Whether you call them geraniums or use their proper name, Pelargoniums, these beauties are the absolute MVPs of the summer garden. They bloom their hearts out all season long, but not all geraniums are created equal! You can find them in every shade from crisp white to a deep, moody burgundy that’s almost black. Some stand tall, others trail gracefully, and some even smell like a tropical fruit basket or a fresh herb garden.
Upright Geraniums (Pelargonium Zonale)
These are your classic “Zonal” geraniums. This group includes all the varieties that grow straight up, including the newer climbing types. You’ll recognize them by their thick, fleshy stems and slightly fuzzy leaves. Their flowers grow in those iconic, round clusters that look like little floral pom-poms. Whether you like single, semi-double, or full double blooms, there’s a Zonal for you in just about every color imaginable. They usually top out at around 16 inches (40 cm) tall.
Ivy Geraniums (Pelargonium Peltatum)
If you’re looking for that “waterfall of flowers” look, these are your go-to. While they come in the same gorgeous colors as the upright types, their growth habit is totally different. Ivy geraniums produce long, trailing vines that can reach up to 5 feet (1.5 m), making them the perfect choice for hanging baskets or window boxes. A huge plus? Many varieties in this group are “self-cleaning,” meaning the old flowers drop off on their own. It saves you a ton of time on deadheading during the long blooming season! You might also run into “semi-trailing” types, which give you a bit of height while still spilling over the edges.
Scented Geraniums (Pelargonium Oderata)
Scented geraniums might have smaller flowers than their cousins, but they make up for it with an incredible sense of smell. Depending on the variety, your nose might pick up notes of rose, mint, lemon, pineapple, orange, or even cola and pine needles! And here’s a fun kitchen secret: unlike other types, these leaves and flowers aren’t just edible—they’re actually delicious in teas and desserts.
Pro Tip:
The essential oils in scented geranium leaves are great at naturally keeping wasps and mosquitoes away. The lemon and pine-scented varieties are especially effective at keeping the bugs at bay while you’re enjoying your patio.
Angel Geraniums (Pelargonium Crispum)
Often called “Butterfly Geraniums,” these charming plants have bicolor blooms that look just like tiny butterflies resting on the foliage. They are stunning, though they can be a bit more finicky than others when it comes to overwintering them indoors.
Fancy-Leaf Geraniums (Pelgardini)
For these guys, it’s all about the foliage! Fancy-leaf (or “brocade”) geraniums are bred for their striking leaf patterns and colors. You’ll see mixes of cream, bronze, white, and yellow alongside the green. They stay pretty compact—usually around 8 inches (20 cm) tall—and while they do bloom, the flowers definitely take a backseat to the gorgeous leaves.
Regal Geraniums (Pelgardini Grandiflorum)
Also known as Martha Washington geraniums, these are the “glamour queens” of the family. Here’s what makes them special:
- They produce massive, show-stopping flower clusters.
- Most are bicolor, often featuring a dark “eye” in the center.
- They are super popular as houseplants.
- They can go outside in the summer, but they’re a bit delicate—make sure they stay protected from heavy rain!
