Genus · Geraniaceae
Pelargonium
4 species tracked in Horta’s catalog, and the named cultivars growers keep. Walk down to a species for its full care record, or into a cultivar for its traits and provenance.
Species in this genus
The ones growers meet most — each links to its own page.
Pelargonium tomentosum
Peppermint-Scented Geranium
A soft-leaved, peppermint-scented subshrub from the Cape Provinces of South Africa, where it grows in well-drained ground through dry summers. Its felted leaves and stems hold some moisture, so let the top inch or two of mix dry before watering again, and use a gritty, fast-draining soil to avoid rot. It takes bright light and tolerates some gentle direct sun, but spares the intensity of full midday exposure.
Pelargonium domesticum
Regal Pelargonium
Pelargonium × domesticum is a woody subshrub in the Geraniaceae, with somewhat fleshy stems and leaves that hold moisture and resent sitting wet. Give it a bright spot with strong indirect light, and let the top inch or two of mix dry before watering — it tolerates drought far better than soggy roots. Some tolerance for direct sun exists, but bright indirect light is the conservative choice indoors.
Pelargonium citronellum
Lemon-scent Pelargonium
A woody, aromatic shrub from the Cape Provinces of South Africa, adapted to a dry-summer Mediterranean climate with bright sun and sharp drainage. Give it the brightest spot you have and a gritty, fast-draining mix, then let the top two inches of soil dry out before watering again. It resents standing wet and will rot if kept damp, so err toward the dry side.
Pelargonium panduriforme
Oakleaf Garden Geranium
A shrubby Pelargonium from the Cape Provinces of South Africa, adapted to bright, dry conditions and gritty, fast-draining soil. Give it the sunniest spot you have and let the soil dry well before watering — water only when the top two inches of mix are dry, then water thoroughly and let it drain. It resents sitting wet and is far more forgiving of drought than of soggy roots.
About the genus
A genus-level overview — shared traits, history, the botany that ties these plants together — is on its way. For now, the species and cultivars above and below carry the genus.
Kept true by its growers
Pelargonium keeps evolving — species move, cultivars appear, IDs get corrected. If you can place an unplaced plant or add a species we’re missing, the whole genus gets truer.
Overview derived from 4 tracked species · the contribute flow arrives with the next slice.