Geranium, kalachik, crane flower, pelargonium are the most popular indoor plants. This unpretentious flower will become a real decoration for your window sill or balcony; in addition, it has many healing properties. There are about 400 varieties of pelargonium distributed around the world.
Types of home geraniums
Thanks to the work of breeders, a large number of varieties and hybrids of geranium have been developed, differing in the shape and color of inflorescences and leaves. Let's get acquainted with the most common types.
- Geranium zonal- the most common window sill decoration. There are a huge number of varieties. The plant tolerates changing conditions well, is unpretentious and flowers frequently. The flowers are bright, collected in inflorescences. The foliage is round, slightly wavy, the edges of the foliage are dark red or brown. The leaves have a characteristic odor. Flowers are simple five-petaled, semi-double (have 6–8 petals) and double (have 8 petals or more). Flowering can continue all year round if optimal conditions are created for the growth and development of pelargonium. The smaller the pot in which the ball grows, the more abundant the flowering. Geranium captivates with its variety of shades and colors of petals - bright, monochromatic or multi-colored, with a border or multi-colored spots.
- Royal geranium- an unusual and very beautiful species with large flowers of a wide variety of colors. The diameter of the flowers reaches up to 15 centimeters in diameter. There are a lot of hybrids of this species; this is a favorite plant of many flower growers and breeders. A distinctive feature of the subspecies is the presence of a dark spot or stripe on the petal. Petals can be either simple or double, having a wavy or corrugated shape. The top pair of petals are more velvety and slightly larger than the rest. This type of pelargonium reaches a height of up to 50 centimeters, the foliage is terry, reminiscent of maple leaves. The flowering period of royal geranium lasts no more than 4 months; flowering occurs only in plants that have reached two years of age. This species is the most demanding in terms of care and development conditions.
- Pelargonium fragrant. This subspecies received its name for a wide variety of aromas - rose, ginger, strawberry, lemon; you just need to lightly touch the leaf. Bred hybrids emit a wide variety of odors. The inflorescences are small, predominantly pink or purple. Geranium oil obtained from this plant has a wide range of applications: in cosmetology, medicine, cooking, and everyday life.
- Pelargonium ampelous (thyroid). It has thin and fragile shoots reaching a length of 1 meter. The foliage is star-shaped, dark green, with a glossy surface. The inflorescences look like brushes. The flowers are simple or double, of a wide variety of colors, reaching 5 centimeters in diameter. Flowering lasts about 4 months, mainly in summer. Well suited for planting in hanging flowerpots.
- Angel. The plant is characterized by flowers similar in shape to pansies, unpretentious to conditions and care, has a spectacular and bushy shape, reaching a height of 40–50 cm (with systematic pruning). If the trunk is not trimmed, the ball will take on a falling shape. Flowers have a wide variety of shapes and colors. The flowering period usually occurs in the summer months. The plant blooms so profusely that sometimes the leaves are not visible behind the inflorescences.
- Unique. This subspecies was developed by crossing brilliant and royal geraniums. The leaves have a dissected shape, are dark green in color, and exude a light aroma of spices. In general, this plant is considered highly decorative by gardeners. The inflorescences are predominantly red, with a white center, and are shaped like royal pelargonium. It is very rare to come across white and pink flowers, and even more rare are flowers with spots and stripes.
- Pelargonium succulent. The subspecies is characterized by branched and curved stems, lignified below; stems with thorns are less common. Plants of this species can acquire the most unusual stem shapes. Succulent geranium is often used in a wide variety of interior designs.
- Pelargonium lemon (pink). This plant blooms very rarely, so flower growers classify it as a non-flowering species. The bright green leaves of a complex dissected shape look very unusual, which was the reason for the wide distribution of the roll among lovers of indoor plants. When you lightly touch the foliage, the flower emits a subtle lemon scent. Geranium reaches a height of up to one and a half meters.
How to care for geraniums
Watering. In spring and summer, pelargonium consumes a lot of moisture, so watering needs to be more frequent. In winter, water a little less often to prevent stagnation of water and excessive dampness. The kalachik does not tolerate spraying the leaves.
Loosening the soil is a necessary action for proper plant care, since it provides good access of oxygen to the root system and prevents stagnation of water and rotting of the roots.
Fertilization must be carried out in spring and summer, but not often, so as not to cause harm. Phosphorus fertilizers promote flowering.
Pinching produced at the end of winter or spring in order to form a beautiful form of pelargonium and increase the number of inflorescences. It is necessary to pinch shoots on leaves 6–8.
Lighting should be good enough, but it is better to hide the plant from direct sunlight to prevent leaf burns. In the winter months, it is better to remove the curl from the windowsill altogether and place it in a dark place.
