It is a plant of herbaceous and semi-shrub type. Types of geraniums have a huge number of variations with different shapes and sizes. The second name of the plant is crane bird. This beautiful name it received thanks to the Greeks, who compared its fruits to a crane's beak. It originally grew in South Africa. Her decorative value was recognized only in the 17th century. Initially, the crane bird decorated the houses of the aristocracy. In the 18th century it became famous in Russia. Literally a century later, geranium became the decoration of many homes. Its demand is explained by its aesthetics, unpretentiousness and intensive growth. There are over 250 varieties of the flower. Most of them are bred by humans. The species differ in the color of the inflorescences and the shape of the leaves.
Zonal geranium
The zone cranberry is the most popular for growing at home. He has a lot of varieties. Each variety has its own differences. However, there is also common features: durability, intense flowering. They are distinguished by a straightened trunk, which is covered with leaf plates of a wavy and drooping appearance. The leaves have a red-brown border. They emit a specific smell.
The following forms are distinguished:
- Regular with five petals;
- Half double with 8 petals;
- Terry with petals exceeding eight pieces.
The zonal cranebird also differs in the shape of its flowers:
- Flowers of red and pink shades, similar to roses;
- Similar to tulip buds;
- Resembling a star;
- Narrow curling petals reminiscent of a chrysanthemum;
- Small flowers grouped in bouquets;
- Star-shaped.
Flower coloring can be as follows:
- One tone;
- Two tones;
- Many tones;
- Flowers with a border;
- With spots;
- With shuffling stripes and dots.
The height of a geranium bush can be up to 60 cm if it is a standard plant, up to 10 cm for miniature types. Irenes can grow up to 80 cm.
The zonal cranebird got its name not by chance. The leaves of the plant are distinguished by zones of different colors. They often have a purple or white border. In the middle you can see places with a golden, bronze tint.
Royal geranium
If we consider all the varieties, the royal cranebird is the most beautiful of them all. It is distinguished large flowers white, burgundy, pink, purple. The height is up to 15 cm. Geranium can grow to a similar size. It appeared in the 19th century. Since then, it has been a sought-after indoor geranium, decorating the room. Flowers distinguish it:
- Big size;
- Standard or terry shape;
- Petals are corrugated or wavy;
- You may see a dark spot or stripe on the petals;
- The first two petals are distinguished by velvety, increased size, and dark tones.
The leaves of the flower are distinguished by:
- Jagged appearance and roughness, which makes them look like maple leaves;
- One tone or many tones for painting.
This is one of the most capricious representatives of the family. Its flowering does not last long at all - up to 4 months. The cranebird begins to bloom only after two years of cultivation.
This plant also got its name not by chance. It emits a whole bouquet of aromas. Just touch the leaf and you will smell mint, strawberries, and roses. Modern artificial varieties include geraniums with the scent of apple, pineapple, and pine needles. Description:
- The flowers of the plant are quite miniature;
- What distinguishes them is different shape, pink or purple tint;
- The leaf part has a pinnately incised shape and is divided into 5-7 zones;
- Visually, the leaves look terry.
Among the popular varieties of this type, it is worth noting Chocolate Mint, Lime, Citrus. This variety is very versatile. It is used in both medicine and cooking. Has medicinal properties.
Thyroid or ampelous
Distinctive characteristics:
- Long shoots reaching a meter;
- The leaves are star-shaped and dark green in color;
- Flowers are grouped in racemes;
- The flower part can be regular, semi-double or double. It reaches 4 cm and is distinguished by a variety of colors: white to the darkest.
The flowering of the plant begins in late spring and continues until early autumn. It is used to decorate loggias and balconies.
Angel
Distinctive features:
- Flowers that resemble pansies, white lilac, pink shade;
- Length up to 40 cm;
- Intensive branching;
- Easy care;
- Small leaves of dark green color.
Flowering continues all summer. It's very intense.
This is a relatively old species. Its age reaches 150 centuries. Bred by crossing royal cranes and shiny cranes. They are distinguished by high aesthetic qualities. Their differences:
- The foliage is dark green and dissected;
- It has a characteristic aroma;
- The flower part is similar to a miniature royal geranium;
- The petals are red in color with a light center.
Buy Unicum white and Pink colour- great luck, since they are very rare.
One of the most unusual varieties. Its characteristics:
- Branched and curved stems;
- Bushes of unusual shape that immediately attract attention;
- The stems, in some varieties, have spines.
This variety will require constant monitoring of the level of soil moisture, since if this parameter is violated, it begins to shed its leaves. This is a rather exotic plant that will suit original design interior
Lemon
This variety does not bloom. But it is distinguished by leaves of rich green color. The pubescent parts of the plant have a complex shape. The height of such a crane can reach 1.5 meters. It is a fragrant species, having lemon aroma. Sometimes the plant begins to bloom, but its flowers are very small and are not suitable for decorative purposes.
