The differences between Pelargonium and Geranium

The differences between Pelargonium and Geranium are many and they are totally different plants, yet the terms geraniums and pelargoniums are often used interchangeably. The majority of plants that people commonly refer to as Geraniums are actually Pelargoniums. Although geraniums and Pelargoniums both belong to the Geraniaceae  family, they belong to a different genus.

The differences between Pelargonium and Geranium

Pelargonium Overview

• Commonly called storksbills, the name Pelargonium derives from the Greek term pelargós meaning stork because, when the flowers form a seed head, it resembles the long and slender beak of a stork. The seeds are dispersed by the wind.
• Out of 280 species of Pelargoniums,  most are exclusively found in Southern Africa with ±200 species being indigenous to South Africa specifically.
• Pelargoniums are drought and heat tolerant, but can tolerate only minor frosts. They are perennials, sometimes grown as annuals.
• Pelargonium flower heads feature clusters with flowers that open from the center outwards. The flowers have 5 petals, but they are asymmetrically arranged with two larger top petals and three slightly smaller base petals.
• Over time the stems of Pelargoniums can become quite woody and hard.
• Some Pelargoniums have a more upright, bushy growth and can grow quite high while others have a more trailing habit and are often used in hanging baskets and pots.
• The leaves of Pelargoniums are sometimes a bit hairy and can be very strongly scented in a range of fragrances like nutmeg, rose, mint and lemon.

Examples of Pelargonium: Pelargonium graveolens, Pelargonium Radens and Pelargonium sidoides

Geranium Overview

• The name geranium derives from the Greek word géranos meaning ‘crane’. Its English name, Cranesbill, derives from the fact that the fruit capsule of some species is long and resembles the bill of a crane. Seeds are ‘shot’  quite far away from the plants when these seed pods spring open.
• The Geranium genus consists of 422 species of annual, biennial, and perennial plants that are commonly known as geraniums or cranesbills.
• Geraniums are mostly found growing naturally in the temperate regions of Europe and North America and in South Africa there are about 30 Geranium species.
• Geraniums can generally withstand a fair amount of frost.
• The Geranium flower is made up of 5 equal sized petals, resulting in a flat, symmetrical bloom.
• Their stems are soft and herbaceous.
• Geraniums have a wide, low growth habit and they are often used as ground covers.

Examples of Geranium:Geranium Incanum, Geranium pratense and Geranium cinereum