In herbal medicine, Pelargonium has been used for intestinal problems, wounds and respiratory ailments, but Pelargonium species have also been used for fevers, kidney complaints and other conditions. What is Geranium (Pelargonium)? Pelargoniums is a genus of flowering plants that belongs to the Geraniaceae family and is often referred to as geranium.

Understanding the Context

There are over geranium species and countless cultivars, each with its unique features and characteristics. The common geranium (part of the Pelargonium genus) is a flowering plant grown as an annual in North America. Use this guidance to properly grow and care for geraniums. While your plant tag may say “geranium,” chances are it’s a pelargonium—a colorful, sun-loving superstar that blooms nonstop from summer till frost.

Key Insights

These beauties aren’t just pretty faces either—they’re tough, drought-tolerant, and perfect for pots, beds, and hanging baskets. With their vibrant flowers and fragrant foliage, pelargoniums are long-standing favourites, both indoors and out. Give them sun and free-draining soil, in containers or borders, to add Mediterranean cheer all summer. Pelargonium, a warm-weather flowering plant from South Africa, gets confused with its cousin because its ivy-shaped leaves are similar. But Pelargonium, with as many as 300 species, plays more roles: as shrub, scented herb, container plant, and cheerful window box companion.

Final Thoughts

The Pelargonium genus belongs to the Geraniaceae family and includes a wide variety of plants commonly known as geraniums. They are famed for their vibrant blooms and often aromatic foliage, making them popular in gardens worldwide. Spent flowers should be removed (deadheaded) to promote continuous blooming throughout the summer. This particular Pelargonium has beautiful dense variegated foliage of green and orange/bronze. I grow this plant in hanging baskets and I love the bold textured foliage even more than the flowers.