All types are ideal for growing at home. Some of them are standard. They require routine care. They are also easy to purchase. Other species are truly exotic.
Geranium is a flower that in our time has come to be considered “grandmother’s” because it has been known for a very long time in indoor and garden floriculture, and it is mainly the older generation who are engaged in breeding and collecting these plants.
Young people imagine geranium in its standard form: round panicles of red flowers and double dark green leaves. In fact, progress does not stand still, and breeders have discovered many varieties of pelargonium, which differ in flower shape, leaf color, plant size and other parameters.
If you want to purchase a houseplant that will not require constant careful care and annual replanting, while remaining very decorative for a long time, then you should think about growing some variety of indoor geranium.
Types of geraniums with photos
In order to understand the choice of variety, it is necessary to consider the groups into which indoor pelargoniums are divided. They will be presented below with descriptions general characteristics species group
Geranium zonal (bordered)
It can be immediately recognized by the characteristic color of the leaves: the dark green leaf is bordered by a brown stripe, hence the second name of the species. It is the zonal geranium that is the “grandmother’s” species, because this group is the most widespread and has more than 70,000 varieties.
They are separated not only by the color of the flowers, but also by their shape. There are simple, semi-double and double flowers. It is clear that depending on the complexity of the flower, they have different quantities petals
The leaves also differ in the severity of the dark stripe: in some varieties of geranium it is visible very clearly, in others it is practically invisible, the width of the border also depends on the variety.
Geranium ivy-leaved
This is an ampelous type of pelargonium that produces many long, flowing shoots. In this regard, ivy-leaved geraniums are planted in hanging planters or pots standing at a height. It should be taken into account that ivy-leaved varieties produce lashes up to 1 m long.
The group is also characterized by the absolute smoothness and glossiness of the leaves, which resemble ivy leaves. Hence the name of the group.
Geranium Angel
Also applies to hanging ones, however, the lashes are shorter. The flower here is interesting: it very much resembles a viola (pansy) and looks very beautiful in a panicle.
Geranium fragrant
Here, already from the name, it becomes clear why this group is interesting to flower growers. There are a lot of smells, it all depends on the specific variety. Pelargoniums collected in this group contain phytoncides in their leaves, which are responsible for the production of aroma. The smell is very strong, especially when you touch the plant.
I would immediately like to note that the appearance of fragrant geranium is not as interesting as in previous cases: the leaves are green with fluff, uneven and large, the flowers are simple, standard colors.
The plant itself develops quickly and therefore can stretch out at the top. In order for the bush to be a bush and not a couple of long shoots, it is necessary to pinch it periodically.
Royal geranium
Perhaps the most beautiful pelargoniums belong to this species. The flowers are also collected in paniculate round inflorescences, but each of them can reach 7 cm in diameter. Thus, the flower caps turn out to be simply gigantic. And their color can be very different, and here we mean not only the main color, but also the presence of veins, edges, spots, etc.
Geranium Unicum
It can truly be considered unique, since it has collected many interesting features: the flowers are very beautiful, with veins and patterns, which the previous group can boast of, but the size, of course, is not so large.
The leaves are also decorative and at the same time have a certain aroma, depending on the specific variety. It is a little weaker than that of fragrant pelargonium, but quite distinct.
They are small bushes that bloom profusely and do not require pruning at all. Varieties of such geraniums will be useful to those whose window sills are already filled with other plants.
Now you can consider some interesting types of geraniums, differing precisely in the shape of the flower. These include:
- Rosaceae zonal. The flowers resemble real small roses collected in a panicle;
- cacti-shaped zonal. It's hard to say whether they are beautiful or not. This is an option for everyone. The flowers themselves are large, and the petals are curled into cones and resemble cactus spines;
- star zonal. They are named so in connection with the shape of the petal - it is pointed, narrowed towards the upper part;
- Dianthus. Carnations have jagged petals, and it is this property that this group of geraniums adopted.
Planting geraniums
Geranium can be purchased in three forms: seeds, rooted cuttings and a well-developed adult bush. Their cultivation must be considered separately.
Pelargonium seeds are quite large, so, as a rule, even novice gardeners do not have problems with planting them. When planting seeds, they are placed with their flat side on the ground, slightly pressing down. The distance between seeds is maintained at least 2 cm.
After they have been planted in the ground, the ground is not watered with a watering can, but sprayed well with a spray bottle, so the seeds will not be washed away and will remain in their places.
