The 'new' plants were re-classified as Pelargoniums, with both the Geranium and the Pelargonium classified as genera of the Geraniaceae Family. Cold-hardy (there are a very few exceptions); So there you go. | Kiyanti2008's Weblog, Are We Participating In The Spekboom Challenge? Pelargoniums are commonly called geraniums, but they are actually kind of taxonomic cousins. What is a citronella plant called? The name Pelargonium derives from the Greek term pelargós meaning stork because, when the flowers form a seed head, it resembles the long and slender beak of a stork. They are often confused with common or scented geraniums, which are actually a related but completely separate genus called Pelargoniums. Leaves will be fused into a fan shape called palmate leaves. Unfortunately, the reclassification wasn’t widely accepted until much later. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Linnaeus thought the plants were close enough relatives to put both types in the genus Geranium. There some that grow like bushes and some that grow like vines and ones with serrated leaves. The lines, called veins, radiate from one central point on the leaf. There are a variety of colours and leaf forms available, all suitable for pots, hanging baskets or garden beds. I mean, who doesn’t grow either G. ‘Rozanne’ or G. ‘Johnson’s Blue’? Pelargoniums (Pelargonium spp.) The … Geranium is a genus of 422 species of annual, biennial, and perennial plants that are commonly known as geraniums or cranesbills. They are annual flowers that are sold for one season’s use. Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Both belong to the same plant family, the Geraniaceae, and both have the same long, narrow, beak-shaped seed capsule that springs open when ripe and casts the seeds far and wide. The change was widely accepted even back then and still holds today. Come spring, the plants will rocket away, bush up … The first geraniums did not come to Europe until the 17th century. They are a bit ugly now, but after the Winter Solstice, they will snap out of their funk and grow abundantly. Other than that, there are no shrubby or climbing geraniums, so those must be pelargoniums. Generally I am very successful with geraniums but I have a love bushy pelargonium but not flowering. Geranium flowers have 5 petals too, but naturally symmetrical and of equal size. Any hints? What does a pelargonium look like? The average zonal pelargonium (Pelargonium x hortorum), for example, now has symmetrical flowers, with all five petals being identical. There are true geraniums, which are often called hardy geraniums and cranesbill. Geraniums vs pelargoniums. Let’s Stop the Confusion, Geraniums or Pelargoniums? 19. In fact, there are several different kinds. And while they are in the Geraniaceae family, they differ fro… The tall-stemmed flowers with ball-shaped blooms are actually Pelargoniums as classified by their genus or Pelargonium × hortorum according to their species. Often made worse by the fact that Americans still widely use this incorrect naming. Hi hope you can help me. True geraniums are perennials called cranesbill geraniums. (1) Zonal Pelargoniums – mostly bush type plants grown for the beauty of their flower and often the one most confused by being wrongly named ‘Geraniums’ particularly in summer bedding arrangements etc. 19. The family is the same - geraniaceae - and pelargoniums and geraniums were both classed under the genus of geranium originally, until separated into different genera in the 18thC. Why are pelargoniums called geraniums? Plants in the genus Geranium are also commonly used in gardens, but are typically referred to as hardy geraniums or cranesbills.). Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Regal Geraniums once called Pelargonium domesticum, P. Cucullatum or P. grandiflorum are showy flowering plants at their best between April and June. Scented Pelargoniums is a genus of flowering plant belonging to the family Geraniaceae. Regal Geranium. Zonal geraniums grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 9 through 12. When someone tells me about a new geranium they are growing, I like to know right away whether they referring to a geranium (hardy) or a pelargonium (tender). Though they are often called geraniums, that is not correct. Where did the confusion come from? They look so great in pots and window boxes, and they are one of the most popular container plants. You may say po-TAE-to and I may say po-TAH-to, but let’s all say geranium when we mean Geranium and pelargonium when we mean Pelargonium. Although they are often grown as annuals, they may overwinter in zones as cool as zone 7. In fact, the botanical names both refer to this phenomenon. They are all part of the Geraniaceae plant family. Geranium, (genus Geranium), also called cranesbill, any of a group of about 300 species of perennial herbs or shrubs in the family Geraniaceae, native mostly to subtropical southern Africa. They are scented Pelargoniums different from … These are not called scented geraniums. Get involved. Zonal geraniums are basically tropical perennials. A. Zonal Pelargoniums (Pelargonium x hortorum). But for the last 40 years or so, true geraniums (Geranium spp.) What plants are indigenous to South Africa? Follow us. – while they have similarities, they differ in many ways too. It may come as a surprise to know theres more than one type of geranium. One