Reproduction methods
- Propagation by cuttings. Cut small cuttings (3–5 leaves) from the top of the shoot; it is recommended to make the cut obliquely. Then leave the cut cuttings in the air for several hours, then sprinkle the cut area with a biological root growth enhancer and plant it in the ground. When planting, it is better to place cuttings closer to the edge of the flower pot. The most suitable months for propagation by cuttings are February, March, July and August. Rooting occurs within a month; at this time, watering is best done by spraying. Plant rooted plants one at a time in small pots.
- Propagation by cuttings more often used by breeders. For sowing, pots with a diameter of 5 cm are used, and when the seedlings grow, they can be transplanted into a larger pot. Flowering of seedlings from seeds occurs in about a year.
To form a lush form of pelargonium, the top bud needs to be pinched.
In every home today there is a geranium on the windowsill. And she won trust and respect not only because of the colorful inflorescences and peculiar carved leaves. All types of geraniums are very unpretentious and do not require special care, which in our time of bustle and running around is the most important criterion, unless, of course, you have a royal castle with servants who would take care of the flower garden for a fee.
Description of the plant
In most cases, the types of indoor geraniums that decorate and complement the interior decoration are hybrid. These are the fruits of the labors of generations of breeders. Initially, the varieties taken for crossing were relatively inconspicuous and resembled small bushy plants (up to 40 cm) with inflorescences consisting of one or several dozen small inconspicuous flowers. Some field herbaceous species even bloom with separate flowers.
The bred varieties in their structure - branching of the bush, size, unpretentiousness and other characteristics are not far from their wild ancestors and differ, most often, only in the splendor of the inflorescences and the flowers themselves, which have become much more attractive.
In all varieties of geraniums:
- The stems are straight, and if pruned at the wrong time, they become creeping and branching.
- The leaves are simple, palmate or palmately dissected.
- The inflorescences are lush, spherical, consisting of many small flowers of various colors and shades. But there are varieties with inflorescences consisting of only a few flowers (usually larger and brighter).
- The fruits are identical in all cases and are a capsule, which over time opens and breaks up into several seeds, which easily move through the air with the help of their “fluffy hair, akin to a dandelion seed.”
Varieties with names
Currently, breeders have developed a huge number of hybrid varieties of geranium, which, in turn, are part of the main species. Next we will take a closer look at the most common of them.
Zonal pelargonium
If we take all varieties of geraniums as 100%, then in 50% of cases it is the zonal varieties of geraniums that end up on your windowsills. Regardless of the name and colors, they are all the most unpretentious of their family. They are not picky about changing conditions, endure transplantation with steadfastness and quickly recover from it.
Despite the huge number of varieties of bred zonal pelargoniums, they all have similar distinctive features. Their leaves are round, slightly wavy at the edges, and their edges often have a dark red tint. The inflorescences are round, spherical, but not always converging downwards. They consist, in most cases, of flowers with five petals. Although the flowers of semi-double and double varieties have 6, 8 or more petals.
If all conditions are created for the plant, a well-lit place with partial shade is chosen, timely feeding and pruning are done, it can bloom all year round. There are no restrictions on the colors of zonal varieties of pelargonium. They can be either plain, speckled, outlined, or darkened towards the center or outer edges of the petals.
Geranium tulipum
This variety is also classified as zonal. The name of geranium was chosen based on the fact that the flowers from which pelargonium inflorescences are formed look very much like not fully opened tulip flowers, only in much smaller proportions. The structure of the bush, leaves and size from 20 to 40 cm are similar to other zonal pelargoniums. The most popular varieties are Patricia Andrea, which blooms with dark pink inflorescences and distinguished by precise green foliage, Red Pandora, whose inflorescences are red and the foliage has reddish veins.
Garden geranium
Another representative of pelargoniums, excellent for growing in open ground. It cannot boast of particularly abundant flowering, but with the correct formation of the crown, bushes that are quite brilliant in aesthetics grow from it. Garden geranium has a large number of varieties. Its most famous varieties are meadow, blood red and magnificent. Some varieties can grow up to 60–70 cm.
Meadow geranium
One of the natural species common in forest zones of temperate climates. The inflorescences of such geraniums are rare, the flowers are five-petaled, mostly blue or purple. Carved foliage. It is almost never used for landscaping or decorative purposes. The second name is crane bird.
Blood red geranium
If anyone thought that this variety owes its name to red flowers, they are mistaken. With the arrival of autumn, its foliage turns red, which is what gave rise to its name. They have five petals, often double, and the flowers can be of any color. On the bush during the flowering period (July - August) they are located relatively rarely, they do not form inflorescences, but in general, at the height of flowering, the bush looks very photogenic. It grows well in the wild and is often used to decorate landscapes.