Usually, in order for geraniums to have color in the summer, planting their seeds begins at the end of February. A plastic bag is placed over the container in which the seeds are planted. Everything must be put in a dark, warm place and checked daily for germination. Basically, pelargoniums sprout in 5-6 days.
After at least one sprout appears, the entire container is exposed to light and the bag is removed. When the seedlings grow up and have four leaves, they can be planted in separate pots (this operation is called picking).
Growing rooted cuttings and well-developed bush
Here everything will be based on the selection of pot and soil for replanting the purchased seedling. The ground is already finished form You can buy it in a specialized store, or you can make it yourself if you have soil at home brought from the garden in the fall. To do this you just need to mix:
- upper light peat,
- land,
- sand,
- vermiculite
The soil composed in this way will be loose. The selection of a pot is made depending on the condition of the root system of the seedling.
Even for an adult bush, a small pot with a diameter of about 15 cm is suitable. Of course, it is recommended to purchase a pot made of baked clay, but they are usually more expensive than plastic ones.
So if you don't want to extra costs, then the plastic one is also not so bad, it’s just that the water in it does not dry out so quickly, and there is a risk of “flooding” the plant.
It is imperative that in order to prevent root rot and blackleg, it is necessary to provide high-quality drainage in the pot, sprinkled with a layer of 2-3 cm. What can we say, the pot itself must have at least one drain hole at the bottom.
geranium cuttings peat tablets Pelargonium care
As was said at the very beginning of the article, geranium is very undemanding in care, which is why gardeners love it. Care represents the fulfillment of the following conditions:
Watering
It all depends on the speed at which the top layer of soil dries out. Geranium tolerates drought much better than excessive humidity, so it is important not to “flood” it, otherwise the bush will die.
Typically watering is carried out about three times a week. By the way, it must be done carefully, trying not to get on the leaves of the plant itself. Spraying geraniums is also undesirable.
Landing location
Geranium is very photophilous, so its flowering directly depends on the amount of sunlight it receives. South-facing, well-lit windows are suitable for growing pelargonium.
Room temperature
This factor in summer time not particularly important. In winter, the temperature should not fall below 10 0 C. The main thing is to protect the plant from drafts.
Loosening
It is recommended to carry out this operation periodically so that air flows to the roots and the earth does not turn into one monolithic piece. In order to loosen the soil, it is not at all necessary to have a special rake: you can use an old fork or stick.
Top dressing
Geraniums are fed during flowering and before flowering with phosphorus-containing fertilizers. Under no circumstances should you apply organic fertilizers; geraniums simply cannot tolerate them.
Bush formation
It involves rejuvenating pruning of an adult plant and the formation of young plants. In the first case, up to five buds are left on each shoot, from which new branches will appear in the future.
In the second case, the technique of pinching the tops with fingers is used for better tillering. All these operations are recommended to be carried out at the end of winter - beginning of spring.
Transfer
It is carried out not annually, but once every 2-3 years. It is best to replant with a clod of earth without exposing the roots.
Typically, this operation is performed when indoor pelargonium noticeably slows down its development. But that doesn't mean that new pot must be huge. You can increase its diameter by thickness index finger.
Propagation of indoor geraniums
To preserve the characteristic characteristics of the geranium variety, it is usually propagated by cuttings or dividing an adult bush.
Seeds
If you collect the seeds yourself, there is no guarantee that the variety will be preserved. If you want to try planting the collected seeds, then you need to carry out scarification, i.e. deletion outer shell. The seeds are ground between two pieces of sandpaper.
Cuttings
Cut cuttings about 6 cm long are placed in water until young white roots sprout and then planted in the ground or germinated in coarse wet sand. Both methods are effective and widely used.
Bloom
Geraniums bloom after planting seeds in about five months, so if they are planted at the end of February, pelargonium will bloom in the same year.
The cuttings will bloom earlier - in three months. However, these terms apply mainly to zonal species; Angels and Royal Pelargoniums will, in any case, bloom only in the second year.
Diseases and pests of pelargonium
The most common diseases of geranium in room conditions can be attributed to fungal and viral diseases. Fungal diseases include blackleg, leaf rust, and various types of rot. Most often, these diseases are treated with fungicide solutions.
There are few pests of geraniums, but they are already very annoying. These include aphids, whiteflies, caterpillars and mites. They themselves or traces of their vital activity can be detected by careful examination of the leaves of the plant on both sides.
You can get rid of pests by spraying geraniums special means. If it is not possible to determine who exactly settled on the flower, then it is better to use a drug against a complex of pests.
Why do the leaves turn yellow?
Inexperienced gardeners can often encounter the following problems when growing geraniums: the leaves turn yellow, fall off, and the bush itself does not want to bloom at all.
This is most likely the result of improper care.
- If the leaf turns yellow along the edge, it means the bush is getting little water.