easy way to distinguish between the two is to check it’s winter survival skills. Geranium or Pelargonium? You might be surprised to know that these common plants are not geraniums at all. Pelargoniums, commonly known as geraniums, are a large group of mostly evergreen and tender perennials used as bedding or houseplants. Pelargoniums have feathered seeds, shaped like a stork’s bill, which are dispersed by the wind. Although they may be kept outdoors during the warmer part of the year, geraniums are typically kept indoors to overwinter. I learnt something new today – I had them completely around the other way, or just thought they were all geraniums. The plants we all know as geraniums are correctly called pelargoniums, having 'borrowed' their common name from a member of the same plant family, Geraniaceae. Also serrated leaves are likely linked to pelargoniums. But Charles L’Héritier saw things differently and separated them into two genera in 1789. Confusingly, Pelargoniums are often called ‘geraniums’, but the true Geraniums (or cranesbills) belong to a related genus of hardy herbaceous plants, with a number of native species in Britain. Their leaves come in a variety of shapes and sizes and may resemble ferns, grape leaves or oak leaves and may be deeply divided or nearly round. Zonal geraniums, the most popular and widely known geraniums, are actually not geraniums at all. And this had become all the more necessary in that an increasing number of varieties in both genera are now being grown. The first thing to look at is whether it is just a few leaves going yellow or whether the whole plant is looking a bit sick. The seed capsules, therefore, are essentially identical. The true geranium is found in many parts of the world, while most pelargoniums have their origins in South Africa. Geraniums are among the most popular of bedding and greenhouse plants. Charles L’Hertier, an 18th-century French botanist, decided to separate them into two different genera. However, some hybrid pelargoniums have been bred with equal-sized petals, so they are exceptions. ( Log Out / Botanically speaking, true geraniums (those belonging to the genus Geranium ) are a related genus of hardy flowering perennial shrubs. Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. Many people wonder why their geraniums get leggy, especially if they keep them year after year. Join now. Geraniums may be identified visually by looking at the leaves. Honestly, you’d have to be a fairly serious birder to be able to tell a stork’s beak from a crane’s beak… especially if you removed the rest of the bird! I have an annual infestation on my Rozanne geranium which very quickly makes all the leaves on a large plant, approximately half metre spread, to look like lace because there are so many tiny holes. Various types of Pelargonium are regular participants in flower shows and competitive events, with numerous societies devoted exclusively to their cultivation. Pelargoniums are semi-hardy and more sensitive to frost. 16. It was a simple mistake. Hence, why pelargoniums were also referred to as storksbill by the early enthusiasts. It’s better for me not to beak ….. now I know for sure that all my geraniums are actually pelargoniums. 15. For over 200 years now, gardeners have known that their garden geraniums (zonal geraniums, scented geraniums, ivy geraniums, etc.) I have several of the “true” geraniums doing very well (aka taking over some areas) in my temperate/sub-alpine shady garden (Victoria, Australia). Which is which. Often grown as annuals, they produce flowers of breathtaking beauty over a long season. Geraniums and pelargoniums are often conflated, and it's true they're in the same plant family. If it’s just a few leaves and the rest of the plant is looking robust enough then I’d suggest it could be a sudden change in temperature or some other harmless occurrence. At that time, the first pelargoniums which were brought to Europe from South Africa were called geraniums, due to their similarity to the domestic perennial plant. Always have symmetric flowers: 5 petals of approximately equal size and shape. Yes, many pelargoniums can take quite a bit of cold, but not prolonged freezing. How to Collect Geranium Seeds from Plant (With Pictures) Collecting geranium seeds from plant is not that easy because of the way these seeds are displayed. This not only helps prevent overgrown geraniums, but will also reduce or fix leggy geranium plants. Learn how your comment data is processed. ( Log Out / Grown as annuals or brought indoors for the winter; Most have sturdy stems, often upright, that survive from one year to the next; 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). If you point to a geranium at a garden shop, you're actually probably identifying Pelargonium, a member of a group of plants which have commonly come to be called ‘geraniums.' The original (incorrect) classification persists. Botanically, they are called Pelargonium. That wasn’t so much of an issue back when gardeners grew mostly pelargoniums (the annual types). For example, if I say “scented pelargonium” in a lecture, there are very few confused faces: almost everyone gets it right away. Geraniums always have symmetrical flowers. I also have a number of what I thought were geraniums, but now know are pelargoniums doing ok (tend to get very leggy), and they survive winter outside no worries – however, we rarely get snow and do not get frosts, so maybe that is why? Change ). Join the RHS today and get 12 months for the price of 9. So why call them scented geraniums? There are many, many species of pelargonium, not all of which are heavy bloomers. These woody-stemmed, upright 2-foot-tall geraniums are also called Martha Washington geraniums, royal or French geraniums. 