Geranium Pelargonium Play pronunciation

Pelargoniums are annuals, tender perennials (often grown as annuals), shrubs or tuberous geophytes from Africa, Madagascar, the Arabian Peninsula, and Australia, but most species are endemic to South Africa. Pelargoniums are members of the geranium family (Geraniaceae). The genus name is from the Greek word pelargos, meaning a stork, as the plant’s elongated fruit capsule has a beak resembling the beak of a stork. 

Pelargoniums require full sun and soils that are well-drained. Once established, plants are drought-tolerant, but they grow and flower more luxuriantly with moderate moisture. Plants in containers may be allowed to dry out between waterings. Some species are tuberous geophytes that are summer-dormant. These species should be allowed to go into dormancy in early summer and kept dry until growth resumes in the late Fall. In insufficient light, plants become leggy and bloom poorly. Species and certain hybrid strains are propagated from seed; others should be propagated from cuttings. Seeds should be started indoors in January or February with bottom heat. Stem cuttings may be taken from July to August and grown under glass or in a sunny window until the danger of frost has passed. Species with tuberous roots can be propagated by root cuttings. Plants can be overwintered indoors or in a cool greenhouse (with a minimum temperature of 40 degrees Farenheit), during which time they should be kept very dry. Water the plants sparingly, only when the plants show signs of wilting. After the danger of frost has passed, the plants can be brought out of dormancy and watered normally.

Most of the commonly cultivated pelargoniums are the zonal pelargoniums (Pelargonium x hybridum), the ivy-leaved pelargoniums (derived from Pelargonium peltatum) and the scented pelargoniums. Another recognized group is the Uniques (derived from Pelargonium fulgidum).There are variegated cultivars and single, semidouble or double-flowered cultivars. Regal pelargoniums (Pelargonium x domesticum) and the Angel pelargoniums (similar to Regals but smaller) are more commonly grown in cool climates, like the Pacific Northwest or the UK. The species pelargoniums often have specialized requirements and are grown by specialist collectors. 

Pelargoniums make excellent potted plants in window boxes and patio or deck planters. They can also be grown as houseplants. Zonal pelargoniums are grown as bedding annuals. Plant as specimens or en masse. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Susceptible to caterpillars, spider mites, mealybugs, fungal diseases and bacterial diseases.