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 shapes, leaf colors, plant sizes 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. Highlight simple flowers, semi-double and terry. It is clear that depending on the complexity of the flower, they have a different number of 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 flowerpots or pots that stand 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. You can buy ready-made soil 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.
Therefore, if you don’t want to spend extra money, then the plastic one is not so bad either, 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 is not particularly important in the summer. 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 this does not mean that the new pot has to be huge. You can increase its diameter by the thickness of your index finger.
Propagation of indoor geraniums
To save characteristic features Geranium varieties are 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. removal of the 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 dates 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 geraniums indoors include 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 with special products. 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 to treat various diseases. She is compared to a plantain! Fresh leaves perfectly heal wounds and treat ulcers. The decoction helps with intestinal and stomach diseases.
- Also obtained from geranium essential oil with a delicate aroma, 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 so useful and beautiful plant- pelargonium or indoor geranium. Grow on windowsills, and now you know how to care for them.
There are a huge number of varieties of pelargoniums and the classification of some species is still unclear. Let's move on to the most famous plants that can be found in every person's home.
Orange pelargonium grows up to 35 cm in height. An unusual appearance with a peach cap on each bud and a greenish tint on the edge. With good care, 240 inflorescences change over 4 seasons. Provides a pleasant view from the balcony. Does not require special attention. Prefers semi-shaded areas. It should be watered abundantly, a little less in winter. In summer it is best to take it out into the fresh air. You can plant seeds in any weather.
White ivy-leaved pelargonium. The foliage is medium sized, dark green. Compact plant. It does not grow quickly, but the buds of this variety are worth it. The flowers grow large, up to 6 cm, and are shaped like a rose. If you keep the plant in the sun a little, you can achieve a slight lilac tint. Pelargonium Anita also has the same beautiful rose-shaped inflorescences. It is easy to grow and grows well. Read about it.
It is different from all the others, because even the origin of this plant is still unclear. The species is not assigned to any classification, which is why it is called unique. Its foliage refers to dissected leaves. The aroma is piquant, without too much harshness. The small flowers look like a bird's feather. Plants can have either single or bicolor foliage. The variety is classified as tall. The peak of popularity of uniques took place at the end of the 19th century.
Refers to zonal pelargonium. Their flowers are whitish with a pinkish tint in the middle. Foliage is small in size. In a pot it looks impressive and without unnecessary flaws. In the sun it takes on a brighter tone. And in winter it requires special care and feeding. Pelargonium Silk is also a zonal species. She is a true decoration of the home. You will learn about the varieties of this variety.
Miniature golden leaf pelargonium. Belongs to the zonal group. Despite their small size, the flowers are large, white-pink in color and have a pleasant golden tint. The leaves are semi-double with a light green tint. Each leaf has a bright brown zone. Blooms at an accelerated pace. Not whimsical. In a small pot the flower looks compact and fluffy.
Zonal pelargonium. The petals are wavy with jagged edges in the shape of a carnation. Light shading. A spectacular bush, not fussy in flowering. Has a pastel orange tone. In order for a flower to sprout, it needs pruning. It bushes well, looks large and has grown. The leaves are compact. Inflorescences grow up to 5 cm. Quite a well-known variety. Mostly good flowering occurs in the summer. This plant needs feeding.
Small semi-double species pelargonium. The first flowers are 4 cm in size. It grows in large caps. The bush is elegant, compact, but rather capricious. Not very tall. After pruning, it does not sprout immediately; most often it only replaces it. Responsive to temperature changes. The variety is tender. It has a peach color with a pale white edging of the petals. The trunk is almost always not leafy. Formation does not happen immediately. In hot weather it can throw leaves. The plant is worthy of attention for its dissimilarity.
Small zonal pelargonium with salmon color. The lining of the petals is light, and the leaves themselves have a dark zone. Neat fluffy bush. The heat makes the cap white and thick, which creates a nice contrast. Shoots form quickly. Bright and pleasant to look at. There are almost always many buds present. The plant itself is small in size, which is why it will look perfect on the windowsill. Spraying is useful. Take it out onto the balcony only in hot weather. Dwarf variety.
