7/9
Moisture: 4/9
Nutrients: 5/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Do I need to deadhead them?: Yes, removing spent flowers encourages the plant to produce more blooms.
Can I keep them indoors?: They do well indoors if placed in a very bright, sunny window.

Where the name comes from

The name Pelargonium is derived from the Greek word pelargos, meaning stork, because the seed pods resemble a stork's beak.

Good to know

They are native to South Africa.
They were brought to Europe in the 17th century.
The name comes from the Greek word for stork, referring to the shape of the fruit.

Also in

Plants toxic to cats and dogs

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This guide was generated with AI on October 25, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.