What Are Zonal Geraniums? – Viet Nam Agriculture

Zonal geraniums are not true geraniums but Pelargoniums (Pelargonium x hortorum). These bushy plants are grown for their brilliantly colored flowers. Zonal geraniums are sold all summer as bedding plants. This common garden geranium originated from South Africa. The leaves usually have a zone of color in the center. There are over 1,000 varieties of zonal geraniums available with single- or double-petaled blossoms. The fancy leaves may include shades of bronze, scarlet, dark green, black or cream. Zonal geraniums require full sun and good air circulation to grow and flower well.

Elite series zonal geraniums are available in red, cherry, coral and salmon. The plants flower very early in the spring with abundant blooms. The large flowers appear just above the leaves on 8- to 10-inch-tall plants. Elite series geraniums are propagated through seeds.

Fischer Pelfi series zonal geraniums grow 18 to 24 inches tall from stem cuttings. This variety of geranium is available in hot pink, pink, purple and red blossoms.

Goldsmith Americana series is propagated through stem cuttings. This 18- to 24-inch-tall zonal geranium produces red, rose, pink and white blossoms. This series is heat tolerant and performs well in containers. Goldsmith Americana series geraniums are used in flowerbeds, mass plantings and baskets. The large blooms tend to spoil in wet weather.

Multibloom series zonal geraniums flower very early in the spring with red and salmon blossoms. The leaves are distinctively marked with color zones. The 8- to 10-inch plant is reproduced by seeds.

Oglevee series zonal geraniums produce lavender, scarlet, white and magenta flowers. The flower petals have dark splotches of color in the center. Oglevee series plants grow 18 to 24 inches tall and are reproduced through cuttings.

Pinto series zonal geraniums are medium-sized plants 12 to 14 inches in height. This geranium series produces coral, bright pink, rose and snow colored flowers. The leaves have bold zone markings. Pinto series grows well outside in the garden. This variety is propagated by seeds.

Ringo 2000 series zonal geraniums grow quickly to 10 to 12 inches tall. Scarlet, salmon and rose flowers appear early in the spring. This type of zonal geranium is a great addition to the flowerbed. Ringo 2000 series plants are grown from seed.