Geraniums (Pelargonium x hortorum) are hybrid flowering plants descended from species native to South Africa. They are part of the large Geraniaceae family. The most common commercially available geranium is the zonal type, which features large, bright-colored flowerheads and lobed leaves with distinctive markings known as "zones." Geraniums are usually grown as annuals, but can be overwintered indoors. All zonal geraniums are drought tolerant once established, and compact forms are available. Most zonal types are hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 11.
Compact Zonal Geraniums
Most zonal geraniums reach 1 to 2 feet tall. However, over the last 60 years, hybridizers have developed dwarf and miniature zonal types. Miniatures grow a maximum of 5 inches tall, and dwarf varieties reach a maximum of 8 inches in height. They are available with the same characteristics as regular zonals: single or double flowers, an array of flower colors, and leaves that can range from plain green to near black, with or without prominent zones.
Compact Zonal Varieties
Dwarf pelargonium varieties include "Bird Dancer," which bears clusters of pale pink and salmon pink single flowers; "Brookside Primrose," with double pink flowers and butterfly-shaped markings on each leaf; "Frau Emma Hossle," with purplish-pink double flowers; and "Mr. Everaarts," with double, bright pink flowers. The miniature variety, "Coddenham," produces orange-red double flowers, and "Caligula," another miniature, features dark red flowers and very small, dark green leaves.
The compact dwarf and miniature varieties can be used in a number of ways. In garden beds they make colorful edging or front-of-the-border plants. They are also excellent for single variety or mixed container plantings and combine well with other drought-tolerant annuals such as zinnias (Zinnia elegans) or annual salvia (Salvia splendens). Geraniums are traditional favorites for window boxes. Mixing varieties with decorative leaves, such as "Brookside Primrose" with green-leafed varieties, adds interest, especially in containers.
Like their full-size geranium counterparts, dwarf and miniature varieties thrive in sunny situations. The plants should not be overwatered, as this causes rot. Once established, potted or in-ground geraniums should be watered only when the top of the soil is dry to the touch. Though zonals are drought tolerant, potted specimens may need more frequent watering than those planted in beds or borders. Deadheading spent flowers stimulates rebloom.
- Ohio State University: Pelargonium x hortorum
- The Botanical Garden, V II, Perennials and Annuals; Roger Phillips and Martyn Rix
- The Complete Geranium; Susan Conder
- The Pelargonium and Geranium Society: Pelargonium Basics
- American Horticultural Society Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers; Christopher Brickell, Editor-in-Chief
- North Carolina State University: Drought Tolerant Annuals
- Missouri Botanical Garden: Pelargonium x hortorum
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