Is a Pelargonium a type of Geranium?

L’Hér. Pelargonium /ˌpɛlɑːrˈɡoʊniəm/ is a genus of flowering plants which includes about 280 species of perennials, succulents, and shrubs, commonly known as geraniums, pelargoniums, or storksbills. Geranium is also the botanical name and common name of a separate genus of related plants, also known as cranesbills.

Is Pelargonium part of the Geranium family?

Geraniaceae
Geraniums/Family
Geraniums. Geraniums and Pelargoniums are both part of a beautiful flower family. While these two species are both part of the Geraniaceae family—much like families today—they could not be more different.

What are the two types of geraniums?

There are two types of plants that are called geraniums: true geraniums that are part of the Geranium genus and plants which are Pelargonium genus. Both are part of the Geraniaceae family, and are related if not identical. Both of these plants are often confused for one another.

What do Pelargonium look like?

Many have attractive foliage with purple or maroon markings in zones on the leaves, hence the name. Plants are upright and bushy with succulent stems and offer clusters of single or double flowers in red, salmon, pink or white. Regal: Another popular type of pelargonium that flower slightly earlier than the Zonal.

Are pelargoniums annuals or perennials?

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.

Are pelargoniums frost hardy?

If grown indoors they can flower all year round. Pelargoniums are not cold and frost hardy, so shouldn’t be confused with the very closely related true hardy geranium – or cranesbill – which are perennials grown outdoors all year round.

Is Pelargonium a perennial?

The geranium and pelargonium are two varieties in the Geraniaceae family of plants. 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.

How can you tell geraniums from pelargoniums?

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 are small geraniums called?

Angel pelargoniums are miniature versions of regal pelargoniums, with small round leaves and pansy or viola-like leaves. They’ re great in pots or hanging baskets.

What grows well with Pelargonium?

Plants that Grow Next to Geraniums Geraniums are known to repel earworms, cabbageworms, and Japanese beetles. Because of this, the best companion plants for geraniums are those that are prone to suffering from them, like corn, roses, grapes, and cabbage.

Why are geraniums now called pelargoniums?

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 do I do with pelargoniums in winter?

Get geraniums out of the ground Set the plants in a shady spot and let them dry for a few days. This will help avoid mold or mildew during storage. Store your geraniums through winter in a paper bag or cardboard box in a cool, dry location, at about 50 to 60 degrees F.