A dense double flower in the form of an unopened rosebud. The petals of this plant are deep red. Each rose is 1 cm. In hot weather, the red color becomes a little paler, and in winter, on the contrary, it acquires a bright shade. The inflorescence is dense. Peduncles of medium height. Green sheets with a cream-colored mosaic pattern. Belong to the zonal type. It blooms in the shape of a cap. Over time it grows to medium size.
Pelargonium Albina grows quite quickly. After the cuttings have appeared, the peduncle rises on the 3rd day. However, the first flowering is not particularly abundant. 4 flowers grow on 1 peduncle. Large plant. It belongs to the zonal species and is considered a dwarf in height. The leaves are intense green. The flowers themselves are double, white with a small red stamen, and collected tightly. Due to the density of this species, the plant looks collected and neat. He loves feeding, so thanks to courtship, the flowers become larger. Suitable for beginners who take responsibility.
Zonal variety of dwarf speckled pelargonium. Flower growers are attracted by the bright, golden-green leaves with creamy double flowers and red veins. The flower is decorated with light, bright crimson specks. Durable. With a neat shape, blooms profusely. The bush is well-fed and strong. Does not throw leaves, bushes on its own.
A neat decorative border and a barely noticeable pink color, which echoes white, distinguish this plant variety from other terry types. The inflorescences are dense and delicate, voluminous compared to the dwarf type. In the sun, the bloom of dovepoint turns from white to pink. Peduncles are short.
Mary belongs to the double zonal pelargoniums. The inflorescences are tight, reminiscent of a rose. They grow up to 10 cm. The flowers themselves are white with a small green one in the center. When blooming, it may acquire a slight pinkish tint. The bush is fluffy. Blooms profusely in spring and summer. Should be replanted annually. Loves the sun and warmth. Tries to bloom even in low light. Prefers complex feeding. The name of this variety goes well with the name.
The wavy petals of Pelargonium Laque are colored orange, and towards the edge of the flower they become completely white. The clearly colored color can only be seen in the sun. In the shadows the color fades. The plant belongs to the usual zonal variety, but in addition it requires careful formation. The leaves are elegant, thanks to the contrasting border of a brownish-green hue.
In the center of the leaf there is a light shade in the shape of a butterfly, which, after basking in the sun, can give a bronze tint. The flower itself is large, peach-colored, and needle-shaped. The variety is not tall, the peduncles are short. Requires shaping. Bushes and blooms for quite a long time. Not afraid of rain and heat. Looks great on the balcony in summer. The size can be easily adjusted using a small flowerpot. Unpretentious, fast growing. It is the unusual leaves that make this species special.
Terry zonal pelargonium plant. Flowers in the form of a red rose. The flower itself is bright and velvety. Blooms profusely and looks compact. The hat is round. The leaves are green, iridescent with a slight brown tint. In person it has a very bright colorful color.
In summer, you can see this type of plant in vegetable gardens, flower beds and balconies. Is different lush flowering and grace. Quite demanding to care for. It blooms for a short time, about 5 months. But if you see this plant even once, you will immediately want to bring it to your windowsill. Royal pelargonium grows up to 60 cm in height.
It differs from its colleagues by folded multi-colored leaves, dense leaf plate and jagged edges.
On a note. Not everyone can make such a beauty bloom. This person prefers warmth and sunlight for continuous abundant flowering.
It can tolerate a little shade, but will bloom a little less luxuriantly. Prefers nutritious soil. You can add a little clay mixture to the soil. In cold weather, the temperature should not be lower than 12ºС.
Tamara is many-sided and unique. The flowers are like dense pink and white marshmallows. The color is variable with pink veins and a border of the same color. The plant is tender and airy. Compact bush with small leaves. It blooms from infancy and never ceases to delight with the process. The petals are neat, with pointed tips.
Sunny side required. The soil should be kept moist constantly, but in moderation. It is recommended to spray. Red pelargonium grows up to 30 cm in length. It should be placed on the balcony immediately after frost has passed.
