Geranium (Pelargonium)

Pelargonium is a diverse genus commonly called geranium in garden trade. Depending on the species or cultivated type, plants may be herbaceous perennials, subshrubs or shrubs, and some have succulent stems; leaves can be palmately lobed or pinnately divided, with flowers carried in clusters. The genus includes bedding zonals, trailing ivy-leaved forms, regal types and scented-leaf selections, so size, flower color, fragrance and habit vary rather than being shared by every plant. Give most garden forms a bright position and free-draining soil; water moderately during active spring and summer growth and allow compost to drain rather than remain wet. Many are tender to frost and are grown in seasonal containers or moved into bright, frost-free shelter. The [RHS genus guide](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/pelargonium) distinguishes these groups, and its [growing guide](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/pelargonium/growing-guide) covers siting, watering and overwintering.