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Pelargonium
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Pelargonium

Pelargonium

Basic Details
Description
Floral Formula
Features
Translations
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Basic Details

NamePelargonium
DescriptionPopular flowering plant with rounded clusters of colorful blooms and aromatic leaves. Often called geranium but NOT a true geranium (different genus). Flowers come in red, pink, white, purple, and bicolors with velvety petals. Easy-care favorite for pots, window boxes, and gardens. Many varieties have scented leaves smelling like rose, lemon, mint, or spice.
FamilyGeraniaceae
GenusPelargonium
TribeGeranium

Floral Formula & Features

Floral FormulaEBr ⊕ ⚥ K5 C5 A(5+5) G(5)

Ebracteate, radially symmetrical (actinomorphic), bisexual, 5 free sepals, 5 free petals (often unequal), 10 stamens in two whorls (some may be sterile), 5 fused carpels with superior ovary

Features
  • Name 'Pelargonium' from Greek 'pelargos' (stork) - seed pods resemble stork's beak. About 280 Pelargonium species. Often mislabeled as geranium in stores. True geraniums (Geranium genus) are different hardy perennials. Common types: Zonal, Regal, Ivy, Scented
  • Flowers 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) across in rounded clusters (umbels). 5 petals, often with darker markings or veining. Colors: red, pink, white, purple, salmon, orange, bicolors. Single or double forms. Blooms spring through fall (April-October), year-round in mild climates
  • Tender perennial (grown as annual in cold climates). Aromatic, multi-branched subshrub. Rounded or lobed leaves, often with darker zones or patterns. Scented varieties have fragrant foliage (rose, lemon, mint, apple, nutmeg). Succulent stems store water
  • Grows 12-48 inches (30-120 cm) tall depending on variety. Dwarf types 6-12 inches, standard 12-24 inches, tall 24-48 inches. Lifespan several years as perennial. Propagated easily from stem cuttings (root in 2-3 weeks) or seeds
  • Native to South Africa, particularly Cape region. Now cultivated worldwide as ornamental. Thrives in Mediterranean climates. Popular in Europe, Americas, Australia. Grows wild in rocky, well-drained areas
  • Requires full sun (6-8 hours daily) for best blooming. Tolerates partial shade but fewer flowers. Needs well-drained soil. Drought tolerant once established. Avoid overwatering (causes root rot). Hardy zones 9-11, grown as annual elsewhere. Bring indoors before frost
  • Excellent container plant for patios, balconies, window boxes. Popular bedding plant. Scented varieties used for essential oils in perfumes and aromatherapy. Rose geranium oil used in cosmetics. Deer and rabbit resistant. Attracts butterflies
  • Easy for beginners - low maintenance and forgiving. Deadhead spent flowers for continuous blooms. Can overwinter indoors as houseplant. Pinch tips to encourage bushy growth. Symbolizes comfort, friendship, and positive emotions in flower language

Names in Different Languages

Latin / ScientificPelargonium
English (Alternate)Geraniums, Storksbills, Cranesbills, Potted Geranium
Hindi जिरेनियम (Geranium), पेलार्गोनियम (Pelargonium),कषायमूल (Kashayamul), गुरमर (guramar)
Tamilவெச்சி (Vedchi), பகட்டு மலர் (Pakattu malar)
Teluguనూరు వరహాలు (Nooru varahalu), జరీనియం (Geranium)
Malayalamചെത്തി (Chethi), തെറ്റിപൂവ് (Thetti Poovu), ജെറാനിയം (Jerraniyam)
Kannadaಪನ್ನೀರ್ ಪತ್ರೆ (Pannir patre), ಜಿರೇನಿಯಂ (Jeranium)
Sanskritबन्धुजीवक (bandhujivak), पारन्ति (paranti)
Bengaliরঙ্গন (Raṅgana),
Frenchle géranium
Russianгерань (ge-RAN), журавельник (zhura-VEL'-nik)
Spanishgeranio
GermanGeranie

What is Floral Formula?

A floral formula is a symbolic representation of a flower's structure using letters, numbers, and special symbols. It provides a concise way to describe the arrangement and number of floral parts.

Example Formula
% K(6) C1+2+(2) A(9) G2

This formula describes the flower's symmetry, sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels in a standardized format.

Formula Sequence

  • Bract: Br or Ebr
  • Bracteole: Brl or Ebrl
  • Symmetry: % (Radial) or ⊕ (Bilateral)
  • Sex: ♀ (Female), ♂ (Male), or ⚥ (Bisexual)
  • Calyx/Sepal: K<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Corolla/Petal: C<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Androecium: A<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Gynaecium: G<number> (Superior or Inferior Ovary)

Symbol Meanings

  • Numbers: Indicate quantity of parts
  • Parentheses (): Parts are fused together
  • Plus (+): Parts in different whorls
  • Underline: Superior ovary position
  • Overline: Inferior ovary position
  • ∞: Numerous parts (too many to count)

Understanding floral formulas helps botanists quickly identify and classify flowers based on their structural characteristics.