Did You Know? Geraniums Aren't Really Geraniums

When is a geranium not a geranium? When it's a pelargonium!

Uh, yeah. Which is what exactly? Pelargonium is the correct botanical name for the tropical plants we commonly grow as annuals and call geraniums. Sometimes they are referred to as garden geraniums or possibly storksbill geranium (although that's a new one to me). Perennial in only the warmest of climates, here in Minnesota we start these popular plants in January from cuttings and seeds to have them ready for sale in May. Being tropical, they need lots of time to grow from a single leaf or seed into the full blooming plant we all know and love. 

Image: Tom Curtis / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

So what, then, is a geranium? An actual geranium is a perennial plant (yes, even here in zones 3 and 4) that really looks not much like a pelargonium at all. It's often referred to as hardy geranium or cranesbill geranium. The beauty of this perennial besides the fact that it is hardy here in Minnesota is that it doesn't like rich soil. So that tough place in your garden where nothing else will grow? Try cranesbill geraniums. This plant also stands up fairly well to drought and blooms profusely. A perfect perennial in my book!

So why do these two disparate plants have the same name in the first place? While both these plants are still in the same botanical family, they were originally in the same botanical genus as geraniums. It was only about 220-some years ago that the plants were split into two separate clans and it just hasn't caught on yet. Old habits die hard! 

At any rate, both of these plants are excellent choices for gardeners. What they do have in common is that they are both easy to grow and flower beautifully. Whether you choose a garden geranium or a hardy geranium, chances are you'll be pleased with it's performance.