Many a novice has learned this the hard way after ordering “geraniums” from a catalog and receiving hardy true geraniums, commonly called cranesbills. These are modest flowering plants, suitable for the rock garden or a minor role in the perennial border.

        The annual bedding geranium — those we see in pots, window boxes and hanging baskets — is the zonal geranium (Pelargonium x hortorum) and is among the most popular of all annuals. These colorful plants came originally from South Africa.

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        Most zonal geraniums are hybrids, crosses between two older species bearing simple kidney-shaped green leaves marked by dark, horseshoe-shaped or circular bands. The bands, or “zones,” give the plant its name.

        Look for cultivars named “Appleblossom,” “Happy Orange” (or Pink), “Mark's Elf,” “Tricolor,” “Shalimar,” “Aurora,” “Patriot Light Pink” (red and violet) and “North Star.”

        The leaves of today's zonal geraniums, however, are likely to be star- or oval-shaped, and they may be marked with various colors.

        There also are cultivars with green and white foliage; yellow-centered leaves edged with brown, orange or green, as well as cultivars whose leaves chartreuse or yellow.

        For the lover of zonal geraniums, there are hundreds of varieties with great diversity. Rosebud geraniums, which appeared in England about 1870, produce double flowers. Carnation-flowered geraniums bear blossoms with serrated petal edges similar to many single-flowered dianthuses. Stellar geraniums are distinguished by their deeply lobed petals with serrated edges and deeply incised leaves. Both the leaves and blossoms resemble a star — hence the name. And Phlox geraniums have broadened petals so that individual flower heads look similar to phlox.

        Ivy geraniums are useful in window boxes and containers. Look for the series known as Balcon, Cascade and Decora. Each series has varieties with red, pink or lavender-colored blooms. Look for cultivars named “Buttterfly,” “Luna,” “Mexicana,” “Blue Blizzard” (white, pink and red) and the Cascade series.

        Species or dwarf scented geraniums have fragrant oils that are released when the leaves are stroked or crushed. They are quite popular with gardeners specializing in herbs. Few of these have flowers of any significance, but their fragrance ranges from pine to citrus to nutmeg.

        Some favorite scented species include Pelargonium tomentosum — peppermint; P. denticulatum — balsam; P. crispum — lemon, and P. fragrans — nutmeg.

        Contact Tim Morehouse by Web site: www.getmoregarden.com; mail: c/o Cincinnati Enquirer. (If writing, enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope.)
       

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