Geraniums – Zonal, Ivy, Scented

Short overview
Geraniums in garden use commonly refer to cultivated varieties of Pelargonium, valued for their colorful flowers, attractive foliage, and adaptability to containers and beds. Zonal, Ivy, and Scented types represent three widely grown groups with distinct growth habits and ornamental features.

Key characteristics

• Plant type: Tender perennial often grown as an annual (Pelargonium species and hybrids)

Zonal Geraniums (Pelargonium × hortorum)

• Upright, bushy growth habit
• Rounded leaves often marked with a darker “zone” band
• Flower clusters in red, pink, white, orange, and bi-colors

Ivy Geraniums (Pelargonium peltatum)

• Trailing to cascading growth habit
• Smooth, glossy, ivy-shaped leaves
• Flowers in a wide color range, well suited to hanging baskets and containers

Scented Geraniums (Pelargonium species and hybrids)

• Grown primarily for aromatic foliage rather than showy flowers
• Leaf scents may resemble rose, lemon, mint, apple, or spice
• Smaller, less showy blooms compared to zonal and ivy types

General growing notes

• Light: Perform best in full sun to partial shade
• Water: Prefer moderate watering with good drainage; sensitive to overwatering
• Soil: Grow well in well-drained, moderately fertile soil
• Climate: Frost-sensitive; commonly grown as seasonal plants in cooler regions

Note: Flower color, leaf shape, fragrance, and plant size vary widely among species, hybrids, and cultivars within these groups.