- If the leaves are limp and fallen, then the bush is flooded.
- If the leaves fall from the bottom of the plant, then the geranium is not getting enough sunlight. By the way, for the same reason it may not bloom.
- Also, geranium will not want to produce flower stalks if it is overfed with nitrogen, which serves to gain green mass for the plant.
In order not to end with such an unpleasant moment as problems in growing pelargonium, we can talk about its beneficial properties.
Useful properties of geranium
- Firstly, this plant perfectly purifies the indoor air from harmful microbes. The smell of geranium relieves stress and relieves depression.
- Secondly, it repels pests from other flowers and plants. In summer, it is recommended to take geraniums out into the garden, under currant bushes - so that there are no aphids!
- And thirdly, geranium is widely used in folk medicine for the treatment of various diseases. She is compared to a plantain! Fresh leaves perfectly heal wounds and treat ulcers. The decoction helps with intestinal and stomach diseases.
- An essential oil with a delicate aroma is also obtained from geranium, which is used for medicinal purposes. It treats runny nose, ear pain, relieves muscle fatigue, and back pain.
Video about growing pelargonium - geranium
This is such a useful and beautiful plant - pelargonium or indoor geranium. Grow on windowsills, and now you know how to care for them.
Unlike its distant heat-loving relative, it lives well in open ground and has long been popular all over the world. Homeland of many garden varieties England performs. Modest beauty geranium fully meets the qualities required for creating garden landscapes.
The garden variety of the plant is valued not only for the beauty of its flowering, but for its habit - geranium forms dense, compact bushes with beautiful leaves that retain their decorative properties until winter, is capable of growing like a carpet, and has different sizes and colors of leaves and flowers. The variety of colors is not limited to orange and yellow. The size of the flowers ranges from 2.5-4.5 cm.
Varieties of indoor flowers: names and photos
In home breeding, it is more common, which is also called kalachik. It is distinguished by concentric dark circles on the leaves. The flower reaches 30-60 cm in height, sometimes up to 1 meter. The flowers are double or simple, brightly colored, collected in umbrella-like inflorescences. But there are many others of this colorful plant.
This variety of indoor geranium is the most popular, as mentioned earlier. All types of varieties are quite persistent and bloom luxuriantly. The leaves of the flower are pubescent and emit a special smell when touched. Flowers can be very different:
- terry and semi-double;
- ordinary;
- tulip;
- rose-shaped;
- star-shaped, etc.
The name of the species is given because of the color of the leaves, which have distinct areas. The center and border have different colors.
Presented by the most different varieties, shapes and shades. Sometimes there are even specimens with variegated foliage. The plant reaches a height of up to 0.5 m. It has spots or stripes of dark color along the veins on the lower petals.
Its rough and jagged leaves are very reminiscent of maple leaves. This is the most demanding variety of all pelargoniums, but it blooms much less and only after 2 years of growth.
These flowers have aromas of a wide variety of products: almond, ginger, mint, lemon, pineapple, coconut, pine. Odors appear if you touch the leaves. This is truly a miracle used to obtain healing geranium oil.
The flowers of such plants are small, purple or pink. The bright foliage has 5-7 parts and looks terry.
Read about how to care for fragrant geranium, and from there you will learn about the use of the plant in folk medicine.
These geraniums resemble pansies, which bloom with drooping caps of inflorescences. They are compact bushes up to 30 cm in height with constant pruning. They have graceful form, lush branching, and are unpretentious. Flowering lasts all summer. The flowers are white, pink, purple, lilac.
These are hybrids obtained by combining brilliant and royal geraniums. They have dissected leaves and a spicy aroma. The flowers are distinguished by their unique beauty, reminiscent of the inflorescences of royal pelargonium, but somewhat smaller in size.
The center is white, and the leaves are red. White and pink varieties are few in number. Some species have dark spots and streaks.
This variety of geranium is represented by 10 varieties, which can be with or without thorns. They are curious because of their decoratively curved stems; they look like small baobabs. Used for the formation of bonsai. Among all varieties, there are fleshy, humpbacked, cortus-leaved, fluffy-leaved, angular and thick-stemmed geraniums.
This variety has become popular because of its pubescent, dissected, bright leaves green and complex shape. The bush is quite tall, capable of reaching 1.5 meters. When you touch the leaves, they release a very powerful lemon aroma.
General care rules
Geranium is one of the most popular flowers for the home, which does not require special effort and skills for cultivation. But there are some features that are important to know:
- In winter, geraniums need coolness, but not less than +10 degrees;
- the flower loves the sun, so it is better to place it on the south side;
- geranium blooms in any season, but this will require sufficient nutrition and lighting;
- to improve branching, you will have to pinch the shoots;
- wilted flowers should be removed;
- Almost all species require regular pruning.
