Geranium Plants

>boxes and hanging baskets. Although flower petals
The geranium that brightens your landscape with itsare narrower and the blossoms less dense than other
brightly colored flowers may be one of two differentcultivars, the ivy leaved geranium is an attractive
species. If you successfully over-wintered yourvining plant that can grow up to three feet long.
geranium, chances are it is an herbaceous perennial- Scented geraniums are used for making tea,
from the genus Geranium. However, most often thepotpourris and sachets. They are deceptively sweet
geraniums that delight us with their profuse bloomsand carry the fragrances of lemon, apple, rose,
are from the genus Pelargonium.nutmeg, and peppermint. Although the flowers are
The geranium, which originated in South Africa, madesmall and some might say insignificant, the scented
its entrance to the European continent in thegeranium is a wonderful way to add fragrance to
1600’s and has been propagated andyour patio, porchÂ… or kitchen!
hybridized ever since. Today the geranium is still- The mosquito geranium is also a scented geranium.
among the most popular of the flowering plants. TheEven if you haven’t grown it, chances are you
geranium is a very adaptable flower that is suitablehave smelled its insect repelling scent. The mosquito
for beds and borders as well as hanging baskets andgeranium was hybrid especially for production of oil
containers inside or outdoors!of citronella and frequently is sold at nurseries as the
Because there are so many types of geranium,mosquito plant.
it’s difficult to choose which is the mostGeranium flowers come in white and all shades of
popular type to add to your landscape.pink and red. Many hybrids have bi-colored flowers
- The common or zonal geranium is typically sold as aand some hybrids bear salmon colored flowers. Easy
bedding plant. They are a compact plant, somecare, in addition to being a favorite addition to your
having very decorative, distinctly marked two andgarden, geraniums also make an inexpensive and
three colored leaves.lovely gift for Easter, Mother’s Day and other
- Ivy leaved geraniums are perfect for windowspecial spring occasions.