Los geraniums They are true stars of gardens, terraces, and balconies around the world for their extraordinary beauty, impressive range of colors, and ease of cultivation both in pots and in the ground. Throughout history, these plants have won over gardening enthusiasts and experts thanks to their hardiness, resistance to various climatic conditions, and ability to offer abundant and prolonged blooms. If you're looking for an ornamental option that brings color, elegance, and joy to any bright outdoor or even indoor space, discover the different varieties of these plants. Types of geraniums for the garden or terrace It is essential to choose the perfect variety according to your needs and preferences.
Characteristics and origin of geraniums
The term geranium It is commonly used to refer to two botanical genera belonging to the Geraniaceae family: Geranium y PelargoniumAlthough they share many similarities, there are significant differences in both their origin and morphology:
- Geranium: Annual, biennial, or perennial plants mostly native to the eastern Mediterranean region. They are characterized by simple, often palmately divided leaves with toothed edges and flowers arranged in umbels, which can be red, pink, white, or yellow.
- Pelargonium: Herbaceous plants or perennial shrubs, mainly African. Their leaves are usually rounded or divided, deep green, and their flowers have thin petals, grouped in umbels and in various shades: pink, purple, white, red, and more.
Both genera, although different, have been hybridized, giving rise to hundreds of varieties suitable for multiple decorative, aromatic, and functional uses.
Advantages of growing geraniums in the garden and on the terrace
Growing geraniums outdoors offers multiple benefits:
- Long flowering: Geraniums can bloom from spring well into autumn.
- Great resistance: They are hardy plants, they tolerate light frosts, moderate drought and full sun situations.
- Variety of shapes and colors: There are numerous species with flowers and leaves of different shapes and colors, adapting to all types of tastes and decorative styles.
- Pleasant aromas: Many varieties give off pleasant fragrances that help repel insects.
- Low maintenance: They require little care to stay healthy and attractive.
- Versatility: They can be grown in soil, planters, hanging baskets and pots.
Main species and varieties of geraniums for garden or terrace
Within the Geranium and Pelargonium genera, we find hundreds of species, hybrids, and cultivars. Below, we highlight the most popular and appreciated in gardening, along with their most important characteristics, so you can identify which one best suits your space:
Geraniums of the genus Geranium (the so-called "true geraniums")
- Geranium dissectum: Native to the Canary Islands, it is an annual plant with highly divided leaves and pink flowers. It grows to a height of 20–30 cm. Discover more varieties of geraniums in this guide.
- Geranium lucidum: European, stems up to 30 cm long with glossy green leaves. Pink flowers in spring.
- Geranium macrorrhizum/Geranium molle (Road geranium): European annual, up to 40 cm. Pink flowers in spring and summer.
- Geranium pyrenaicum: Perennial, from southern and western Europe, 30 to 70 cm, lilac flowers from spring to autumn.
- Geranium purpureum (Row's foot): Annual Canary Island flower with small pink flowers. Up to 70 cm tall.
- Geranium robertianum: Annual herb native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. 10–45 cm tall, with triangular leaves and pink flowers.
- Geranium rotundifolium (Sausana): European, up to 30 cm. Soft lilac flowers in spring-summer.
- Geranium sanguineum: European perennial, 40 cm. Reddish-purple flowers in spring-summer.
- Geranium sylvaticum: Native to Europe, especially Scandinavia, between 30 and 60 cm, purple flowers.
- Geranium phaeum: Known as purple geranium or “lady’s geranium,” for its dark purple flowers and elegant appearance.
- Geranium pratense: Meadow geranium, with deeply divided leaves and very attractive blue-violet flowers.
- Geranium columbinum: Annual, palmate leaves and small lilac-pink flowers.
- Geranium nodosum: Perennial, trilobed leaves and pink or violet flowers.
- Geranium pusillum: Known as small geranium for its small size and tiny lilac flowers.
Geraniums of the genus Pelargonium (the most cultivated in ornamental and popular gardening)
- Pelargonium zonale (Zonal or common geranium): The most popular plant in pots and gardens for its hardiness and long bloom time. Its flowers can be single or double and range in color from white, pink, red, orange, salmon, and more. The leaves have a darker, circular area.
- Pelargonium x hortorum (Malvón, cardinal, garden geranium): Hybrid between P. inquinans and P. zonale. Single or double flowers in a wide range of colors. Ideal for flowerbeds and colorful borders.
- Pelargonium peltatum (Ivy Geranium or Gypsy): Its trailing shape, flexible stems, and ivy-like leaves are perfect for balconies and hanging baskets. It blooms profusely in spring and summer, with flowers ranging from white to fuchsia.
- Pelargonium grandiflorum (Pansy Geranium): It stands out for its enormous pansy-like flowers, with dark-stained upper petals and colors ranging from white to almost black purple.
- Pelargonium graveolens (Scented, rose or mosquito geranium): Famous for its intense rose aroma and its use as a natural mosquito repellent. Pink or white flowers.
- Pelargonium citrosum (Citronella geranium): Highly sought after for its citrus scent and insect-repelling properties. It has serrated leaves and small, light-colored flowers.
- Pelargonium crispum (Lemon geranium): Intense lemon aroma, curly leaves, and small white or pink flowers. Highly prized for air freshening.
- Pelargonium odoratissimum (Apple geranium): Green apple scent, ideal for perfuming terraces and patios. The flowers are usually white.
- Pelargonium capitatum (Pink geranium or hollyhock): Hardy, with fragrant leaves and striking pink flowers. Perfect as a low hedge.
- Pelargonium reniforme: Rounded, hairy, grayish-green leaves. Delicate magenta flowers.
- Pelargonium echinatum: Rough, slightly thorny leaves, white, pink or violet flowers with dark spots.
