Geraniaceae - Botanical Family

Botanical name: Geranium maderense

Common name: Madeiran Cranesbill

Family: Geraniaceae

Origin: Madeira

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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One of the most spectacular of hardy Geraniums. It is a perennial that will not flower until the second year. It has large, upright, dome of pink flowers and ferny evergreen leaves.

Botanical names: Monsonia patersonii, Sarcocaulon patersonii

Common name: Bushman's Candle

Family: Geraniaceae

Origin: South Africa

This plant has ferocious spines on pale yellowish-grey succulent stems. The glaucus leaves, arranged in pairs at the spine bases, are long ovals with a smooth margin.

Botanical name: Monsonia sp.

Common name: Monsonia

Family: Geraniaceae

Origin: South Africa

Botanical name: Pelargonium sp.

Common name: Lavender Pelargonia

Cultivar: 'Deerwood Lavender Lass'

Family: Geraniaceae

The small elegant plant with olive green leaf and rosy-lavender flowers. Compact, but spreads to fill a basket. Species Hybrid.

Botanical name: Pelargonium sp.

Common names: Pelargonia, Geranium

Family: Geraniaceae

Botanical name: Pelargonium sp.

Common name: Stellar Geranium

Cultivar: 'Vancouver Centennial'

Family: Geraniaceae

Hardiness: 5°F

Pelargonium Vancouver Centennial is a showy tender perennial with a plethora of attractive attributes. Its star-shaped leaves come in vibrant colors of yellow, brick-red and light green, medium green and red hues. Topping off this stunning foliage are delicate clusters of bright-red flowers, creating a beautiful display of color that will surely attract the attention of hummingbirds and butterflies. This resilient shrub stands between 2-5 ft tall and is suitable for both planting in the garden or in containers.

Stellar Geranium can best thrive when planted in well-draining, humus-rich soil that is enriched with compost or manure and mulch. When it comes to sunlight and water, it prefers full sun or semi-shade, and should be watered regularly but not excessively - so as to keep the soil and roots of the plant moist without over-saturating. To prevent weed growth, apply a layer of mulch around the plant. As an added precaution, especially for regions with colder climates, Stellar Geranium should be kept in a pot and either brought indoors or placed in a greenhouse during frosty seasons. Use a thick layer of mulch to insulate the container, and maintain moisture of the pot but not soggy. Fertilize the soil with a weekly, high-potassium and phosphorous-rich fertilizer to keep the plant healthy and vibrant. In terms of propagation, it can be divided during early spring or late summer or grown from cuttings. Pruning must be done to keep the plant's roots system under control for better growth. Lastly, direct sunlight must be avoided to protect the plant from any possible harm.

With its fragrant blooms and visually captivating foliage, Stellar Geranium is ideal for those wanting to spruce up their gardens during summer or add a touch of myth and charm to their indoor space. When given the right care and sufficient resources, it will create a stunning display of colors that will last throughout the season.

Botanical name: Pelargonium x domesticum

Common name: Regal Geranium

Family: Geraniaceae

Pelargonium × domesticum are a loose grouping of hybrid geraniums involving P. grandiflorum and P. cucullatum. Showy flowers in shades of pink, purple, lavender and red, often speckled with interesting markings and splotches, are borne in clusters.

Botanical name: Pelargonium x hortorum

Common names: Zonal Geranium, Garden Geranium

Family: Geraniaceae

The common Zonal Geranium (Pelargonium x hortorum) is a popular garden plant throughout the world. Pelargonium xhortorum is a hybrid between Pelargonium zonale and Pelargonium inquinans. Cultivars with very double flowers and no anthers are called Rosebud Pelargoniums since the flowers never open completely and therefore resemble a rosebud. It is a very vigorous semi-woody perennial plant which grows in USDA zones 9-11. The Zonal Geranium can reach 2-3ft in height and its growth habit is mounded and spreading. It has leathery, pointed and toothed green leaves that are typically marked with a band of yellow, blotch or circle. The bright and colorful flowers come in shades of pink, white, red and orange and can be single or double-petalled. Deadheading will encourage the Zonal Geranium to produce more flowers.

Pelargonium x hortorum is fairly undemanding and easy to grow in low-maintenance gardens. It prefers dappled or full sun and regular, deep watering. The plant should be fertilized every few weeks during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer, and slightly less frequently in cooler months. It can be propagated by stem cuttings taken in spring and summer, but this is not essential.

In cooler regions the Zonal Geranium can be grown in a pot. It should be planted in a well-draining potting soil in a container with good drainage. Water the pot regularly and make sure to keep it in a sheltered spot that won't get too cold. The plant can be brought indoors during winter and placed in a bright spot with indirect sunlight. Make sure to stop fertilizing about six weeks before winter and cut it back to encourage compact growth and plentiful flowers.