Geranium.

At a glance

Care level

Easy

Plant type

Perennial

Light

Full sun

Indoor light

Direct sun

Water

Every 5 to 10 days

Mature size

1 to 3 feet

Growth rate

Medium

Hardiness

USDA 9 to 11

Bloom time

Spring to autumn

Care

Give them plenty of sun and let the soil dry out between waterings to keep them thriving. Watch for yellowing leaves, which often signal that the soil is staying too wet. Deadheading spent blooms will encourage the plant to keep producing new flowers.

Watering

Allow the top inch of soil to dry out completely before watering again.

Feeding

Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the active growing season.

Pruning

Pinch back stems and remove faded flowers to promote bushier growth.

Repotting

Repot when the roots have filled the container or the plant stops growing.

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 3 to 5 years

Fragrance

Light

Deer and rabbits

Moderate

Safety

People

The plant contains essential oils that may cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Pets

This plant is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.

Children

Keep out of reach of small children as the leaves can be a choking hazard if ingested.

Contact allergens

Contact with the leaves or stems can cause dermatitis in some people.

Airborne allergens

The pollen is generally not considered a significant airborne allergen.

Edibility

While not deadly, ingestion can cause gastrointestinal distress and is not recommended.

How to identify it

• Distinctive dark zones on leaves
• Rounded, velvety leaf texture
• Clusters of vibrant five petaled flowers
• Succulent like stems
• Slightly spicy scent when crushed

Height

0.3 to 0.6m

Spread

0.3 to 0.5m

Leaves

green, bronze, semi-evergreen

Flowers

red, pink, white, salmon, 2 to 4cm

Problems to watch for

• AphidsCommon
• Botrytis BlightCommon
• Gray MoldCommon
• EdemaUncommon
• Root RotUncommon
• WhiteflyUncommon

Growing it

Propagation

cuttings, seed

When to plant

spring

Overwintering

Bring containers indoors before the first frost. Place in a cool, bright spot and reduce watering significantly until spring.

In containers

They are excellent for containers, provided the pot has drainage holes and is at least 20 cm wide.

Pair with plants that have similar water needs to avoid root rot in the pelargonium.

Grows well with

• Petunia — They share similar light and water requirements for summer displays.
• Lobelia — The trailing habit of lobelia complements the upright growth of the pelargonium.

Similar species

• Ivy-leaved Pelargonium — It has a trailing habit instead of an upright one.

Science

Family

Geraniaceae

Genus

Pelargonium

Order

Geraniales

Class

Magnoliopsida

Native range

South Africa

Conservation

Not of conservation concern.

It grows in well drained, rocky soils in its native habitat, allowing it to withstand periods of dryness.

Value to wildlife

nectar source

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Uses

container gardening, bedding plants, window boxes

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

How do I keep them blooming?

Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage new growth.

Can I grow them indoors?

Yes, they thrive in a sunny window with good air circulation.

Where the name comes from

The genus name comes from the Greek word for stork, referring to the shape of the fruit. The species name zonale highlights the characteristic leaf pattern.

Good to know

• These plants are often called geraniums, though they belong to a different genus.
• The name zonale refers to the dark band or zone on the foliage.
• They were once extremely popular in Victorian era gardens.

Also in

• Plants toxic to cats and dogs