Geranium is magnificent
Another representative of garden varieties. This one is more prolific in flowers. During the flowering period in the second half of summer, the bushes are completely covered with blue five-petaled flowers. It also differs in that in autumn the foliage takes on an orange tint. With proper care, the bush reaches half a meter in height. With the correct formation of the bush, due to the succulent and dense foliage, such a geranium will look excellent both before and after the flowering period.
Geranium ivy-leaved
The leaves of this variety have a sharp five-pointed shape, like ivy. These varieties feel great both at home on the windowsill and in the garden. Popular varieties of this variety, in most cases, bloom with double flowers collected in small spherical inflorescences.
Geranium rosebud
Varieties of this variety are distinguished by their magnificent flowers, collected in a spherical inflorescence. Each flower resembles an open rosebud in appearance (hence the name), and the inflorescence as a whole resembles a whole bouquet of miniature roses. The bush has foliage of a rich bright green color. It is indoor and excellent for growing on a trunk. On a long stem, a bouquet of geranium roses looks most impressive.
Pelargonium angel
Despite the fact that the relatively large flowers of angel pelargonium do not form distinct clusters of inflorescences, due to their size and truly angelic two-color coloring, the plant looks very delightful. The most common varieties are those with purple flowers, but there are also white, red, and purple angelic pelargoniums. The trick of the variety is that the darker colors in the color of the flower itself smoothly and gently turn into lighter ones. The plant is not tall, only 25–30 cm, and can be grown indoors.
Pelargonium unique
This variety is distinguished by a truly unique flower structure, in which its five petals are disproportionate in everything - in size, structure, and color. The unusual-looking flowers are collected in small spherical inflorescences and, in general, the plant looks very impressive during the flowering period. As a rule, the upper pair of petals of each Pelargonium Unicum flower is always longer than the lower three. And those, in turn, in some varieties are divided into several more each. Thus, the flower turns out to be so extravagant and unlike ordinary geraniums that it has earned such a forest name - “Unicum”. There is no other way to call it.
Geranium fragrant
The distinctive property of this type of pelargonium is not its peculiar flowers, but the ability of the plant to exude aroma. Since the first fragrant pelargonium was brought to Europe in the last century, breeders have developed a lot of different varieties. In the process of painstaking work, they achieved that geraniums acquired the ability to emit the smells of apple, cinnamon, lemon, rose, nutmeg and even pine needles.
Lemon Pelargonium
It belongs to the fragrant varieties and is the ancestor of the “fragrant” selection. It blooms with inconspicuous sparse inflorescences of small pink-violet flowers. The basis of its decorativeness and attractiveness is its lemon-scented foliage, which, with good care, grows into a lush bush of carved fluffy, deeply dissected lobed leaves.
Royal geranium
The name doesn't disappoint. This is the most spectacular variety of pelargonium. Relatively large for geraniums, the multi-colored (two-color) flowers of this variety are collected in lush inflorescences, although not numerous, but due to the large size of the flowers. The size of the flowers of some royal varieties reaches 10 cm. It is one of the pickiest varieties to care for. At the slightest non-compliance with the temperature, lighting or watering conditions, the color may immediately drop.
Conclusion
This is far from even the hundredth of all varieties bred by skilled breeders. If we consider that there are over 400 natural varieties of pelargoniums alone, then what can we say about hybrids? There are thousands of them. But if you decide to propagate a hybrid variety, remember that this cannot be done with seeds. The plant will lose all its hybrid characteristics, developing into a nondescript geranium. Therefore, such plants should only be propagated by dividing the bush (if the constitution of the plant allows it) or by cuttings.
And there will be geranium happiness in your apartment!
We all know and love this rather unpretentious flower - geranium. It has hundreds of species and varieties, and now we will talk about the garden version of geranium, that is, the one that can grow in open ground. In general, this is the same geranium that grows at home in a pot, but, of course, there are differences - it is a more sparse range of colors, and not particularly lush flowering. So, what is perennial garden geranium: types and varieties with photos and descriptions.
Unpretentious perennial garden geranium: varieties with photos
Garden geranium is a small herbaceous shrub with curly carved leaves that will decorate the area from spring to autumn. It is the foliage that is its value. Due to the fact that garden geranium is not very demanding and can get along in a wide variety of soils, it is successfully planted in many areas.
Of course, when choosing geraniums for a garden plot, you should focus on the varieties that are most suitable for this area, which have characteristics that are more adapted to certain natural conditions. Let's look at several different types of garden geraniums:
Balkan/large-rhizome geranium (Geranium macrorrhizum)
The name of this type of perennial garden geranium is telling. Firstly, it originally grew in the Balkans, and secondly, it has a larger rhizome than other varieties, spreading along the ground and from which petioles grow about 20 cm long, with rosettes at the tips. This entire system of Balkan geraniums forms a dense carpet on the soil. The height of the shrub is no more than 30cm. The leaves of this variety are large (width reaches 10 cm), with large round-toothed edges, and have a medium green color. But with the arrival of autumn they fade into reddish shades.