It has a bright shade and universal resistance to all weather conditions. The variety branches well. There are huge inflorescences. The color of this type of pelargonium is similar to wine red. The leaves are classified as ivy-leaved. Grows quickly. Landing 30×30.
The plant is 30 cm tall with good branching. White-pink color. The inflorescences are large. The leaves are green with a slight dark tint. Drought resistant. Preference is given to sunny places with fertile soil. You can start planting from the end of January. The depth for seeds is 0.5 cm. If you maintain a temperature of 20°C, then seedlings can be seen within a week.
Pelargonium is a non-double, ivy-leaved plant. Large caps and beautifully colored in a variety of shades. Blooms profusely, completely covered with inflorescences. There are two types of Tuscany that are currently popular. Read about pelargonium Tuscany and Edwards Elegance.
Bernd
Bright flowers, opening wide, deep red. Each leaf is dark green with a bright brown ring. Classified as semi-double. The bush is harmonious, never stretched out. The lower part of the flower must be compacted tightly.
Hero
Large flowers of a crimson-red hue with white dots on the leaves. The bush is fluffy. It grows slowly, but branches very well. The leaves are medium-sized, dark green. The bush is low, average height up to 25 cm. The color is very rich. Does not require growth regulators.
herbaceous plant with a fragrant aroma. The height of the bush is 25 cm. The leaves are round, green with a small red edge. The flowers are pink with a slight pallor in the form of a spherical inflorescence. The plant prefers light. For feeding, a turf mixture is chosen, and moderate moisture is preferred. If the flower is treated with love, the flowering will continue all summer. In the fall, a transplant and a bright place in the room are necessary. For seeds to germinate, the temperature must reach 20°C.
The difference between black velvet is in the unusual chocolate sheets, which create a wonderful combination with bright red inflorescences. If the bush is formed recently, then you will notice that at the initial stage there is a bronze coating on the sheets. The height of black velvet reaches about 40 cm. The shoots are strong. Loves light, but the sun's rays should not touch the petals.
Pelargonium is unpretentious, but this does not mean that it does not need care. Periodically you need to check the soil and water on time. Prefers mineral fertilizers. Sowing 1 cm. It is not recommended to allow the soil to dry out.
The hybrid variety grows well at home. It looks like a large shrub up to 75 cm in height. Rounded green leaves. The flowers are umbellate up to 3 cm, come in multi-colored shades, namely: white, red, purple and. Flowering lasts six months.
The most popular pelargonium hybrids include two species.
Ardens
Rare hybrid plant. Wine red flower with a black stripe down the middle. This hybrid plant is easy to care for, but requires light. Moderate watering is required. An adult plant reaches a height of 20 cm.
Miss Stapleton
The plant never sleeps. This heart-shaped hybrid looks like a bouquet of pink roses. The stems are hard with stipules in the form of thorns.
Rosaceous pelargonium. The flowers are dense, double. The petals have two colors. The inside is like red wine, and the back is silver. The inflorescences are dense. The leaves are greenish, folded.
Madame Pelargonium has several varieties. Let's look at the main ones.
Bovary
Type of double zonal pelargonium. Fluffy bush. Blooms profusely. The flowers look like dark red wine, there are bright and large inflorescences. It is necessary to keep the soil moist and spray as often as possible.
Celeron
Graceful pelargonium with variegated leaves. The leaves are long-stemmed, gray-green with a wide cream edge. Has thin cuttings. Belong to the dwarf group (read about caring for dwarf pelargonium at home). Blooms in bright pinkish color. The variety hardly blooms, but captivates with its beauty. The bush is compact and pleasant to look at.
Large flowers resembling a rose. The plant is white, with a rich white-pink border. Tight caps. The bush needs shaping. The leaves are green and have a dark zone. Requires special care.
Blue
Terry ivy-leaved pelargonium. The flowers have a similar blue-lilac hue. Compact bush. Needs a sunny area. Requires daily care. The plant needs additional minerals.
.Most of plants belong to a zonal species. The name was derived from the small zones on each sheet. Usually these are dark brown zones that are located in the center. It was thanks to breeders from England that small varieties of pelargonium appeared.
Reference. Do not leave pelargonium varieties in cold places. Most species require a standard temperature of 15 °C.