So, how should you care for the plant?
Soil and watering
The soil needs to be moderately fertile, so that the bush has more flowers, but less greenery. A drainage layer is also required. Watering should be plentiful as the soil dries out, and minimal in winter.
The plant does not need spraying, because... dry will do Fresh air. The light needs to be bright, even direct rays of the sun are allowed. But in extreme heat the plant should be shaded. In winter, the temperature should be at +15.
Fertilizer
It is necessary to feed geranium once every 2 weeks; the process begins at the end of March and lasts until mid-November. Liquid fertilizers are suitable.
A solution based on water and iodine becomes a useful supplement. To do this, add 1 drop of iodine to 1 liter of water. Carefully pour the mixture over the walls of the pot (50 ml). A large volume is not required so as not to burn the roots. This fertilizing gives abundant and long flowering.
Fresh organic matter is not suitable for geraniums as fertilizer.
Transfer
Geranium does not like transplants, and they are not really necessary for it. If the roots are already peeking out of the drain hole, you can subject the flower to this procedure. Transplants, like plantings, are carried out in early spring, when the growing season begins. The pot is taken 2 cm larger than the previous one.
Visual video about transplanting geraniums:
Trimming
In autumn you need to trim the shoots. Leave a stem with 6-7 leaves. Shoots need to be removed those that grow not from the roots, but from the axils of the leaves.
If the flower has grown again over the winter, then in the spring (late February - early March) it is cut off again, leaving a few buds on the stem. Cut branches can be used as cuttings.
In the future, to improve flowering and make the bush thicker, shoots should be pinched after 4-5 leaves. During the period December-January, geraniums should not be pruned.
General features of reproduction
Seed method
This is the easy way. Seeds should be sown in damp loose soil(sand (1 part), peat (1 part) and turf (2 parts). Sprinkle them on top with a layer of soil or sand (2-2.5 cm). Then sprinkle with water.
The planting is covered with glass, the soil is regularly moistened. Germination requires 18-22 degrees. The glass is removed after germination. The seedlings are placed in the light, but the temperature should already be 16-20 degrees. 1.5-2 months after the appearance of 2-3 true leaves, you can transplant the plants into pots. And pinch after 5-6 leaves appear.
Cuttings
It is better to take cuttings from the plant in the spring. The stalk should be 5-7 cm in length and have 2-3 leaves. A fresh twig should be dried for 24 hours, then the cut should be sprinkled with crushed coal and planted in a pot with loose soil. After roots appear, the cuttings can be transplanted to a permanent location.
Detailed video about geranium propagation:
Conclusion
In addition to its decorative qualities, geranium also has healing properties. The leaves of some varieties are even used as food. And the extract from them is used to aromatize the room, in aromatherapy. Essential oil geranium is one of the most healing. Helps with respiratory and colds.
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There are more than two hundred species of geranium in nature. Thanks to selection, many varieties have been developed that can satisfy the taste of even the most demanding gardener. Geraniums today decorate houses, balconies, gazebos and terraces, and gardens. Many varieties are decorative not only in flower, but also in foliage.
Pelargonium zonalis is the most numerous type of geranium. Indoor zonal geraniums have a straight, strong stem with lush foliage. The leaves of these plants are often edged with a reddish stripe and emit an aroma. The name of the variety comes from the spots on the leaves of geranium; the spots on the leaf blades are located chaotically, irregularly and unequally shaped. The leaf plates are covered with pile, velvety to the touch. Pelargonium zonalis is represented by a variety of tall and miniature plants, differing in the shape of the leaves, the shape of the flowers and their color. Geranium is zonal, all types and varieties are well grown and differ abundant flowering.
One of the most popular varieties to grow is Happy Thought. The plant has variegated juicy green leaves, in the center sheet plate an irregularly shaped spot of bright yellow color. The petals of an ordinary flower are bright scarlet. Unusual blue geranium: a five-petaled flower of the Blue Blood variety is violet in color, the petals are literally riddled with red-burgundy veins.
Important! When feeding house plants with purchased fertilizers, pay attention to the composition and amount of nitrogen in it. An excess of this element stimulates foliage growth in geraniums to the detriment of flowering.
Zonal pelargonium dianthus
A popular variety among gardeners. The flowers of this pelargonium resemble carnations, with the same carved, fluffy petals. Carnation pelargonium has a wide range of colors - from pastel colors to bright carmine, from pale pink to lilac, there are two-color petals. Popular in home growing these varieties:
- Pat Hannam– petal color – from pale pink to rich lilac;
- Graffiti Violet– lilac-lilac flowers;
- Freshwater– soft pink petals.