The flowering of Balkan geranium begins at the end of June and lasts about a month. The flowers are small (3 cm in diameter), but bright - purple.
This variety also has a fairly strong aroma of mountain air.
As for landscape design, Balkan geranium is best planted next to stones - their combination will give an indescribable look. And in mixed large flower beds it is worth placing it in the foreground, in front of taller plants.
Varieties: Spessagt, Czakor, Ingwersen's Variety, Insversen, Variegata.
Blood red geranium (Geranium sanguineum)
This perennial variety of geranium is famous for its abundant flowering - the bush is simply strewn with bright red flowers, 4 cm in diameter. Its flowering is not only abundant, but also long-lasting - it lasts throughout the summer season. The bush itself can grow up to 60 cm, but most often it is low, with light green rounded foliage with a dissected pattern. By autumn, the lower foliage acquires a reddish tint. The rhizome of blood-red geranium is large, knotty, with bristly petioles, on which the leaves actually hang. It is worth noting that this type of geranium has an interesting bush shape - spherical, as well as increased decorativeness - in spring, summer and autumn it will serve as a decoration for the site.
When planting this type of geranium, you should focus on conditions such as neutral or slightly alkaline soil pH, and partial shade is also important.
Varieties: Album, Prostratum, Compactum, Lancastriense, Nana.
Swamp geranium (Geranium palustre)
This type of garden geranium grows independently in marshy areas and meadows. Therefore, it is best to plant it on the site in the same places - with high humidity, near water, but these places must be sunny.
The leaves of the plant are large, seven-parted, formed on long (20 cm) hairy stems. With the onset of August, all the foliage, unfortunately, falls off, leaving only a flower-bearing, branched, tall stem on which you can contemplate several flowers (3 cm in diameter) surrounded by foliage. Marsh geranium seeds are ready in August and form self-sowing.
A positive characteristic of this type of geranium is its “non-capriciousness” in growth and care. In landscape design, it is best suited for mixed flower beds.
Georgian geranium (Geranium ibericum)
This type of geranium is considered almost the most beautiful, thanks to the abundant flowering of bright purple flowers against the background of bluish foliage. Flowers with bright veins are collected in umbrella-shaped inflorescences. Flowering, starting in June, lasts only 1.5 months. Georgian geranium blooms every year, regardless of the weather.
This garden geranium is perennial, and if left undisturbed (no replanting or dividing the bush), it can last up to 12 years. Quite unpretentious, has good resistance to the vagaries of weather.
The Georgian geranium bush is quite tall, can reach up to 80 cm. And in appearance it is strong and substantial. The rhizome is short and obliquely growing. The bluish foliage is round, with jagged edges, and has about 6 cuts. This color of the leaves comes from the fact that they are pubescent. In autumn they turn red and then die off.
When planting, you should take into account that Georgian geranium loves only the sun and fertile lands. In landscape design they are used as a single plant and planted on lawns.
Himalayan or grandiflora geranium (Geranium himalayense = G. grandiflorum)
This variety came to us from the Himalayas - there it grows freely in the meadows. Quite large flowers of this geranium (d = 5 cm) of a rich violet color, with a certain blue, stitched with dark veins - catch the eye from anywhere in the garden. On the peduncle, at the end of May, 2 flowers bloom, which remain on the bush all summer. Flowers of this variety have a pleasant, noticeable scent.
From the rhizome, geranium grows, covering the soil with shoots. The bush can reach a height of up to 60 cm. The leaves are round in shape, unevenly dissected. These shrubs prefer to grow in sunny places and are quite demanding on drainage.
This variety also has a slightly different form - low-growing, in which the bush is small, dense, no higher than 30 cm.
In landscape design, Himalayan geranium is most often used in rockeries and borders.
Varieties: Gravetye, Jonson's Blue, Plenum.
Meadow geranium (Geranium pratense)
The difference between meadow geranium is, perhaps, its high growth. Its few stems can stretch up to 120 cm. But the bush is not always stable and can fall apart. There is a lot of basal foliage; it begins to appear early - in April. The leaf is hairy, seven-fold, the lobes are diamond-shaped.
As for flowering, it begins in mid-June and lasts no further than mid-July. Meadow geranium flowers with rounded petals have a delicate lilac-cornflower blue color. The seeds ripen by August.
In the landscape, her prerogative is mixed flower beds, especially for those varieties that imitate a flowering meadow.