Among the most worthy breeders is Stanley Stringer. He was born in a small village called Okkold. He took up selection at the age of 50. The most popular variety grown is Alde, which can still be seen on shelves today. Varied
Deacons are also a dwarf variety of Stringer. Among them, the best are: tangerine and moonlight. The tangerine's flowers are orange-red in color, while the moonlight's are white-purple. The most impressive thing is that such a miniature plant has very large flowers.
One of its last cultivations is a golden goblet, which had a creamy hue and the petals were strewn with red dots. Stringer left behind about 160 varieties of pelargonium.
Ry Beatwell started his life as a postman. Therefore, it has a number of geographical names for varieties. Bitwell became famous for being able to develop a new type of pea variety. And they were covered with red, pink and purple specks.
Among the varieties with small spots, the most popular are: Milden, Semer and Elmsett. Milden has green-yellow leaves with bright white flowers flecked with pale pinkish. Semer is a dwarf species of pink flowers with red dots. Elmsett is a zonal species of pale pink flowers with red flecks. The latter species was named after Bidwell. The variety is decorated in wine color with green-red foliage.
And last but not least is the famous breeder Brian West. West is famous for developing a variety whose leaves resemble stars, which is why the variety is called. The varieties have spread throughout the world. Even despite their unusual shape and the fact that they do not quite resemble pelargoniums, they can be cared for in the same way as ordinary varieties.
There is also another interesting and unusual variety of pelargonium -. This is a plant with very unusual and beautiful flowers. Instead of the usual flowers, inflorescences appear in the form of tulip buds. We talked about such a plant of the Patricia Andrea variety in, and you will learn about the tulip-shaped pelargonium Red Pandora.
In recent years, Vesta has produced miniature plants up to 8 cm. The varieties were named anni popham.
Rules of care
Plants require special care and pelargonium is no exception. Usually the flower is located in the room, and begins to bloom profusely in the summer. In winter, it is necessary to ensure a temperature of at least 15 °C and avoid waterlogging of the soil. It is best to leave the plant on the sunny side, but only where there are no drafts.
Pruning is carried out after flowering - in autumn. But if the roots have grown well, an exception is made. It is recommended to transplant in February. For pruning, you need to leave shoots of about 10 cm. Do not forget about fertilizing for each flower.
Plants can lose their compactness if they are not given proper care.
On a note. It is best to obtain new specimens from cuttings that have not yet flowered. Each stem should have about 5 leaves.
After pruning, the cuttings should remain for 2 hours in a dry room with fresh air. After pruning, cover them plastic bags, this will help them take root. For pelargonium to grow, a temperature of at least 20 °C is required.
Besides beauty, Pelargoniums also have medicinal qualities for people. After all, they contain an extract that cures respiratory tract infections. In addition, the oil of this plant has a calming effect. But the main thing is that the flower goes well with any landscape in the house and allows every housewife to feel like a woman.
Geranium is a low-care flower. From Greek "geranion" or "geranios" is translated as crane. This is explained by the shape of the inflorescences; they look like the beak of a crane. In total, more than 300 species are known growing on forest edges, meadows and even in the mountains. On the territory of Russia you can find about 40 species with a height of 15 to 60 cm or more.
There is often a mistake in names. Geranium is often called a houseplant, which has taken root well in the homes of Russian housewives. This article discusses the garden geranium plant.
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What varieties of geranium are there?
The difference between this species and others is its rhizome, which weaves along the ground. It quickly takes root and grows into a large, closed thicket 30 cm in height. The shrub is not picky in care. The leaves are long and round, divided into 5-7 teeth. Flowering time in June is 2-3 weeks. You can collect seeds of this species in August. The plant is very fragrant. In its unchanged form with bright green leaves it can go into winter. Prefers a dry and bright place. Balkan geranium (large rhizome): photo Popular varieties: “Spesagt”, “Ingwersen’s Variety”, “Insversen”, “Czakor”, “Variegata”.
Swamp geranium
Lives in shaded meadows. Blooms in June - July. The flowers are bright purple, 2 per stalk. In August, the flowers fall off and are replaced by bright greenish large leaves. In August, this species ensures self-seeding by scattering seeds. Grows in high humidity. 
