Reasons to Grow Geraniums and Pelargoniums

Geraniums and pelargoniums are closely related but also quite different flowering plants of the family Geraniaceae. If they are often confused, that is not surprising. Originally thought to belong to the same genus, they were later separated into two genera. Many of the plants commonly referred to as geraniums are in fact pelargoniums. They can be distinguished by their flowers: geraniums have petals arranged symmetrical, pelargoniums asymmetrically.

Geraniums, also known as cranesbill, are found worldwide, but especially in temperate Mediterranean regions. Pelargoniums derive their name from the Greek for stork, because of perceived similarities to a stork's beak (similar to a crane's). They are indigenous to southern Africa. Both have delighted gardeners for centuries with their range of summer flowers, their varied foliage and sweet fragrances.

For the beginner, the busy and the ardent gardener alike, these plants are ideal, for a host of reasons:

- they like ordinary or even quite poor soil and do not demand regular feeding
- they dislike having 'wet feet' and do not require dedicated watering
- they are temperature-tolerant, though pelargoniums are not fond of frost
- they are easy to propagate, by cutting, division or seed
- they are versatile, decorative as both indoor and outdoor plants
- most varieties are perennials, rewarding year after year
- amongst the 600+ species, there is something to everyone's taste

Geraniums and pelargoniums will provide color in any house or garden. Though pinks and reds are best known, there are striking blue geranium varieties and horticulturalists unveiled a new pale yellow pelargonium, the 'Guernsey Flair', in 2006. The flowers may be double or single, large or small, star-like or tubular, and a cultivar can be found to complement any flower bed.

The leaves are just as appealing as the flowers. They come in a range of shapes, colors and textures: shiny or velvety, succulent and trailing. Variegated varieties include cream and green, and green and maroon. The fragrance of the leaves of many pelargonium species is their most appealing feature. They include peppery and citrus-like scents, mint, apple and rose fragrances. P. graveolens and P. odorantissimum are two powerfully scented species used in essential and aromatherapy oils.

A plethora of medicinal qualities have been attributed to geraniums and pelargoniums, with claims for its efficacy in conditions as diverse as colds and shingles. Scientific studies have given some support to the value of extracts of Pelargonium sidoides in respiratory infections.

Overall, geraniums and pelargoniums are amongst the most versatile and charming of plants for gardeners of all persuasions.

References:
Maria Lis-Balchin. (ed) .2002. Geranium and Pelargonium: the genera Geranium and Pelargonium. London: Taylor and Francis.
Pelargonium Factsheet.www.herbfacts.co.uk/pelargonium.htm
Freaky flowers. The Independent, 19 February 2006. www.independent.co.uk/environment/freaky-flowers-467068.html