Geraniums are one of the most popular garden flowers in North America. They're fragrant, colorful and grow well in containers, hanging baskets and flower beds. They're easy to care for and have over 300 different species to choose from. To help you pick the best option for your garden, here are the four main types of geranium to keep in mind:
Zonal Geraniums
Zonal geraniums are the most common type grown in gardens. They grow with single or double blooms in a wide variety of colors including white, pink, red, yellow, orange, purple and burgundy. Zonal geraniums are some of the easiest to grow and thrive in many different climates. They're drought-tolerant and can be grown as perennials in regions with temperate winters.
Regal Geraniums
Regal geraniums are also called Marsha Washington geraniums. This type of geranium has large multicolored flowers compared to the smaller, single-colored zonal geraniums. Regal geraniums need cooler temperatures to thrive, and won't bloom at all in hotter weather.
Ivy Geraniums
Ivy geraniums aren't climbing vines, but trail beautifully out of containers or hanging baskets. They grow in long, cascading mounds of flowers and can grow up to three feet wide if given enough space to spread out. These geraniums love full sunlight and will bloom from early spring to the first frost when in optimal conditions.
Scented Geraniums
While you might expect the flowers of scented geraniums to be scented, it's actually their foliage. Scented geraniums have velvety textured leaves that give off pleasant scents in endless variations. Some popular scents are rose, apricot, mint and apple. Generally, you can glean the scent from the name of the cultivar, such as "Lemon Balm" or "Chocolate Mint." These geraniums don't bloom as much as other types, but their special foliage makes them a favorite among many gardeners.
About the Author
Ryan Mandigo
Ryan Mandigo is an award-winning professional broker associate with Omni Real Estate. Originally a native of New Hampshire, his love of real estate began 30+ years ago while swinging a hammer on a framing crew. He has always had a strong passion for helping people, whether it be assisting a couple in purchasing their first home, finding a home that fits a growing family's needs, or downsizing for those with an empty nest. He strives to build strong personal and professional relationships with being a true believer in the power of positive thinking and always willing to lend a helping hand.
He is also a co-founder and board member of the Swing Fore the Kids organization. A local charity that is 100% nonprofit and their sole purpose is to help needy children and young adults within Horry County communities. He finds great satisfaction and pleasure in seeing how working hard for a great cause and raising funds can help others in need. He is also on the Board of Directors for the Waccamaw Youth Center in Conway, where their mission is to provide at-risk youth "A Place To Call Home"
When he is not working, he enjoys music, working around the home, spending time with family and friends, turning wrenches on vintage vehicles, getting some wind therapy on the Harley or chilling with their dogs.
Some quotes he lives by - "Do what you like and like what you do" - "You have to be odd to be number one" - "Dreams don't work unless you do" And one of his favorites. "Positive and enthusiastic thinking in all you do"
