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Plant Profiles / Zonal geranium
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Zonal geranium
Pelargonium × hortorum · Geranium, zonal pelargonium
A cheerful, long-flowering classic with round heads of red, pink, white or salmon flowers and often banded leaves. Made for sunny pots and window boxes.
Full sunLight
WeeklyWater
Very easyCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Full sun
ShadeFull sun
Six or more hours of sun.
Water
Weekly
DryWet
Let the top dry out.
Humidity
Low
LowHigh
Dry air.
Temperature
5–35°C (41–95°F)
CoolWarm
Frost tender.
Growth
Moderate, bushy
SlowFast
Grows 30–60 cm.
Soil
Free-draining
LeanRich
Potting mix.
Fertiliser
Every 2 weeks in summer
RarelyOften
High-potassium fertiliser.
Pet safety
Toxic
SafeToxic
Causes vomiting and skin irritation in pets.
About this plant
Zonal geraniums are hybrids of South African pelargoniums. They flower almost non-stop in warm weather and grow easily from cuttings.
Best spots
Sunny balconies, window boxes, pots and hanging baskets.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Pelargonium × hortorum |
| Family | Geraniaceae |
| Origin | South Africa (parents) |
| Plant type | Evergreen perennial |
| Mature size | 30–60 cm |
| Growth rate | Moderate |
| Foliage | Rounded leaves, often banded |
| Flowers | Round heads in many colours |
| Toxicity | Toxic to pets |
| Propagation | Cuttings |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Flowering
Prune
Deadhead
FloweringPruneDeadhead
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| Leggy | Pinch tips and cut back. |
| Yellow leaves | Overwatering. |
| Rust spots | Remove affected leaves. |
| Budworm holes | Pick off caterpillars. |
| Few flowers | Too much shade. |
Common questions
How do I keep it flowering?
Deadhead regularly and feed in summer.
Can I take cuttings?
Yes, they root easily.
Is it toxic?
Yes.
Is it a true geranium?
No, it's a pelargonium.
