Main Differences Between Pelargonium and Geranium
- Pelargonium genus of flowering plants has about 280 species, whereas Geranium has 20 species.
- Pelargonium has dusky pink or lilac color petals. On the other hand, Geranium has a light and dark pinkish color.
- The symmetry of Pelargonium can be seen as a single symmetry plane while geranium has radial symmetry.
What is the difference between a geranium and a pelargonium?
What’s the Difference Between Zonal, Pelargonium and Hardy Geranium?
- Hardy Geranium. A hardy geranium is also known as a cranesbill, which is named due to the long seed head on the flower.
- Pelargonium. Pelargoniums come in many shapes and types. ...
- Zonal Geraniums. ...
Is a Geranium an annual or perennial?
While it should seem as if determining whether geraniums are perennials or annuals would be a simple matter, the fact is, it is not. The short answer is that all sorts of geraniums are technically perennial; however, not all kinds can tolerate very high or very low temperatures. For this reason, they must often be grown as annuals.
Is Geranium an acidic plant?
Though hardy geraniums (Geranium) adapt to many types of soil, they usually prefer acidic soil, meaning a pH below 7.0. Their adaptability makes them a prize for a beginning or hands-off gardener who wants showy blooms with minimal effort, but creating an acidic foundation for them is beneficial.
Are geraniums annual or perennial?
The common geranium lifespan can be many years, as long as it never gets too cold. True geraniums, on the other hand, are much more cold hardy and can be grown as perennials in many more climates. Most are winter hardy in USDA zones 5 through 8.
Are pelargoniums the same as geranium?
The flowers of geranium and pelargonium are not the same. Geranium flowers have five similar petals; pelargonium blooms have two upper petals which are different from the three lower petals.
Why is a pelargonium called a geranium?
The naming problem occurred in the 17th century when the first pelargoniums were brought to Europe and were called geraniums, due to their similarity to the perennial plant, and so the name geranium has been used ever since!
What does a pelargonium look like?
Pelargoniums sport five petals, just like the cranesbill. However, they differ in that the two upper petals are a different shape and size from the rest, giving it an asymmetrical appearance. Unlike the true hardy geranium, which generally lays low and wide, pelargoniums have tall stems that become woody as they age.
What is the common name for pelargonium?
geraniumsPelargonium (/ˌpɛlɑːrˈɡoʊni. əm/) is a genus of flowering plants that includes about 280 species of perennials, succulents, and shrubs, commonly called geraniums, pelargoniums, or storksbills. Geranium is also the botanical name and common name of a separate genus of related plants, also known as cranesbills.
When did geraniums become pelargoniums?
Charles L'Héritier officially separated them into two different genera in 1789, putting the (mostly) Northern Hemisphere plants into the genus Geranium and the (mostly) Southern Hemisphere ones back into the genus Pelargonium. And that separation has held true over the centuries.
Are pelargoniums perennials?
Pelargoniums, commonly known as 'geraniums', are very ornamental perennial plants producing lots of extremely colourful flowers for months on end. Some start to flower in spring, but mainly from early June to the first severe frosts of autumn. If grown indoors they can flower all year round.
What are the two types of geraniums?
Geraniums can be widely categorized into four types based on their flower and leaf size and properties. These are – garden or zonal geraniums, regal geraniums, ivy-leaved geraniums, and scented geraniums.
Should you deadhead pelargoniums?
They do not need to be pruned but they should be deadheaded regularly. Wilted flowers will needlessly drain the plant of its energy and this will prevent the plant from growing further flowers.
Will pelargoniums survive winter?
Pelargoniums don't have a dormant period, so the easiest way to keep them going through the winter is to dig them up and keep them as indoor houseplants on sunny windowsills. Here's our how-to guide and video to tell you everything you need to know about overwintering pelargoniums.
What is Pelargonium good for?
Pelargonium sidoides is an herb that has been used in traditional medicine in South Africa for centuries to treat infectious respiratory disease, dysentery, and diarrhea. The root extracts are used in Germany for the treatment of respiratory infections (1).
Are pelargoniums native to Australia?
