If you are passionate about the world of flowers and want to fill balconies and terraces with color, geraniums are unbeatable allies. Their diversity of shapes, aromas and tones allows you to create borders, flower beds, hanging planters and fragrant corners with very little effort. In nurseries you will find mainly species of the genus Pelargonium, although the Geraniaceae family also includes Geranium y erodiumTo learn more about their care, we recommend you visit This complete guide to geraniums.
For a long time, the species of Pelargonium were grouped within Geranium; today we know that, in general, the first ones are more sensitive to cold. In Pelargonium they gather hundreds of species herbaceous, succulent and sub-shrub plants. Its name comes from pelargos (stork in Greek) due to the beak-shaped fruit. The gender Geranium, for its part, includes numerous annual, biennial and perennial species highly appreciated for their aroma and rusticity.
Varieties of geraniums for your garden
There are geraniums for all tastes: single or double flowers, bicolor, and fragrant. Here's a handy selection to identify and combine.
pelargonium zonale
The popular common geranium. Flowers in pink, salmon, cream or red, single or double, and leaves with a darker central ring. You can also learn more by visiting types of geraniums and their characteristics.
Pelargonium x hortorum
Hybrid from P. zonale, Also called mallow or garden geraniumVery floriferous and adaptable to pots and flowerbeds.
pelargonium peltatum
Known as ivy geranium or gitanilla. Hanging growth, glossy leaves and generous flowering, ideal for balconies.
Pelargonium grandiflorum
El geranium pansy or royal: large flowers in clusters, with spotted upper petals, from white to deep maroon.
Pelargonium odoratissimum
Famous for its sweet citrus aroma When you brush the leaves, it looks like a green apple. For more care tips, check out gardening tips for beginners.
Pelargonium crispum and Pelargonium citrodorum
Aromatic type “lemon geranium”, with citrus fragrances; the second is also valued for its mosquito deterrent effect.
Pelargonium citrosum
Known as “citronella”, it gives off mix of citrus and roseIt is used in windows and terraces for its fragrance and ornamental value.
Pelargonium graveolens
El pink geranium, soft and very aromatic leaves; from it are extracted essential oils for perfumery.
pelargonium capitatum
Malvarrosa hardy, with fragrant leaves and showy flowers.
Pelargonium tomentosum
Large leaves, hairy and fragrant with a mint-lemon hue; strong presence in a large pot.
Pelargonium quercifolium
Leaves reminiscent of oak, aromatic and very structural in compositions.
Pelargonium reniforme, fulgidum, echinatum and tetragonum
Group with unique features: rounded and pubescent leaves (sniffles), bright red flower (fulgidum), rough and prickly texture (echinatum) and quadrangular stems (tetragonum).
Geranium (true geraniums) highlights
Geranium macrorrhizum (robust root and mild aroma), G. sanguineum (very showy purple flower), G. sylvaticum (purple blue in cool environments) and G. maderense (imposing bearing and pink flower). They are hardy perennials ideal for borders and light shade.
- Geranium columbinum L.
- Geranium dissectum L.
- Geranium dolomiticum L.
- Geranium lucidum L.
- Geranium molle L.
- Geranium nodosum L.
- Geranium phaeum L., one of the types of geraniums with curious flowers
- Geranium pratense L.
- Geranium pusillum L.
- Geranium purpureum
- Geranium pyrenaicum Burm.
- Geranium robertianum L.
- Geranium rotundifolium L., one of the types of geraniums with large leaves
- Geranium sanguineum L., one of the types of geranium with showy flowers
- Geranium sylvaticum L.
- Pelargonium grandiflorum
- pelargonium garden
- Pelargonium graveolens, one of the types of mosquito-repellent geraniums
- pelargonium peltatum
- Pelargonium crispum
- pelargonium zonale
- Pelargonium citrosum, a mosquito-repellent and pleasant-smelling geranium
- pelargonium capitatum
- Geranium Care – Basic Guide
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Quick Fact Sheet of Index Species
Geranium columbinum, dissectum, dolomiticum and lucidum: small species, useful as low coverage and naturalist. If you'd like more information about different species, you might also be interested in .
Geranium molle, nodosum and phaeum: rustic perennials; G. phaeum stands out for dark and curious flowers.
Geranium pratense and pyrenaicum: generous flowering; good for planters and ornamental meadows.
Geranium pusillum, purpureum and robertianum: wild, fast-growing and highly productive adaptation.
Geranium Care – Basic Guide
- Light and temperature: they need lots of direct sunlight to bloom. In intense heat waves, it provides half shadow during peak hours. Protect them from frost.
- Soil and compost: substrate loose and draining (universal mix with perlite or sand). Fertilize with specific fertilizer for geraniums; in the active phase, every 1-2 weeks, and when at rest, reduce the frequency. Avoid fertilizing in the hottest hoursFor better development, consult How to plant a geranium correctly.
- Irrigation: moderate and regular; leaves dry the top layer between waterings and avoid continuous wetting of leaves and flowers.
- Pruning and cleaning: sprouting of flowers marchitas and cleaning of dry leaves to stimulate new inflorescences. For pruning techniques, check How to prune geraniums correctly.
- Propagation by cuttings: very simple; take healthy stems, remove lower leaves and root in wet substrate with good ventilation.
- Winter and shelter: In cold climates, bring the house or greenhouse into a bright place, reduce watering and avoid cold drafts.
Common pests and diseases
- Pests: aphid, whitefly, red spider and the geranium caterpillar (Cacyreus marshalli). Look for curled leaves or holes; inspect stems.
- Mushrooms: botrytis, rust and mildew, associated with excess moisture and poor ventilation. To eliminate these problems, we suggest you consult common gardening mistakes.
- Prevention: irrigation without flooding, good air circulation, removal of floral debris and, if appropriate, targeted treatments.
Curiosities and uses
- Surprising aromasLemons, roses, mint, apple, or spicy notes, depending on the species. If you'd like to learn more about how to enhance their aromas, see .
- Tradition and longevity: With pruning and shelter suitable, they can live and flourish for many years.
- Essential oils: some species serve to perfumery and natural cosmeticsFor more ideas, visit sun-resistant plants for your garden.
The geranium palette ranges from dramatic trailing geraniums to fragrant leafy geraniums and bright shade evergreens. Combine them with petunias, tagetes or gazanias for a continuous seasonal effect and play with contrasts of height, texture and aroma: with little care, your garden or balcony will look full of life.
