Are Geraniums Annual Flowers?

Name Distinctions

• Most cultivated flowers known as geraniums actually are members of the genus Pelargonium. Since both genera are members of the family Geraniaceae, this isn't entirely incorrect, but the lack of distinction can be confusing. Pelargoniums are sometimes called "scented geraniums," to distinguish them from members of the genus Geranium.

Classification History

• The genus Geranium was originally defined by Carl Linnaeus and included both pelargoniums and true geraniums. In 1789, Charles L'Héritier divided the two genera. The name "Pelargonium" derives from the Latin for "stork," while "Geranium" means "crane," due to similarities drawn between the the bills of the respective birds and the geranium fruits.

Pelargoniums

• Pelargoniums originate in South Africa and can only survive mild frosts. Consequently, they are grown as annual flowers in temperate climates. The five-petaled blooms can be distinguished from those of true geraniums by their zygomorphic shape --- a pelargonium blossom has only a single line of symmetry, with two mirrored halves.

True Geraniums

• True or hardy geraniums are perennial plants native to Eurasia and North America and usually tolerate frost and varying degrees of shade. Like pelargoniums, the flowers bear five petals, but are distinguished by their actinomorphic or radial symmetry, with all petals identical in shape.