Geranium magnificent (lush)
The fruit of the work of breeders. Suitable for sunny and damp places. The bush grows quickly, its height is up to 50 cm. Flowering in July. By autumn the bush is covered with red and orange leaves. Unlike other varieties, it does not scatter seeds. Landscape designers use it as a single planter on lawns. 
Magnificent (lush) geranium: photo Popular varieties: “Alan Mayes”, “Blue Blood”, “Mrs. Kendall Clark, Rosemoor.
Geranium Vlasova
It grows in Siberia, Mongolia, and China, mainly in damp meadows with moist soil, along rivers and swamps. The stems are long and branching. Shrub up to 65 cm in height. The inflorescences are dense and large. 
Geranium filamentosa
Grows in Siberia, East Asia, and the Far East. Prefers shady forest areas and bushes. The stems are erect, the roots are branched. The flowers are not on tall, straight stems. The petals are wide, reddish-violet in color. 
Geranium hairy-flowered
Grows in Eastern Siberia, the Arctic, and the Far East. Prefers to grow in meadows and rocks, on slopes. Plant up to 70 cm high. Leaves are few. The flowers are small, but there are five inflorescences per stalk. The large “beak” of the plant is up to three cm long. Flowering in May-June. The seeds are dropped in August. 
Himalayan or grandiflora geranium
Grows in Himalayan meadows. The species is little known in Russia. The bush is dense, up to 60 cm high. It differs from other species in having rather large flowers, up to 10 cm in diameter. The “beak” is long – 4 cm. The flowers are mostly bluish and purple. It blooms in May and blooms throughout the summer. 
Himalayan geranium: photo Popular varieties: “Gravetye”, “Jonson's Blue”, “Plenum”.
Georgian geranium
Grows in the Caucasus and Georgia. The variety is distinguished by long flowering, disease resistance and, of course, beauty. The view is considered the most original. A perennial plant, it can survive without replanting for 10-12 years, forming a dense bush up to 80 cm high. It blooms from late May to October (after frost). The leaves are bluish and turn red in autumn. 
Blood red geranium
Grows in the Caucasus and Southern Europe. It takes root well in gardens in central Russia. Propagates by self-seeding. Flowering from June to August. Bush up to 60 cm tall. The name of the species comes from its leaves: in autumn and winter they change their hue to red. Without transplantation it can live up to 15 years.
Popular varieties: “Album”, “Compactum”, “Nana”, “Prostratum”, “Striatum”. 
Geranium forest
Grows in the forests of Western Europe, Asia and Eastern Russia. A rare shrub up to 80 cm tall. Grows in moist, loose soil. Flowering in May. The color of the flowers is lilac.
Popular varieties: “Album”, “Birch Lilac”, “Mayflower”.
Meadow geranium
Grows in Europe. This type of geranium is the tallest - up to 120 cm in height. Blooms from late April to August. When transplanted, flowering begins in the second year. 
Meadow geranium: photo Popular varieties: “Splish Splash”, “Mrs. Kendall", "Flore Pleno", "Okey Dokey", "Summer Skies".
Geranium multi-colored, striped
Shrubs grow in European countries. Blooms in June - July. The plant is frost-resistant (down to minus 23 degrees). Dense bush up to 50 cm in height. 
Secrets of plant care
If you choose a low, damp place, you should not expect the plant to bloom. Rot will begin to develop at the roots of the flower, the leaves will immediately turn red, turn yellow and then dry out. The secret of caring for the edge lies in the planting site - the land must be treated with fertilizer, the planting site must be on a hillock.
Watering must be correct: do not dry out, but water moderately. Approximately 1 - 2 times a week, pour water under the bush, and not on the leaves, so as not to soak the beautiful inflorescences. The flower loves feeding - dilute 1 tbsp per 10 liters of water. l. Agricola for flowering plants, 2 tbsp. (Master, Uniflor, Fertika Lux and others) and water under the roots.
Another growing secret is that you should not water the flower in sunny times. The plant likes to be watered in the morning to avoid root rot.