Varieties: Flore Pleno, Splish Splash, Mrs Kendall Clarc.
Forest geranium (Geranium sylvaticum)
This variety of geranium loves dark places and grows well in excessively moist and loose soils.
The flowers are pink-lilac-purple, depending on the variety, fully open. During the flowering period, two flowers are formed on the peduncle; flowering is short-lived - about 20 days.
The rhizome of forest geranium is long; several long stems (80 cm) extend from it, which branch in different directions. The leaves of the shrub are located on long hairy petioles, have rounded outlines, and are divided into 7 parts. The edges are jagged. The downside is that the leaves die off very early - already in August, so use in the landscape is only possible in the background in mixed flower beds.
Magnificent geranium (Geranium × magnificum)
This geranium has been known for a very long time. The appearance of the bush is dense, large, 60 cm high. In addition, it grows quite quickly, conquering new areas. But large shrubs can also fall apart. The magnificent geranium is light-loving and demanding of fertility.
Flowering begins in July. The flowers are numerous, scattered throughout the bush, have a light purple, light lilac color, which fades into yellow-orange shades in the fall. The flower itself is beautiful, jagged, with five-parted petals.
The peculiarity of the magnificent geranium is that it does not produce seeds.
Varieties: Mrs. Kendall Clark, Rosemoore, Lighter Schatten.
Basic requirements for caring for garden geraniums
Watering is the first part of care. It should be regular, but you shouldn’t “water” the plant. It needs abundant watering only after planting itself, for rooting, and during the dry season. In principle, you just need to keep an eye on the garden geranium - if its leaves begin to droop, this indicates a lack of moisture, which means water it urgently!
Loosening and mulching are perhaps the most necessary components of care, since geranium loves light and loose soil. You can plant ground cover plants next to it - they also “loose” the soil well. If the soil fertility in the area is still low, then to prevent the soil next to the flower from turning into crust after watering, it is better to walk nearby with a flat cutter.
Geranium pruning is carried out periodically, mainly by removing yellow, dry leaves, dead shoots, and broken stems. This will both improve the health of the bush and promote growth. Pruning prolongs the flowering of the bush.
Geranium does not need fertilizing as such. When planting, peat and compost are enough for her. But if you really want to, you can use complex organomineral fertilizers, but do not overuse them. Geranium also has a negative attitude towards transplants.
Garden geraniums also have two misfortunes - bacterial rot and wilting. But if the agrotechnical process is fully followed, and care is carried out correctly and regularly, then these diseases are not terrible for the bush.
Garden geranium partners in landscape design
Garden geranium is a very flexible perennial; it can be used in almost any landscape composition. For example, you can use it to line the lower tier of a rosary:
Geranium is a good partner for any type of peony. In partial shade it combines beautifully with hellebore and bitterweed. In the sun - with sage, irises and speedwell.
It looks great in the tree trunks of fruit trees, as well as at the edge of shrubs.
We are sure that you have got a general idea of what perennial garden geranium is, and based on the photos of its most popular species, you can choose interesting varieties for your site. In the next article we will focus on methods of propagating street geraniums.
There are more than two hundred species of geranium in nature. Thanks to selection, many varieties have been developed that can satisfy the taste of even the most demanding gardener. Geraniums today decorate houses, balconies, gazebos and terraces, and gardens. Many varieties are decorative not only in flower, but also in foliage.
Pelargonium zonalis is the most numerous type of geranium. Indoor zonal geraniums have a straight, strong stem with lush foliage. The leaves of these plants are often edged with a reddish stripe and emit an aroma. The name of the variety comes from the spots on the leaves of geranium; the spots on the leaf blades are located chaotically, irregularly and unequally shaped. The leaf plates are covered with pile, velvety to the touch. Pelargonium zonalis is represented by a variety of tall and miniature plants, differing in the shape of the leaves, the shape of the flowers and their color. Geranium is zonal, all types and varieties are well grown and are characterized by abundant flowering. One of the most popular varieties to grow is Happy Thought. The plant has variegated, juicy green leaves; in the center of the irregularly shaped leaf blade there is a bright yellow spot. The petals of an ordinary flower are bright scarlet. Unusual blue geranium: a five-petaled flower of the Blue Blood variety is violet in color, the petals are literally riddled with red-burgundy veins.
Important! When feeding house plants with purchased fertilizers, pay attention to the composition and amount of nitrogen in it. An excess of this element stimulates foliage growth in geraniums to the detriment of flowering.
