pelargonit

Pelargonium is a genus of flowering plants in the family Geraniaceae, native to southern Africa. In horticulture, these plants are commonly referred to as pelargoniums or garden geraniums. The genus contains roughly 280–400 species and a large number of cultivars bred for flowers, foliage, or fragrance. Pelargoniums are among the most popular ornamental plants worldwide, grown as potted plants, in hanging baskets, and in outdoor beds.

They are usually herbaceous perennials or small woody shrubs. Leaves are often aromatic and palmately lobed; some species have variegated or deeply cut leaves. Flowers appear in terminal inflorescences and have five petals, typically arranged with two upper petals and three lower petals. Colors range from red, pink, and purple to white and bi-colors.

Cultivation: Pelargoniums prefer sunny locations and well‑drained soil. They tolerate drought but rot in overly damp conditions. In temperate climates they are grown as annuals or overwintered indoors; in warm climates they can be perennials. They propagate easily from cuttings, which is the standard method for maintaining cultivars.

Uses and notable varieties: Garden pelargoniums (including Pelargonium × hortorum) dominate bedding displays. Scented-leaf pelargoniums, such as P. graveolens (rose pelargonium) and P. citrosum (citronella), are valued for essential oils and, in the citronella types, for mosquito repellents.

Etymology: The genus name derives from Greek pelargos, meaning stork, alluding to the beak-like seed capsule. The Finnish term pelargonit refers to these plants.