Pelargonium

There are around 300 species of pelargoniums coming from different parts of the old world, although the large majority comes from South Africa and Namibia. Although most are soft-wooded shrubs, there are some herbaceous species. Many are still called 'geraniums', but they differ from the real geraniums by the shape of their zygomorphic flower as well as their seeds. Pelargonium flowers have the 2 upper petals different from the 3 lower ones, while in the real Geraniums, all the petals are identical.

There are a number of attractive succulent pelargoniums coming from South Africa. Their stems are often thickened and sometimes spiny. The leaves are generally deciduous, falling during the dormant season, which is summer for most species.

Succulent pelargoniums don't take any frost, and should be protected from too much direct sunlight. They are propagated by seeds, or by cuttings in spring.

Species and varieties
Pelargonium × hortorum (Common Geranium, Garden Geranium, Zonal Geranium)
Pelargonium domesticum (Lady Washington Pelargonium, Regal Geranium)
Pelargonium graveolens (Rose-Scented Geranium)

© 2004 Philippe Faucon, All Rights Reserved.