- Pelargonium fulgidum: It is distinguished by its bright flowers in shades of red and orange.
- Pelargonium tomentosum: Called "sulfur-leaf geranium," it gives off a pleasant lemon scent.
- Pelargonium quercifolium (Oakleaf Geranium): Because of the similarity of its leaves to oak; pink or purple flowers.
- Pelargonium tetragonum: Quadrangular stems and flowering in shades of white, yellow or pink.
- New interspecific hybrids: Recent developments have led to more resilient and vigorous geraniums, such as the Calliope or Marcada series, with dense, compact clumps, longer flowering periods, and colors ranging from deep red to lavender or salmon.
Colors and shapes: a wide decorative palette of geraniums
One of the great attractions of geraniums is the enormous diversity of colors that their flowers present and the variety of shapes of leaves and petals:
- Flower colors: There are geraniums with pure white flowers, subtle pinks, vibrant reds, oranges, purple, magenta, bicolors, and with dark shades on the petals.
- Single or double flowering: Depending on the variety, the flowers can be simple (five petals) or double (very showy pompoms).
- Decorative leaves: Some varieties have variegated leaves, with golden, silver or reddish markings, toothed margins or shapes that imitate other species (such as oak or ivy leaves).
- Various smells: Aside from the classic floral scents, there are geraniums with lemon, rose, apple, mint, or citronella fragrances.
Basic care and recommendations for a healthy geranium
Geraniums are suitable for both beginner and experienced gardeners, but it's important to follow a few guidelines to ensure they maintain their vitality and bloom year-round:
- Light and location: They prefer sunny areas, although they can also thrive in light semi-shade. Be sure to avoid deep shade, as this reduces flowering.
- Temperature: It tolerates heat and some drought. If the temperature drops significantly (especially below zero), it's a good idea to protect or move the pots indoors.
- Irrigation: Moderate but regular. In summer, water 3-4 times a week; in winter and spring, 1-2 times is sufficient. Always wait for the surface of the substrate to dry before watering again. Excess water is a common cause of root rot.
- Ground: It should be fertile and very well-drained. Adding perlite, pumice, or coarse sand helps prevent waterlogging. A layer of clay at the base of the pot is helpful.
- Subscriber: Apply a fertilizer specifically designed for flowering plants or geraniums every two weeks during the growing season (spring to fall). You can alternate natural fertilizers such as guano with universal liquid fertilizers.
- Pruning and maintenance: Regularly remove faded flowers and dead leaves to encourage new blooms and keep the plant tidy. Excessively long shoots can be trimmed to promote a bushy shape.
- Pest protection: Watch out for the possible appearance of aphids, mites, whiteflies and especially geranium moth (Cacyreus marshalli), whose caterpillars bore into stems. To prevent attacks, use 10% cypermethrin during the warm season and check your plants regularly.
Multiplication and propagation of geraniums
One of the great advantages of geraniums is their ease of reproduction by cuttings:
- Cuttings: The most common method is to cut pieces of healthy stem just below a leaf, remove the lower leaves, and place the stem in moist substrate or even water until it develops roots.
- Seed: Some species can also be multiplied by seed, although germination is usually slower and less used at the domestic level.
- Division: In some perennial geraniums, it is possible to divide the clump into several fragments, each with roots and stems, to obtain new plants.
Cuttings typically root within a few weeks, allowing you to renew your plants each season, share with friends, or easily expand your flower beds.
Curiosities and traditional uses of geraniums
- South African origin: Most pelargoniums originate from southern Africa, where they grow in dry, warm habitats, hence their hardiness.
- Traditional medicinal use: In several cultures, geranium has been used as an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic in home remedies for skin conditions.
- Family gardening heritage: The ease of propagation by cuttings has made the geranium a passion plant, frequently passed down from generation to generation in many families.
- Cultural significance: In Spain, geraniums adorn emblematic courtyards like those in Cordoba and are a symbol of joy and tradition.
Common mistakes when growing geraniums and how to avoid them
- Excessive watering: The main cause of death for potted geraniums is waterlogging. Make sure the potting soil drains well and never leave saucers of water under the pot.
- Lack of light: If the geranium does not receive enough light, flowering will be poor and the plant will tend to stretch excessively (etiolation).
- Inadequate fertilizer: Always use fertilizers specifically designed for flowering plants and follow the recommended frequency. Excess nitrogen can stimulate foliage at the expense of flowering.
- Pruning oversights: Failure to remove faded flowers reduces the energy available for new flowers and contributes to the development of fungal diseases.
How to make the most of geraniums in outdoor decoration
In addition to their ornamental function, the geraniums They're perfect for garden and terrace designs because they're easy to combine with other species such as petunias, marigolds, or gazanias, creating striking color combinations. Here are some ideas for enjoying them:
- Hanging baskets: Hanging pelargoniums (gypsy plants) create ideal cascades of flowers on balconies and entrances.
- Solid colors: Zonal geraniums and hollyhocks are ideal for borders and dense groupings of intense colors.
- As low hedges: Some shrub species such as P. capitatum offer natural and aromatic closures for flowerbeds.
- Alone or accompanied: Try designing mixed compositions with aromatic plants (lavender, rosemary) and fragrant geraniums to create a fresh and functional environment.
Geraniums are exceptional plants for their combination of beauty, resistance y ease of careWith so many species, colors, and shapes to choose from, you'll always find the perfect variety to bring life to your garden, terrace, or balcony. If you give them minimal care and monitor humidity and pests, these gardening classics will reward your dedication with continuous blooms and a touch of joyful nature all season long. Dare to experiment with new varieties, play with contrasting colors and shapes, and turn any corner of your home into a true floral oasis with geraniums.
