A garden geranium is the quintessential summertime annual. Favorites are the salmon-pink, and a red and white combination. Which color, or color combinations to use? There are so many colors to choose from, it’s like trying to pick a flavor at the ice cream shoppe.
a) Light Pink Splash, b) American Pink Mega Splash
The common geranium originated in Southern Africa. Then in the 1600’s, by way of sailing vessels, the geranium came to France, and then to England.
Botanical/Common Name:
Pelargonium x hortorum / Geranium (common garden geranium) – Available in many varieties with slight differences in appearance, such as leaf shape, and bloom size.
Flower:
borne on a long stalk, with individual buds that when opened create a cluster of tiny blooms of which the larger flower is comprised: many, many colors (solids, multi-hued, patterned) that will fit into any garden; break off spent flower stalks to keep plant looking attractive.
a) Americana 'White', b) Americana 'Salmon'
Leaf:
the leaf is an attractive part of the plant; many common types are medium green with a ruffle appearance with a dark pattern in the center; there are also variegated varieties with white/cream edges (a favorite, but sometimes hard to find in flower colors other than red).
a) Americana 'Orchid', b) Americana 'Violet'
Special Notes:
seed companies may have seed packets of unusual or hard to find types of geraniums; use around outdoor sitting areas to deter mosquitoes (at least one source referred to this); geraniums are also used in the perfume industry
Photos show just some of the many colors of the garden geranium.
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