General Description/History

There is some confusion about geraniums and pelargoniums, as most plants commonly called geraniums are in fact in the Pelargonium genus. There is a separate Geranium genus, but these plants have symmetrical flowers, while Pelargonium has irregular petals.

Potted geraniums are in fact all Pelargoniums, and despite the name confusion, are very popular pot plants. This is due to their combination of hardiness, flashy, many coloured flowers, and scent. They are tolerant of drought and heat, but are not happy with regular frosts. Under typical Australian conditions geraniums are just about bullet-proof. As a basic rule, if you end up killing a geranium you should seriously contemplate giving up all gardening activities altogether.

Twenty species are commonly used as pot or garden plants, and there are thousands of cultivars. Flowers are borne in clusters on long stems, and have 5 petals. Most common flower colours are red, white, pink, salmon and purple, but there are many variations and combinations. Leaves are soft and velvety, arranged alternately and are rounded. They can also be scented and commonly have a dark purple circular pattern 1 to 2 cm in from the leaf margin.

What to look for

• Plants with many buds and a few open flowers
• Fresh, undamaged leaves;
• Avoid plants with brown leaves and very dry potting mix.

Flower Care

1. Place in dappled shade, or full sun.
2. Water 2 to 3 times a week during hot weather.
3. Feed with a liquid fertiliser every week during flower formation.
4. Cut back after flowering – cut about a third off each branch.
5. Pelargoniums strike very easily – if a branch breaks off simply sticking it in a glass of water or moist potting mix will often result in root growth.

Interesting Facts about this Flower

Although all the common Pelargoniums used in gardening are from South Africa there are 7 Australian species.

A number of Pelargonium species are important in the perfume industry. Although there are scented Pelargoniums available that have citrus or mint perfumes, it is the varieties with rose scents are most commercially important. Pelargonium distillates, commonly known as “scented geranium oil” are sometimes used to supplement or dilute expensive rose oils.

Botanical Name: Pelargonium sp

Common Names: Geranium

Stem Length: 

Country of Origin: South Africa

Available Colours: Pink, Purple, Red, White

Season: Summer,Autumn,Winter,Spring

Availability: January,February,March,April,May,June,July,August,September,October,November,Decemeber