Zonal pelargonium dianthus
A popular variety among gardeners. The flowers of this pelargonium resemble carnations, with the same carved, fluffy petals. Carnation pelargonium has a wide range of colors - from pastel colors to bright carmine, from pale pink to lilac, there are two-color petals. The following varieties are popular in home cultivation:
- Pat Hannam– petal color – from pale pink to rich lilac;
- Graffiti Violet– lilac-lilac flowers;
- Freshwater– soft pink petals.
Zonal pelargonium stellata
This variety of indoor geranium is distinguished by its unusual shape of leaves and petals: the edge of the leaves seems to be written with clear large teeth. The petals are large with ragged edges; the lower petals of some varieties are distinguished by two sharp tips. The first who began to breed star pelargonium were the Australians. Several interesting varieties:
- Peppermint Star– the petals are pale closer to the center, at the tips – crimson;
- Star Flair– against a bright crimson background, a white spot at the base of the petal clearly stands out, the shape of the petals is narrow;
- Swiss Star– two-color, on a soft lilac background, bright coral-colored stripes are visible along the petal.
Did you know? Geranium was revered in family magic: girls wore incense with oil or flower petals to attract the groom; married women believed that geranium protected their family and prolonged their youth and attractiveness to their husband.
Zonal pelargonium cactus
Pelargonium cactus looks like a disheveled plant: it has large flowers with very narrow, sometimes needle-shaped petals. These plants became popular at the end of the 19th century. Popular varieties:
- Fascination– carmine-colored petals, long, nail-shaped, the edges of the petal are turned down, which makes the shape more pointed;
- Noel– the petals are white, twisted, bright pink anthers rise above the stamen.
Zonal pelargonium non-double, or simple
Pelargonium non-double has simple flowers, five semicircular petals, flowers can be both large and small. The brightest varieties:
- Moulin Rouge– bright red geranium, large spherical inflorescences are formed by small flowers up to 15 pieces;
- Santa Maria– carmine petals, from eight to twelve flowers in a round inflorescence;
- Happy of New Life– two-color, uneven spots of white and coral, scattered chaotically across the petals, clear veins are visible on a white background.
Zonal pelargonium semi-double
Semi-double indoor geranium is a little more luxuriant than a simple one, it has up to eight petals and a wide range of colors. Varieties in demand for indoor cultivation:
- Peppermint Twist– variegated pelargonium, crimson-white with a red stripe;
- Georgia Peach– bright yellow flowers with rounded petals;
- Calais– soft pink main background, in the middle there is a coral-colored petal.
Zonal pelargonium terry
Terry pelargoniums are distinguished by a large number of openwork petals and appear fluffy due to the lighter lower side of the petal. The flowers are collected in thick rounded caps. The homeland of indoor pelargonium is South Africa, the plant is accustomed to warmth and light; if it does not have enough light, provide additional lighting, otherwise the flowers will be faded. Interesting varieties:
- Pebbles– raspberry petals with a light almost white center, miniature variety;
- Shelk Moiraс– densely double flower of pale coral tone, bright green foliage;
- Brookside Fantasy– two-color petals: a stripe of a darker color stands out against a lilac background.
Zonal pelargonium rosacea
Geranium with double flowers that look like miniature roses. A large number of petals, tightly adjacent to each other, are collected into a stuffed bud. Numerous buds form a dense ball of inflorescence. Rosaceous pelargoniums are distinguished by a variety of tones. The most popular varieties:
- Apple Blossom– white petals with pale pink tips are collected around a pale green stamen;
- Magda- lush buds of carmine tone, with a lighter underside of the petal.
Zonal pelargonium tulipoid
Tulip geranium flowers look like an unopened tulip. Simple, non-double petals are tightly gathered into buds, which, in turn, form lush inflorescences-bouquets.
The variety of tulip-shaped pelargonium was bred by American breeders from Boston, Massachusetts. One of the parents of the new variety was the pelargonium variety Fiat.
Popular varieties:
- Red Pandora– bright carmine buds, veins of the same color are clearly visible on the petals, but half a tone darker;
- Patricia Andrea– bright dark pink buds, the variety has carved large leaves;
- Linea Andrea– attracts attention with a peduncle covered with stiff bristles, holding a large lilac-colored bud.
Zonal pelargonium Deacon
Deacons are miniature plants with a compact shape. This species is distinguished by lush and abundant flowering. The color of the petals is pink, red and orange. The variety was first presented in 1970 in Chelsea at a flower fair. The author of this pelargonium variety, Stanley Stringer, indicated in the description the parent varieties: the zonal variety Orion and the ivy-leaved pelargonium Blue Peter. The most unusual variety – Deakon Birthday, petal color is creamy pink with a coral center. 