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. 30. Pelargonium is derived from the Greek word 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. Both geraniums and pelargoniums have a similar long, narrow, beaklike seed capsule. Pelargoniums can be thought of as the geranium cousin. I think it’s time to stop pussyfooting around. I’m looking for a quick guide to tell true geraniums apart from pelargoniums. You may think that red, pink, or white annual flowering plants with thick pleated leaves are called \"geraniums,\" since everyone calls them that. All Rights Reserved. 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. You know and I know that Scented Geraniums do not exist! Why are pelargoniums called geraniums? were actually pelargoniums, that is, they don’t belong to the genus Geranium, but instead to the genus Pelargonium. ( Log Out / Pelargoniums are a genus of flowering plants that include as many as 280 species. What is the difference between a geranium and a pelargonium? We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place. have become widely popular in temperate climate gardens. Thank you. But – as in most families! For those who don’t quite get the difference, here’s a quick summary: Originally, pelargoniums had asymmetrical flowers, but that trait has been bred out of many of them. - Small Scale Engineering. True geraniums are perennial and commonly called cranesbills. (Note: This page is about plants in the genus Pelargonium, commonly called geraniums or storksbills. ( Log Out / Change ), You are commenting using your Google account. Of course, the two plant genera, Pelargonium and Geranium are closely related. Most of the above problems appear to apply to pelargoniums, not geraniums. Your zonal geranium is really a zonal pelargonium (Pelargonium x hortorum). Geranium flowers come in a variety of colors. The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. I hope you don’t mind if I link this blog to mine. Geraniums are one of the most popular bedding plants, and while they are normally quite attractive, routine pruning may be necessary in order to keep them looking their best. Discover pelargoniums. Do hardy geraniums die back in winter? To distinguish them from the tender (half-hardy) pelargoniums, few of which can survive the winter in temperate climates, we took to calling the latter “hardy geraniums”. Try increasing the amount of sun and cutting back on fertilizer. Why not call a Geranium a geranium and a Pelargonium a pelargonium? These have a much showier display of flowers than true geraniums, but they are harder to keep alive in the winter. Named varieties to look out for include Black Knight, Bridesmaid, Caribrooke, Marylyn (above)Wooton and Lord Bute.The velvety textured petals can combine to make large flowerheads and look stunning in a pot or container. It seems we have both kinds and one of my big climbing geranium plant is not doing well. or Geraniums as they are commonly known and still referred to, are great perennial plants for the easy care gardener.They require little attention once established and thrive in hot, dry conditions. When pelargoniums were brought over from South Africa they were thought to be the same as the geranium, and thus were accidentally misclassified, a mistake that wasn’t rectified until the 1700s. 18. That’s the basic rule. Jane recommends pruning geraniums and pelargoniums back by between one third to one half during March or April. This is Geranium sanguineum, a true geranium. Difference Between Geraniums and Pelargoniums, How to Collect Geranium Seeds from Plant (With Pictures), A Guide to Using a Heat Mat for Geranium Seedlings, How to Hand-Pollinate Geranium Flowers (Part 1), Crossing a Zonal Geranium with an Ivy Geranium (Interspecifics). They are found throughout the temperate regions of the world and the mountains of the tropics, but mos In some areas they are grown as annuals. My geraniums aren’t looking very well – why? Thank you. Pelargonium flowers have 2 upper petals and 3 lower ones: the lower ones are usually smaller. The first Pelargoniums were exported from the fairest Cape by John Tradescant in the 1600’s and from these thousands of new hybrids have been bred. While showy and beautiful, their petals are unsymmetrical and they don’t stand up well to frost and do best in an exposed, sunny location. Most of the plants commonly called geraniums are actually pelargoniums, and while both genera are members of the geranium (Geraniaceae) family, the true geraniums are a … Some Types of Geranium. My guess is that all your plants are pelargoniums. 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. Again, most gardeners already know the difference and are familiar with the term “pelargonium” even if they don’t yet use it. The terms geraniums and pelargoniums are often used interchangeably, but in … Read more. If you used the word “geranium”, everyone understood you. They are easy to propagate vegetatively from cuttings. 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