Geraniums

Geraniums have been a staple of the British garden for centuries, and it’s easy to see why: they’re bright, bold, easy to care for and often hardy; they’re the plants you can rely on to thrive and return year after year. They come in a variety of colours and are available as bush plants, trailing and upright; they flower throughout the season and need little intervention; who doesn’t want that versatility? But Geraniums in the main are not technically Geraniums, they’re Pelargoniums… First introduced to the UK in the early 17th century, they originated in South Africa, and after a trip by Dutch botanist, Paul Hermann, samples returned to the Netherlands with him. Because of their similarities to native plants, researchers and fellow botanists assumed the samples were Geraniums, and so the name remained. More than a century later, it was discovered that although the two plants belonged to the same family, they were, in fact, different plants: there are five, same-sized petals on a Geranium; the new plant had two additional, larger petals at the top of the flower and a further three, smaller petals at the bottom. Although it was reclassified as a ‘Pelargonium’, after such a long period with a different identity, the new name didn’t really catch on. Today, most Pelargoniums are still called Geraniums, and it’s accepted!

The Geranium/Pelargonium became popular here rather quickly, with favourite varieties being successfully propagated from cuttings and passed down through generations for hundreds of years. Concentrated cultivation began a couple of hundred years after the plant was first brought to Europe, with several hundred varieties being created, but during both world wars, however, when there were more pressing matters to deal with than tending to one’s ornamental plants, many varieties were lost. It was fortunate that many cultivars were sent to the United States before the start of the First World War; they were returned after World War II, and there are many societies trying to recreate hybrids that disappeared during that time.

Whilst their popularity may have peaked around Victorian times – when even those without gardens would grow them in pots and display them on windowsills – Geraniums/Pelargoniums remain a firm favourite for gardeners, not only in the UK but around the world; around 400 million are sold annually in Europe alone. New hybrids are being created all the time, and there are currently 17,000 different varieties listed in the International Pelargonium Register.

Look in any garden centre, and you’ll find Pelargoniums labelled as Geraniums, but when the difference between the species was discovered in the late 18th century, and the plants were renamed Pelargoniums, they were initially called Pelargonium Geraniums to make the transition easier; almost a century and a half of one identity was a habit that ultimately became too hard to break. Geraniums, however, are generally considered ‘hardy Geraniums’, Pelargoniums, ‘tender Geraniums’. Either way, you’ll still find both plants selling as Geraniums, and these are the most popular varieties:

Zonal: quite possibly the most familiar, with a darker patch on leaves – this is where the plant gets its name – that are often variegated. They’re bushy and upright with clusters of flowers that grow in spherical heads and have a pungent smell. Perfect for pots and planters, you’ll find them in shades of red, purple, pink, white, orange and rarely, yellow.

Ivy-Leafed: these are the trailing plants, often found in hanging baskets. The flowers are smaller but still clustered – sometimes in single flowers, sometimes double – and the stems, thinner, which leads to the trailing nature of the plant . With thick, often smooth and shiny leaves similar in shape to Ivy, it’s easy to see where the name comes from. You’ll find them in shades of red, pink, mauve, purple or white.

Fancy Leaf: whilst most Geraniums/Pelargoniums have distinguished leaves, the leaves of this particular variety are generally more striking than the flowers. They’ll be variegated or multi-coloured in shades of gold, green, red and yellow, and although the plants produce less flowers than other varieties, their foliage is vibrant enough to make them a desirable addition to any garden; with so many varieties available as both busy and trailing, they’re often seen as collectables.

Regal Geraniums: one particular cultivar introduced in the early 1900s was named Martha Washington after the wife of the first US president, and the name has now become synonymous with all regal Geraniums. The flowers are large, forming in clusters and are often patterned; they’re found in shades of red, pink, purple, orange, white, or reddish-black. The mid-green leaves can be lobed or partially toothed, and some are scented.

Scented-Leaf: no explanation needed! The foliage of these plants is generally green – often variegated – and has glandular hairs that release essential oils when crushed or brushed. Scents often mimic those of other plants and include apple, beeswax, chocolate, lemon, lime, peppermint, pine, pineapple and rose; those with a lemon scent can be used to repel insects. Flowers bloom in hues of mauve, pink, purple or white and are clustered, and in the ground, these plants can grow quite large. Often grown for perfume, these particular Geraniums are edible and can be used to season food; just be sure to check the variety first!

Angel Geraniums: a cross between Pelargonium Crispum and Regal Geraniums, Angel Geraniums are more compact and potentially bushy, with smaller flowers and leaves. Leaves are rounded, crinkly and may be scented, whilst flowers may be mauve, pink, purple and white, often with beautifully patterned petals. As with other Geraniums, hundreds of varieties have been created over the years.

Stellar Geraniums: created in Australia in the 1960s/1970s, Stellar Geraniums/Pelargoniums are very distinctive. Their leaves resemble those of other varieties but are more jagged, many with the same zonal pattern synonymous with Geraniums; their clustered, star-like flowers, however, have very pointed petals, and their delicate appearance belies their ability to tolerate extreme heat. Available in variations of pink, purple, red and white, these plants are now far less spindly than they once were.

Unique Geraniums: similar to scented-leaf Geraniums, this variety has larger and more impressive flowers that become more impressive and dense as the plant ages, particularly if pruned well in spring. They’ve been cultivated since the 19th century, and although scented, they have a more delicate aroma than many other Geraniums.

Whilst there may be exceptions – be sure to check when purchasing – Geraniums/Pelargoniums originate from hot, dry areas, so watering excessively could damage your plants; they need regular watering, just not sure much they’re left standing in it. Equally, they prefer a sunny spot in the main, so ensure you know what your plants prefer before positioning them.

The popularity of these plants remains as strong as ever, and with such variety and versatility, why wouldn’t they be? The Scarlet Geranium/Pelargonium is said to have been the favourite of Charles Dickens, so if it’s good enough for him, we’ll take it, no matter what it may or may not be called.