What is the difference between a geranium and a pelargonium?

What is the difference between a geranium and a pelargonium?

The flowers of geranium and pelargonium are not the same. Geranium flowers have five similar petals; pelargonium blooms have two upper petals which are different from the three lower petals. Within the Pelargonium genus are perennials, sub-shrubs, shrubs and succulents. All up, there are around 280 species.

How do you care for a Pelargonium plant?

Pelargoniums are not thirsty plants so water moderately from spring to summer, taking care that the compost doesn’t become too wet. Open windows or vents in a conservatory or greenhouse in summer to be sure of good air flow. Water only sparingly in winter, so that the compost has time to dry between waterings.

What does Pelargonium smell like?

Mostly, the type used in perfumery is Pelargonium graveolens, or rose geranium: it gives a scent that’s similar to rose, but with a lemony twist, and less of the powderiness. The most prized geranium of all comes from the Ile Bourbon, with its rich, green, fruity-mint rosiness.

Are scented pelargoniums Hardy?

‘Radula’ has a rose and lemon scent; Pelargonium tomentosum has large, soft, green leaves and tiny white flowers with a strong peppermint scent. None of these plants will withstand any sort of frost, so bring them inside over the winter.

Can I keep Pelargoniums over the winter?

Pelargoniums don’t have a dormant period, so the easiest way to keep them going through the winter is to dig them up and keep them as indoor houseplants on sunny windowsills.

Why are my pelargoniums not flowering?

The two most common reasons for geraniums not blooming prolifically are too little light or too much fertilizer. Geraniums are a sun loving plant that need 4-6 hours of full sun a day, or perhaps longer in somewhat filtered light. In containers, if you feed your geraniums, every 3 to 5 weeks, you will be just fine.