Pelargonium royal
Royal pelargonium is called the most attractive species, its height is from 16 to 40 cm and about 16 cm in diameter. Pelargonium has a wide variety of shades of flowers from white to dark purple. Flowers can be simple or double, the petals are wavy or grooved, and are distinguished by inclusions in the form of spots or stripes on the main background of the flower. The uppermost petals are velvety to the touch and larger than the rest. The royal variety is the most capricious of all, requiring special attention when growing. Common varieties of royal pelargonium:
- Ann Hoystead– tall up to 40 cm, large flowers, dark red petals with large dark spots;
- Askham Fringed Aztec– 30 cm in height, double white geranium, with bright blueberry-colored stripes along the petal;
- Black Prince– 40-centimeter beauty, thick plum color, with a thin silver stripe along the edge of the petal.
Interesting fact! White geranium is considered a symbol of procreation, so it is customary to give it to couples who do not have children. White geranium is also considered a talisman against ruin.
Pelargonium fragrant
This variety of geranium is called fragrant because of its pleasant subtle aroma; just press the leaf of the plant with your fingers, and the delicate smell will fill the space around. The aroma of the flower combines the odors inherent in other plants: mint, ginger, lemon and others. Hybrids have been bred that smell of exotic fruits and spices: pineapple, nutmeg, kiwi. The flowers of this species are small, pink and purple shades of the petals predominate. The carved leaves of the plant are beautiful, seemingly terry.
The following varieties are considered in demand:
- – up to 30 cm in height and 16 cm in diameter, the leaves are divided into three parts in the shape of a blade, edged with teeth, the petals are white with red dots on the upper petals, the aroma of pine with a slight hint of camphor;
- Ardwick Cinnamon– small leaves of a dark green color, velvety to the touch, white flowers, raspberry spots on the upper petals, smells of cinnamon.
Pelargonium ivy-leaved, or ampelous
Pelargonium ivy-leaved is so named for the similarity of the shape of the leaves with the foliage of ivy; the plant is herbaceous, the branches grow up to a meter long. Most often used in decorating loggias and open terraces in hanging pots. A variety of colors - from snow-white to dark blue. Flowers of ampelous pelargonium are large, up to 5 cm in diameter, round in shape, can be double, semi-double or simple. The most beautiful varieties.
Photo: Zonal pelargonium - Pelargonium zonale, subgroup Single Zonal
Among the 250-280 species of the genus Pelargonium, including perennials, annuals, shrubs and succulents
, only a few are grown as houseplants or garden plants. Originating from southern Africa, they came to Europe in the 17th century and later spread throughout the world. Through human efforts, several thousand varieties of this wonderful flower have since been created. Based on similar characteristics, decorative pelargoniums were divided into groups.
1. ZONAL
Pelargonium zonale - based on the species Pelargonium x hortorum
The most numerous and widespread - more than 1000 varieties. It is called so because of the sometimes bright, sometimes barely noticeable rings on the leaves. It is also garden pelargonium, or geranium. Unpretentious. It blooms profusely and for a long time, it is fragrant and practically odorless. It can reach several meters in height (in open ground in southern countries), and at home it stretches up to a meter or a little more. Flowers are white, pink and all shades of red; they are yellow and cream, two-tone, with spots, strokes, and borders.
Based on height and vigor of growth, it is divided into:
Miniature - Mini Pelargonium- up to 12.5 cm,
Dwarf - Dwarf Zone l - from 12 to 20 centimeters,
short (from 20 to 30 cm),
medium height (from 30 to 60 cm),
tall (over 60 cm).
Photo: Zonal pelargonium - Pelargonium zonale, subgroup Terry zonal (Double Zonal)
Based on the number of petals, it is divided into:
Non-double zonal (Single) - no more than 5 petals,
Semi-double (Semi-Double) - up to 8 petals,
Terry (Double) - more than 8 petals.
Classification according to the shape of petals and buds
Rosebud- double zonal with petals curling into the core, similar to a rose. Synonyms – rosaceous plants, rose-shaped plants. Varieties Australian Pink Rambler, Appleblossom Rosebud, Scarlet Rambler ↓
Stellar Zonal– flowers look like stars, leaves are dissected, resembling an open palm with fingers spread. Varieties Faye Brawner, Red Witch, Robyn Hannah ↓
Carnation Flowers Zonale- the petals are cut at the edges like a carnation.
Cactus-flowered Zonal- petals curl like a cactus dahlia. Varieties Fascination, Patricia Andrea, Noel ↓
Tulip-shaped (Tulip)- the petals do not open completely, the flower itself resembles a tulip, like the varieties Marbacka Tulpan, Patricia Andrea, Happy Birthday ↓
Based on the color of the leaves, they are distinguished separately
Variegated zonal (Fancy-leaved, Ornamental) - very spectacular leaves in shades of bronze, yellow, golden and all their combinations, can be with a contrasting pattern of a wide variety of shapes. Flowers are often inconspicuous, appear on the plant once a year and do not last long. More demanding to care for than plants with green leaves.