Zonal pelargonium stellata
This variety of indoor geranium is distinguished by its unusual shape of leaves and petals: the edge of the leaves seems to be written with clear large teeth. The petals are large with ragged edges; the lower petals of some varieties are distinguished by two sharp tips. The first who began to breed star pelargonium were the Australians. Several interesting varieties:
- Peppermint Star– the petals are pale closer to the center, at the tips – crimson;
- Star Flair– stands out clearly against a bright crimson background White spot at the base of the petal, the shape of the petals is narrow;
- Swiss Star– two-color, on a soft lilac background, bright coral-colored stripes are visible along the petal.
Did you know? Geranium was revered in family magic: girls wore incense with oil or flower petals to attract the groom; married women believed that geranium protected their family and prolonged their youth and attractiveness to their husband.
Zonal pelargonium cactus
Pelargonium cactus looks like a disheveled plant: it has large flowers with very narrow, sometimes needle-shaped petals. These plants became popular at the end of the 19th century. Popular varieties:
- Fascination– carmine-colored petals, long, nail-shaped, the edges of the petal are turned down, which makes the shape more pointed;
- Noel– the petals are white, twisted, bright pink anthers rise above the stamen.
Zonal pelargonium non-double, or simple
Pelargonium non-double has simple flowers, five semicircular petals, flowers can be both large and small. The most bright varieties:
- Moulin Rouge– bright red geranium, large spherical inflorescences are formed by small flowers up to 15 pieces;
- Santa Maria– carmine petals, from eight to twelve flowers in a round inflorescence;
- Happy of New Life– two-color, uneven spots of white and coral, scattered chaotically across the petals, clear veins are visible on a white background.
Zonal pelargonium semi-double
Semi-double indoor geranium is a little more luxuriant than a simple one, it has up to eight petals and a wide range of colors. Varieties in demand for indoor cultivation:
- Peppermint Twist– variegated pelargonium, crimson-white with a red stripe;
- Georgia Peach– bright yellow flowers with rounded petals;
- Calais– soft pink main background, in the middle there is a coral-colored petal.
Zonal pelargonium terry
Terry pelargoniums are distinguished by a large number of openwork petals and appear fluffy due to the lighter lower side of the petal. The flowers are collected in thick rounded caps. Homeland of indoor pelargonium - South Africa, the plant is accustomed to warmth and light, if it does not have enough light, provide additional lighting, otherwise the flowers will be faded. Interesting varieties:
- Pebbles– raspberry petals with a light almost white center, miniature variety;
- Shelk Moiraс– densely double flower of pale coral tone, bright green foliage;
- Brookside Fantasy– two-color petals: a stripe of a darker color stands out against a lilac background.
Zonal pelargonium rosacea
Geranium with double flowers that look like miniature roses. A large number of petals, tightly adjacent to each other, are collected into a stuffed bud. Numerous buds form a dense ball of inflorescence. Rosaceous pelargoniums are distinguished by a variety of tones. The most popular varieties:
- Apple Blossom– white petals with pale pink tips are collected around a pale green stamen;
- Magda- lush buds of carmine tone, with a lighter underside of the petal.
Zonal pelargonium tulipoid
Tulip geranium flowers look like an unopened tulip. Simple, non-double petals are tightly gathered into buds, which, in turn, form lush inflorescences-bouquets.
The variety of tulip-shaped pelargonium was bred by American breeders from Boston, Massachusetts. One of the parents of the new variety was the pelargonium variety Fiat.
Popular varieties:
- Red Pandora– bright carmine buds, veins of the same color are clearly visible on the petals, but half a tone darker;
- Patricia Andrea– bright dark pink buds, the variety has carved large leaves;
- Linea Andrea– attracts attention with a peduncle covered with stiff bristles that holds lilac color large bud.
Zonal pelargonium Deacon
Deacons – miniature plants, compact shape. This species is distinguished by lush and abundant flowering. The color of the petals is pink, red and orange. The variety was first presented in 1970 in Chelsea at a flower fair. The author of this pelargonium variety, Stanley Stringer, indicated in the description the parent varieties: the zonal variety Orion and the ivy-leaved pelargonium Blue Peter. The most unusual variety – Deakon Birthday, petal color is creamy pink with a coral center. 
Pelargonium royal
Royal pelargonium is called the most attractive species, its height is from 16 to 40 cm and about 16 cm in diameter. Pelargonium has a wide variety of color shades from white to dark purple. Flowers can be simple or double, the petals are wavy or grooved, and are distinguished by inclusions in the form of spots or stripes on the main background of the flower. The uppermost petals are velvety to the touch and larger than the rest. The royal variety is the most capricious of all, demanding increased attention when growing. Common varieties of royal pelargonium:
- Ann Hoystead– tall up to 40 cm, large flowers, dark red petals with large dark spots;
- Askham Fringed Aztec– 30 cm in height, double white geranium, with bright blueberry-colored stripes along the petal;
- Black Prince– 40-centimeter beauty, thick plum color, with a thin silver stripe along the edge of the petal.
