Geraniums are one of the most popular flowering plants for gardens, pots, and balconies. With their cheerful blooms in vibrant reds, pinks, purples, and whites, it’s easy to see why they are so beloved. If you’re considering adding some floral beauty to your home or yard, geraniums are an excellent choice.
In this article, we’ll take a visual tour of the diverse world of geraniums You’ll see pictures showcasing the range of geranium varieties and the stunning colors they produce We’ll also cover tips on choosing, planting, and caring for these classic beauties.
An Overview of Geranium Types
While most people are familiar with the common garden geranium, there are actually over 200 species under the geranium banner. Here are some of the most popular types
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Zonal geraniums – These are the classic garden geraniums, with large clustered blooms. They come in shades of red, pink, purple, white, and salmon.
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Ivy geraniums – Ivy geraniums are trailing plants with smaller flowers and glossy, ivy-like leaves. They are ideal for containers.
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Regal geraniums – Regals produce showy, exotic blooms up to 5 inches wide. Popular colors are rich purples, blues, and pinks with veining.
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Scented geraniums – Grown for fragrant leaves that release lovely aromas when touched. Foliage scents include rose, lemon, mint, and more.
Now let’s look at pictures of these wonderful geraniums so you can appreciate their diversity!
Zonal Geranium Photo Gallery
The zonal geranium is the classic garden variety many of us think of. Here are some photos showing their bold colors and abundant blooms:
Vibrant red zonal geraniums are a quintessential summer flower. Their cheerful blooms and bushy form brighten any garden bed.
Gorgeous hot pink zonal geranium flowers make any space feel more vibrant. Their saturated color is eye-catching.
For an elegant look, try white zonal geraniums with delicate pink striping. The simplicity pairs well with any decor.
Rich lavender-purple blooms on this zonal geranium contribute a regal vibe to outdoor spaces and containers.
As you can see, zonal geraniums offer outstanding diversity! Match their vibrant hues to your personal style.
Cascading Ivy Geranium Pictures
Next up are photos of ivy, or cascading, geraniums. Their trailing habit makes them perfect for hanging containers where they can spill gracefully:
Abundant red blooms on this ivy geranium create a vibrant cascade from a container’s edge. Eye-catching against the wood background.
A pure white ivy geranium studded with delicate blooms. The pristine color pairs beautifully with any exterior.
Rich purple ivy geranium flowers seem to shimmer when backlit by the sun. A regal choice for hanging baskets and pots.
Ivy geraniums are ideal for balconies, porches, and vertical spaces. Let them spill over containers with carefree elegance.
Showstopping Regal Geranium Images
If you want maximum floral impact, you can’t go wrong with regal geraniums. Their saturated colors and large blooms command attention:
The electric blue flowers on this regal geranium seem to glow, lighting up any space. Truly eye-catching.
With its soft, ruffled lavender blooms, this regal geranium offers understated elegance. Beautiful in beds and containers.
The saturated pink flowers and veining on this regal geranium really make it pop. Guaranteed to attract admiration!
Regal geraniums are ornamental showstoppers. Feature them prominently to make a design statement.
Fragrant Scented Geranium Photo Gallery
Lastly, let’s appreciate the diverse world of scented geraniums. Grown for their perfumed foliage, a gentle brush releases their aroma:
When brushed, this rose scented geranium’s gray-green leaves release a wonderful rosy perfume. A treasured aroma.
With soft fuzzy leaves that smell delightfully minty when touched, this scented geranium offers a cool, refreshing scent.
For an uplifting citrus perfume, try brushing this lemon scented geranium. Its aroma evokes sunshine and lemonade.
With foliage scents spanning floral, fruit, mint, and more, scented geraniums let you enjoy a world of botanical aromas.
Tips for Growing Gorgeous Geraniums
Now that you’ve seen the diversity of geranium types and colors, you may be inspired to grow some yourself. Here are tips for success with these classic beauties:
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Choose the right type for your needs – trailing ivy geraniums for hanging pots or upright zonals for garden beds.
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Give them full sun (at least 6 hours daily) and well-draining soil. Let soil dry between waterings.
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Pinch back leggy stems to encourage bushy growth. Deadhead spent blooms for continuous flowering.
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Fertilize every 2-4 weeks during the growing season for vigorous plants and prolific blooms.
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Bring potted geraniums indoors before frost for overwintering in a sunny window.
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Propagate by taking 3-4 inch stem cuttings in summer, then rooting in potting mix.
With proper care, geraniums will reward you with nonstop floral color from spring through fall frost. Their diversity makes them perfect for beds, containers, and vertical spaces. Use these pictures as inspiration to welcome vibrant geraniums into your home and garden!
Flower ResourcesDiscover the right flowers for your garden.
Most geraniums belong to one of six groups, with the most common types being zonal, ivy, regal, and scented; less common are the angel and unique geraniums.
Americana® Rose Ice Zonal Geranium. Photo by: Proven Winners.
Zonal geraniums are the colorful backbone of many summer gardens. Named for the zone of darker color on the leaf, which is very pronounced in some plants, but less visible in others. They have succulent stems with rounded, light to deep green leaves that are often variegated with darker colors and have a pungent smell. Their flowers grow in clusters and can be single, semi-double, or double. Blooms come in shades of red, purple, pink, white, orange, and rarely yellow. Most zonals will grow to 24 inches tall and wide. There are dwarf and miniature varieties 5 to 8 inches in size.
Photo by: aniana / Shutterstock
Ivy geraniums (Pelargonium peltatum) are trailing plants that can spread up to 48 inches. They are named for the lobed, sometimes pointed, leaves that resemble ivy (Hedera spp.) plants. The bright, glossy green leaves can reach 3 inches across. Clusters of single or double flowers bloom in shades of red, pink, mauve, purple, or white.
Boldly® Coral. Photo by: Proven Winners.
This unique hybrid combines the best traits of zonal and ivy geraniums. Interspecific geraniums (Pelargonium interspecific) produce large flowers that are characteristic of zonal geraniums, with the vigorous semi-trailing habit of ivy geraniums. Plants bloom prolifically and have good heat tolerance.
6 Quick tips to keep Geraniums Blooming
FAQ
What is the secret to beautiful geraniums?
Rule 1: The ideal location for geraniums is warm and sunny
Geraniums originate in South Africa. That’s why they like it warm and bright. If you give them a sunny spot, they will thank you with lots of flowers. No need to worry about blazing midday sun, as geraniums can even tolerate this intense heat.
Do geraniums like full sun or shade?
Geraniums generally prefer full sun but can tolerate some shade, especially in hotter climates. They thrive with at least 6 hours of sunlight per day, but afternoon shade can be beneficial in intense heat.
Do geraniums grow better in pots or in the ground?
Geraniums love a full sun position in a well-drained soil. If your soil is a heavy clay or prone to waterlogging consider growing geraniums on mounds or in pots to improve drainage.
How do you keep geraniums to keep blooming?