Variegated (variegated and with colored foliage) varieties are also found among other types of pelargonium, all of them are combined into a group Colored Foliage. Varieties Maxine Colley, Richard Key, Dolly Varden ↓
2. Ivy
Ivy-leaved pelargoniums, based on the species Pelargonium peltatum, synonyms: ampelous, thyroid
The leaves have no edge, are fleshy and smooth, reminiscent of ivy leaves, slightly shiny, sometimes matte. The stems are thin, not erect, like those of the zonal ones, but drooping and creeping. In the flowerbed they grow into a kind of carpet of neat bushes; they look better in hanging pots. Decorative appearance is provided by drooping stems with bright green leaves and multiple inflorescences on long stalks. There are varieties with bronze and variegated leaves. The flowers are often semi-double or double, but can be simple. The color of the petals is white, lilac, deep pink, red, purple. A feature of plants in this group is resistance to fungal diseases. Photo: Pelargonium ivy Summertime Pink
"Ivy" hybrids / Hybrid-Ivy-leaved pelargoniums
Parents are Pelargonium ivy-leaved and zonal species. The drooping stems, only somewhat shorter, are inherited from the first; the shape of leaves and flowers is inherited from the second. Varieties Queen of Hearts, Jack of Hearts, Millfield Gem ↓
3. fragrant
Scented-leaved/Scented Leaf Pelargoniums, based on the species Pelargonium graveolens
The main difference between the species is the smell emitted by the leaves when touched or rubbed. The leaves are openwork, the leaf blade has deep cuts and does not look like a leaf of an ordinary indoor geranium. The inflorescences are modest. They stretch more than a meter in height, grow into lush shrubs, not necessarily beautiful and decorative. Many varieties are cultivated for the production of geranium oil. In some countries it is used as a seasoning for dishes and in the manufacture of drinks and sweets. About 100 varieties are grouped into subgroups, each with its own scent. Spicy - in birch-leaved and shaggy pelargonium, reminiscent of lemon balm - in vine-leaved and sticky, dichondrofolia smells like black pepper. Lemon aroma is exuded by cap, lemon balm, gooseberry leaf and rough pelargonium. Next to the small-flowered one you will smell the coconut, and next to the sickle-leaved one you will smell the smell of ginger and nutmeg. Guitarium smells like geranium, while geranium capitate has a delicate rose aroma. Varieties P. fragrans, Lady Plymouth, Pink Capitatum ↓
4. LARGE-FLOORED
Regal Pelargoniums, based on the species Pelargonium grandiflorum (Pelargonium x domesticum)
Synonyms: royal, royal, English, domestic, French, Lady Washington
Each name can be logically explained. English, because from the mid-17th century it became incredibly popular in England. The best breeders worked with it, which gave the world several hundred varieties. They are called royal or royal not so much for their rich appearance as for their capriciousness - they are demanding in terms of maintenance and are more difficult to reproduce.
Plants of the species do not form spherical inflorescences, like the zonal one, but can grow as a bush. Thin stems, growing, bend down, which is typical for ivy-leaved pelargonium. Regal Pelargoniums are either regularly shaped by pinching the tops or tied to a rigid support. The leaves are corrugated, hard to the touch, with pointed edges. The flowers are large, in some varieties up to 8 cm in diameter. The coloring is typical for pelargonium. About 1000 varieties of royal pelargonium are known, some with fragrant leaves, two-color and three-color petals.
Varieties Fabiola, Candy Flowers Peach Cloud, Mandarin↓
5. ANGELS
Angel Pelargoniums, synonym: violet pelargoniums
They were first created at the beginning of the 20th century by hybridization from the royal pelargonium variety and the curly pelargonium species. The leaves are smaller than those of the royal plant, and the flowers resemble pansies. They are better suited than others for growing in pots in the open sun; they are distinguished by long-lasting flowering and decorative properties. Varieties Burgundy Red, Blueberry, Randy↓
6. UNIQUES
Unique pelargoniums, unique pelargoniums
Few, but truly unique varieties, some of which have survived since the mid-19th century. These are unpretentious garden hybrids created from species of radiant and royal pelargonium. They resemble the appearance of fragrant pelargonium, but are more elegant. The leaves are very fragrant, dissected. Inflorescences of a few beautiful flowers, reminiscent of violet-flowered or large-flowered pelargoniums.
7. INTERSPECIFIC HYBRIDS
- Species Hybrids pelargoniums
The group brings together first-generation hybrids - the first created from two pure species. As a rule, they are infertile. Varieties Ardens, Blandfordianum Album, Lawrenceanum ↓