Pelargonium australe is a perennial herb that is endemic to Australia, and found in all states except the Northern Territory. Common names include native storksbill, wild geranium and austral storksbill.
How do you care for a Pelargonium plant?
Pelargoniums are not thirsty plants so water moderately from spring to summer, taking care that the compost doesn't become too wet. Open windows or vents in a conservatory or greenhouse in summer to be sure of good air flow. Water only sparingly in winter, so that the compost has time to dry between waterings.
What does geranium stand for?
The geranium flower symbolizes happiness, good health, good wishes, and friendship. They are associated with positive emotions, with the exception of the Victorian symbolism of stupidity or foolishness.
What do you mean by geranium?
Definition of geranium 1 : any of a widely distributed genus (Geranium of the family Geraniaceae, the geranium family) of plants having regular usually white, pink, or purple flowers with elongated styles and glands that alternate with the petals. — called also cranesbill. 2 : pelargonium. 3 : a vivid or strong red.
What is a true geranium?
True geraniums are hardy perennials that return to the garden each year with a flush of handsome leaves. In spring and early summer, they can be covered with flowers that are pale pink, blue, purple, violet, rose, magenta or pure white.
What is the Latin name for geranium?
PelargoniumGeraniums / Scientific name
What is Pelargonium
Pelargonium is a genus of flowering plants that includes about 280 species. Some species of Pelargonium are very popular as garden plants and houseplants. The name Pelargonium comes from the Greek word pelargós, which means stork. This is because Pelargonium flowers form a seed head, which resembles the long and slender beak of a stork.
What is Geranium
Geranium is a genus of flowering plants that includes about 420 species. These plants grow in the temperate regions and the mountains of the tropics. Moreover, the name Geranium comes from the Greek word géranos, which means ‘crane’. Another name for this plant is cranesbill.
Similarities Between Pelargonium and Geranium
Pelargonium and Geranium belong to the same family: family Geraniaceae.
Difference Between Pelargonium and Geranium
Pelargonium is a genus of flowering plants that includes about 280 species whereas Geranium is a genus of flowering plants that includes about 420 species.
What is a hardy geranium?
Hardy Geraniums, also known as Cranesbills, which is given due to the shape of many varieties fruit capsule or seed pod that resembles the beak of a Crane. Seeds are dispersed when the pod springs open sending seeds off to a fair distance.
Do pelargoniums survive frost?
Unlike the hardy geraniums, Pelargoniums do not survive in areas prone to frost. The seed pods do not resemble a crane’s bill and seeds are dispersed by wind. Although Pelargoniums also have 5 petals, they differ in that the top two petals are a different shape and size to the rest giving a more asymmetrical appearance and grow in clusters.
Is Geranium the same as Pelargonium?
There has been much confusion over the beloved hardy Geranium and it’s relative the Pelargonium. Although we are often lead to believe that there is no real difference between the two, we couldn’t be more mistaken. The two varieties couldn’t be more different, noticeably in their growth, appearance and seed dispersal technique. Although they are apart of the same family, Geraniaceae that’s about all they have in common.
Why are geraniums called hardy geraniums?
They’re often called ‘hardy geraniums’ because of their cold-hardiness, unlike pelargoniums that aren’t cold-hardy at all. It’s also true that not all geraniums are cold hardy, but many will tolerate cold weather. Another distinctive feature of geraniums — and an aspect that differentiates them from pelargoniums — is their petals.
What is the name of the flower with ruffled petals?
Second in popularity and group size after zonal pelargonium s, regal or royal pelargoniums bear large and flamboyant flowers with ruffled, fringed petals that can be bi- or tricolored. For this type of pelargonium, check out the ‘Lord Bute’ and ‘Dark Secret’ cultivars.
What are the characteristics of geraniums?
Another distinctive feature of geraniums — and an aspect that differentiates them from pelargoniums — is their petals. Geranium flowers have five symmetrical petals with distinctive veining. The flowers come in white, pink, blue or purple. The leaf structure is also different from the leaf structure of pelargoniums.
What is the name of the tall growing geranium?
Another tall-growing geranium, the Geranium x magnificum is winner of the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society, which is hardly surprising thanks to its rich, violet-blue flowers that appear in mid-summer.