Interesting fact! White geranium is considered a symbol of procreation, so it is customary to give it to couples who do not have children. Geranium white It is also considered a talisman against ruin.
Pelargonium fragrant
This variety of geranium is called fragrant because of its pleasant subtle aroma; just press the leaf of the plant with your fingers, and the delicate smell will fill the space around. The aroma of the flower combines the odors inherent in other plants: mint, ginger, lemon and others. Hybrids have been bred that smell of exotic fruits and spices: pineapple, nutmeg, kiwi. The flowers of this species are small, predominantly pink and purple shades petals The carved leaves of the plant are beautiful, seemingly terry.
The following varieties are considered in demand:
- – up to 30 cm in height and 16 cm in diameter, the leaves are divided into three parts in the shape of a blade, edged with teeth, the petals are white with red dots on the upper petals, the aroma of pine with a slight hint of camphor;
- Ardwick Cinnamon– not large leaves of dark Green colour, velvety to the touch, white flowers, crimson spots on the upper petals, smells of cinnamon.
Pelargonium ivy-leaved, or ampelous
Pelargonium ivy-leaved is so named for the similarity of the shape of the leaves with the foliage of ivy; the plant is herbaceous, the branches grow up to a meter long. Most often used in decorating loggias, open terraces in hanging pots. A variety of colors - from snow-white to dark blue. Flowers of ampelous pelargonium are large, up to 5 cm in diameter, round in shape, can be double, semi-double or simple. The most beautiful varieties.
Undemanding to care, blooming for several months and such bright pelargoniums are often called geraniums because of their similarity. But still, this is a separate, numerous genus, and photos of the types and varieties of indoor geraniums will help you understand the existing diversity of these amazing plants originally from South Africa.
Such different indoor geraniums
Indoor geraniums growing on window sills, loggias and balconies, as in the photo, can look like herbaceous or semi-shrub plants with erect or flowing stems. All geraniums are highly decorative. Attention is attracted not only by simple or double flowers of all shapes and colors, but also by the unique leaves of the plant.
They can be wide, almost round, figuratively cut, finger-shaped, smooth corrugated, green and variegated.
Indoor geraniums have long been known as spectacular and unpretentious plants, has led to the fact that the last hundred years:
- a great variety of pelargonium varietal forms were obtained;
- wild species have been discovered and cultivated;
- interspecific hybrids appeared.
Therefore, the modern classification of the genus presents plant lovers with about 250 independent species, and the gradation of varieties of indoor plants, accepted in the international community of flower growers, suggests using its own designations based on external characteristics, as in the photo, of varieties and types of indoor geraniums:
- Stellar – star-shaped indoor geraniums, their varieties and hybrids;
- Tulip – tulip-shaped pelargoniums;
- Unique – indoor unique geraniums;
- Zonal - zonal or bordered domestic varieties of pelargonium.
- Angel – indoor geraniums angels;
- Colored Foliage – variegated varieties;
- Cactus – cactus-like pelargoniums;
- Ivy-leaved - ivy-leaved geraniums that can be standard sizes, as well as dwarfs and miniatures;
- Miniature and Dwarf – miniature and dwarf plants indoor pelargoniums;
- Regal – royal geraniums;
- Scented-leaved – scented geraniums.
Pelargonium zonal or bordered (Pelargonium zonale)
All kinds of hybrids and varieties of this type of indoor geranium, as in the photo, grow well in the house, on balconies and even in city flower beds. This is the undoubted leader in popularity and number of cultivated varieties, of which there are about 75 thousand today.
Among other domestic perennial geraniums, zonal plants are easily recognized by the characteristic color of their foliage. Against a bright green background, darker areas are clearly visible, which give the name to the whole type of indoor geraniums, as in the photo. Zonal pelargonium flowers can be either simple or double.
When describing geranium varieties, in the photo, and in the names of plants, the following gradation is used according to the number of petals in the corolla:
- non-double flowers consist of five petals - Single;
- semi-double flowers have from 6 to 9 petals and are designated Semi-Double;
- double geranium flowers consist of 8 or more petals - Double.
Terry varieties are sometimes called peony geraniums, which is somewhat incorrect. There is no such group of plants in the internationally recognized classification.
Zonal geranium flowers differ not only in splendor and size. Long gone are the days when only red geraniums were displayed on the windows.