The most important pest that loves geraniums is the whitefly. Based on this, you should take peat soil and mix it with garden chernozem. Among other things, treat the bush with “Commander” (dilute 2 ml per 7 liters of water).
Nuances of propagation of different varieties
Propagation of geraniums can be divided into 2 methods: seeds and cuttings. Let's look at them.
When propagating geraniums seeds, it is not always possible to preserve the variety; it can develop into a hybrid. Some types of flowers do not produce seeds, but are bred by self-sowing. Geranium seeds are mainly collected in August. A plant planted in this way will bloom the next year.
Cuttings guarantees rapid rooting of geranium. This method should be propagated in the spring. Part of the bush is planted in a mixture of peat, sand, humus and earth. Be sure to feed the cuttings for rooting and water them abundantly.
In nature it grows in the subalpine meadows of the Alps, Balkans, and Carpathians. Introduced into culture in the 17th century.
Perennial. It differs from other geraniums in its long, thick rhizome, up to 1.5 cm in diameter, branching along the surface of the soil. Thanks to its rapidly growing rhizome, large-rhizome geranium forms a dense, closed thicket. Rosettes of basal leaves extend from the rhizome on long, up to 20 cm, petioles. The leaves are elongated and rounded, 6-10 cm wide, divided into 5-7 lobes, coarsely toothed along the edge, shiny green. The stems rise 5-10 cm above the thicket of leaves. Numerous bright purple or reddish flowers up to 3 cm in diameter are located on umbrella-shaped peduncles. Geranium blooms in June and blooms for 20-30 days. The seeds ripen in late July-August.
The entire plant is hairy and very fragrant. A thicket of geranium on a hot sunny day smells of the south, the mountains, even if it grows in wooded Russia. The appearance of the thicket is very attractive all season, sometimes the leaves even overwinter.
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Geranium macrorrhizum "Variegatum" Photo by Olena Ukleina |
 Geranium macrorrhizum Photo by EDSR. |
 Geranium macrorrhizum "Album" Photo by Elena Lazebnaya |
 Geranium macrorhizum "Pindus" Photo by M.Barbuhatti |
 G. macrorrhizum `Spessart` Photo by Andrey Ganov |
 G. macrorrhizum `Ingversen Variety` Photo by Andrey Ganov |
But usually in October-November the leaves become red or golden in color, which is very beautiful. Large-rhizome geranium can be used in rock gardens, where it grows around stones, emphasizing their beauty. In mixed flower beds it is planted in the foreground. Here it serves as a backdrop for more tall plants, such as white cornflower, coreopsis, evening primrose, cinquefoil.
A long-lived and problem-free plant. It is a creeping, ground-covering shrub up to 30 cm tall. The leaf is palmate, deeply dissected, large, bright green, sticky and aromatic. In autumn it turns brick red. Inflorescences are whitish-pink to carmine, thyroid-shaped. It blooms in June, often again closer to autumn.
Varieties:
"Spessagt" - white and pink inflorescences. Grows wildly, changes color in the fall, and is distinguished by overwintering leaves.
"Ingwersen's Variety" - pale pink inflorescences, bloom luxuriantly .
"Inverse" - a variety with purple-pink flowers.
"Czakor" - purple-red inflorescences, grows as a bush.
"Variegata" - a variety with striped leaves, the stripes are creamy-yellow. This geranium is propagated by segments of rhizomes with a bud. The most favorable period is late August - early September. Seed propagation can also be used. When sown before winter, seedlings appear in the spring and bloom in the second year. This variety geranium grows well in dry, well-drained, lime-rich soils. Prefers sunny habitats. In partial shade, the leaves become larger, the plant grows faster, but does not bloom as profusely.
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 native to 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 indoor plants, adopted in the international community of flower growers, suggests using its designations based on external signs, as in the photo, 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 of 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, more dark areas, which gave 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. Flower growers pay special attention to varieties with a flower shape that is 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 domestic geranium plants 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 with an original corolla shape, unlike the varieties that existed before.
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. A characteristic feature of these plants is 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 both 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 hanging 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 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.