What is the leaf structure of geraniums?
The leaf structure is also different from the leaf structure of pelargonium s. Geraniums have long leaves that are broadly circular and palmately cleft. Apart from their appearance, geraniums also have different keeping requirements than pelargoniums.
What color are pelargonium leaves?
Pelargonium flowers come in a variety of colors depending on the cultivar. One of my favorites, the ‘Allwoods Lemon Drizzle’ cultivar, produces yellow flowers. Leaves of pelargonium flowers (this is especially true of zonal pelargoniums) are thick and fleshy featuring a darker horse-shoe pattern on the edges or center of the leaves.
How much sun does a pelargonium need?
Most pelargoniums can tolerate some drought and grow best when exposed to 4-6 hours of full sun per day. There are a few varieties that adapt well to part shade. They do best in neutral or slightly alkaline, well-draining soil. Their water requirements are moderate.
What is the difference between Geranium and Pelaragonium?
In fact, the botanical names both refer to this phenomenon. Pelaragonium is derived from the Greek for stork, because the seed capsule is said to resemble a stork’s bill, while Geranium means crane, because it’s supposed to look like a crane’s bill.
How many petals does a pelargonium have?
Originally, all pelargoniums had asymmetric flowers, with two upper petals and three lower petals that are quite distinct, but that characteristic has been bred out of many modern pelargoniums. The average zonal pelargonium ( Pelargonium x hortorum ), for example, now has symmetrical flowers, with all five petals being identical. ...
What are the different types of geraniums?
Geraniums ( Geranium spp.): 1 Geraniums always have symmetrical flowers.#N#Cold-hardy (there are a very few exceptions); 2 Grown outdoors year round, almost never indoors; 3 Herbaceous perennials (they usually die to the ground or to creeping rhizomes in the winter, then sprout again in the spring). 4 Always have symmetric flowers: 5 petals of approximately equal size and shape.
Is Geranium sanguineum a true geranium?
This is Geranium sanguineum, a true geranium. That wasn’t so much of an issue back when gardeners grew mostly pelargoniums (the annual types). If you used the word “geranium”, everyone understood you. But for the last 40 years or so, true geraniums ( Geranium spp.) have become widely popular in temperate climate gardens.
Is pelargonium cold resistant?
Pelargoniums ( Pelargonium spp.) Tender plants (not cold resistant ); Grown as annuals or brought indoors for the winter; Most have sturdy stems, often upright, that survive from one year to the next; Originally, pelargoniums had asymmetrical flowers, but that trait has been bred out of many of them.
Do geraniums have symmetrical flowers?
Geraniums always have symmetrical flowers. Cold-hardy (there are a very few exceptions); Grown outdoors year round, almost never indoors; Herbaceous perennials (they usually die to the ground or to creeping rhizomes in the winter, then sprout again in the spring).
Is a geranium a pelargonium?
For over 200 years now, gardeners have known that their garden geraniums (zonal geraniums, scented geraniums, ivy geraniums, etc.) were actually pelargoniums, that is, they don’t belong to the genus Geranium, but instead to the genus Pelargonium. It was a simple mistake. Linnaeus thought the plants were close enough relatives to put both types in ...
What is the difference between a geranium and a pelargonium?
The main separation between these two is their hardiness. Geraniums are perennials that return each year. Pelargoniums are annuals that can be semi-hardy in some climates, but they’re generally used for one season.
What is the unifying quality of pelargoniums?
The unifying quality all the pelargoniums have is that they are all annuals as opposed to the hardy geranium. The geraniums considered pelargoniums are: Zonal Geraniums. Fancy Leafed Geraniums.
What is a zonal geranium?
Zonal Geraniums. Zonal geraniums are a type of pelargonium, and they get their name from the “zone” of red, blue, or purple colour striping through the middle of their leaves, so this physical attribute is a helpful way to distinguish a zonal geranium. Other things to know:
How big do geraniums grow?
Grow up to 18 inches. Generally a one-season flower, but they might return if they like where they’re planted. So, there you have it! The main things to know are the hardiness of your geraniums and what you plan on using them for.