Depending on the variety and variety, pelargonium pleases the eye with umbrella-shaped inflorescences of all shades of pink, cream, burgundy or crimson. It is not uncommon to have plants with white, multi-colored and even yellow corollas, as in the photo of a geranium variety called First Yellow Improved.
But these are not all the strengths of indoor geranium. Special attention flower growers use varieties with a flower shape uncharacteristic for the species.
Rosaceae (Rose-bud Zonal pelargoniums)
An example is a pink-shaped geranium, as in the photo, with double, showy flowers, reminiscent in structure and appearance of miniature English roses.
This variety of indoor geranium, its name and photo of flowers have been known in the world since the century before last. The first information about plants was published in the Bulletin of the Royal Horticultural Society of Britain in 1876. But in our country, rosaceous varieties have not yet become widespread and are found only in the collections of the most enthusiastic flower growers.
Tulip-shaped indoor geraniums (Tulipe-bud pelargonium)
A century later, flower growers received plants homemade geranium with flowers that, even in full bloom, do not open, remaining in the bud stage.
As a result, this indoor geranium shown in the photo was called tulip-shaped. The variety began with a spontaneous mutation, and the few varieties and hybrids of tulip-shaped geranium that exist today sometimes try to return to their natural form when grown or propagated.
Star indoor geraniums (Stellar Zonal Pelargonium)
In the middle of the last century, Australian flower growers managed to obtain indoor geraniums that have original form corolla, unlike the previously existing varieties.
Because of the sharp-angled, narrowed petals, the indoor geranium, in the photo, is called star-shaped.
Currently, flower growers have at their disposal varieties and hybrids not only with simple and double flowers of all shades, but also star-shaped pelargoniums with bright multi-colored foliage.
Cactus-shaped house geraniums (Cactus Pelargonium)
Cactus-shaped geraniums obtained at the turn of the 20th century are extremely rare today. Characteristic These plants have large flowers with narrowed, sometimes needle-like petals, giving the corolla a sloppy, disheveled appearance.
Carnation Pelargonium
Indoor geraniums, in the photo, amaze with the variety of flowers, colors and types. One of the most unusual is the carnation variety of zonal pelargonium with serrated petals, giving a resemblance to carnation flowers.
Ivy-leaved Pelargonium
Most ampel varieties of indoor geraniums, as in the photo, belong to the large group of pelargoniums and have leaves reminiscent of the dense green foliage of ivy. Because of this similarity, numerous varieties with simple and large double flowers are called ivy-leaved.
Ampelous geranium, as in the photo, is a plant with creeping or cascading stems reaching a meter in length. In cultivation, such varieties are indispensable for vertical gardening, and for decorating hanging baskets. Indoor pelargoniums are also used as ground cover plants.
The leaves of ampelous geranium are dense, leathery, unlike the zonal variety, completely smooth.
The variegated forms of ivy-leaved geranium, as in the photo, are very interesting. 
Royal pelargoniums (Regal Pelargonium)
Many indoor geraniums were obtained as a result of breeding work and hybridization between species. Thanks to such efforts, royal pelargoniums with flowers up to 7 cm in diameter appeared.
The peculiarity of these varieties and hybrids lies not only in the size of simple and semi-double corollas, but also in their multi-colored color. The petals must have spots, veins or specks of contrasting tones.
Pelargonium Angels (Angel Pelargonium)
Pelargonium Angels in appearance resemble plants of the “royal” variety. But the flowers here are somewhat smaller, and the existing varieties were obtained by crossing curly pelargonium with large-flowered pelargonium.
Angels are basically ampelous geraniums, as in the photo, forming a lush crown of shoots with medium-sized, monochromatic foliage.
Pelargonium Unicums (Unique Pelargonium)
Hybrid plants obtained from royal and brilliant pelargonium began to be called unique. This group belongs to the oldest varieties, although it is not so easy to find plants in gardeners’ collections.
Although the flowers of this variety, as in the photo of indoor geranium, are similar to the flowers of royal plants, they are much smaller. But the foliage is often dissected, corrugated, and also has a pleasant smell.
For example, the greenery of the geranium variety shown in the photo called Paton’s Unique has a sweetish fruity aroma.
Scented-leaved Pelargonium
It was the smell of crushed geranium leaves that attracted people’s attention to this plant. Until the century before last, the main attention when selecting indoor geraniums was paid not to the beauty of the flowers, but to the aroma, because the plants served as “living deodorants.”
Similar varieties and hybrids of fragrant geranium are still popular today. They will not amaze with their bright flowering or the shape of the inflorescences, but they are used for flavoring culinary dishes and for household fragrance when storing bed linen or outerwear.
Depending on the type and variety, as in the photo, indoor geranium, its leaves can smell like all kinds of fruits, mint and roses, nutmeg, carrots or pine needles.