Is a geranium a cranesbill?
A hardy geranium is also known as a cranesbill, which is named due to the long seed head on the flower. These perennials are low maintenance and can tolerate shade. Therefore, they make nice fillers in flower beds that need year-round colour. Rozanne is considered a hardy geranium because it’s a long-lasting perennial, even throughout winter. So, to break it down:
What is the difference between geraniums and pelargoniums?
To keep it simple, think of the difference between the two according to their hardiness. Geraniums are thought of as perennials that come back year after year, Pelargoniums are their annual cousins that can be semi hardy in some climates but in general are sold for one seasons use. Let’s start here.
What is a hardy geranium?
This is the TRUE geranium by its genus name. But all plants have both a Latin Botanical name and a ‘common’ name (or the one the regular folks call it), so you may know hardy geraniums as Cranesbills named for their long slender seed heads. By Wouter Hagens via Wikimedia Commons.
What is the family name of Geraniaceae?
Understanding the Name. Geraniaceae is the family name of this species of plants. This family includes both the genus Geranium and Pelargonium ( there’s Erodium too but let’s not confuse things further! ). To keep it simple, think of the difference between the two according to their hardiness.
What is the best time of year to plant geraniums?
Regal Geraniums– Also known as Martha Washington Geraniums, have the showiest blooms and velvety scented leaves. They prefer the cooler temperatures of spring and fall but if watered well during the hot months they will thrive. I know gardeners that will only plant this type and when you see them you’ll know why.
What is a fancy leafed geranium?
By Marie Richie from Portland, Cascadia via Wikimedia Commons. Fancy Leafed Geraniums– or variegated, are available in several of the varieties from Zonal to Ivy. Basically these are appreciated for their beautifully colored leaves ranging from white tipped edges to dark central blotches.
How big do clones grow?
These are the ones you find in garden centres in full color in spring and will grow up to 18″. Generally they are used for one season but if they are in a happy spot, they can come back the next year.
Can geraniums climb?
Not only can they cascade over planters, but they can be trained to climb as well.
What is the largest geranium?
Martha Washington geraniums (Pelargonium x domesticum) produce the largest flowers of all the geranium types. They are actually a group of hybrid geraniums involving Pelargonium grandiflorum and Pelargonium cucullatum. Also called "regal" geraniums, according to the Missouri Botanical Garden's page on this cultivar, the bi-color flowers have dark-colored centers that fade to a second color, usually white. Color combinations include violet and lavender, pink and white, magenta and pink, and crimson and red. Martha Washington geraniums prefer cold weather, and their blooms appear in spring and late summer when nighttime temperatures remain consistently below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Sometimes called Regal and Lady Washington geraniums , they have a bushlike form and grow best in pots indoors.
What is a geranium?
Zonal Geraniums, or Common Geraniums. Zonal geraniums (Pelargonium x hortorum), also called common and garden geraniums, receive their name from the colored bands, dubbed zones, present on their leaves. Zonal geraniums include hundreds of varieties, each producing single or double blooms in ball-shaped clusters throughout the growing season.
What color are ivy leaves?
Their bloom colors include reds, pinks and purples, and the flowers appear throughout the summer months. Unlike the other kinds of geraniums, ivy-leaf geraniums require constantly moist soil and filtered shade when temperatures rise above 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
What color are geraniums?
Flower colors include orange, red, salmon, pink, white and lavender, and a single plant produces multiple balls at one time.
What do geranium leaves smell like?
These are heirloom geraniums, meaning they have changed little over time. Depending upon the specific variety, the leaves may have the scent of mint, roses, chocolate, various spices, lemon and other citrus. The leaf shapes of these plants vary as much as their fragrance, and the leaves may be lacy, serrated, rounded or crinkly.
Where do geraniums come from?
Native to South Africa, the common (or garden) geranium (Pelargonium spp.) has spread far and wide because of its brightly colored flowers and utility in the garden.
Do geraniums grow in containers?
The four main kinds of geraniums also grow well as annuals in containers or as bedding plants in any U.S. Department of Agriculture zone during warm weather.