Geranium (Zonal)
Pelargonium × hortorum
Family Geraniaceae
The red zonal geranium is the porch pot of the American Midwest — big bloom heads over scented leaves, flowering spring to fall, drawing hummingbirds and butterflies to the front steps. Some families overwinter the same heirloom plants for decades, and that longevity is the whole charm.
It would rather be forgotten than fussed over — a one-to-two-foot sun-lover that shrugs off dry spells and moves indoors to a bright window as a winter houseplant, kept a little out of pets' reach. Start one now and it may outlast the porch furniture.
Full Sun
Low water
Moderate growth
Attracts butterflies
Attracts hummingbirds
From the print shop
Growing geranium (zonal)? Hang it.
Our Plant Library collection carries geranium (zonal) — Pelargonium hortorum, print Nº 203, “Geranium (Zonal).”
526 designsfrom $12.99white or black backgroundmatte poster, unframed
Will it thrive where you are?
Enter your ZIP — we look up your USDA hardiness zone (2023 map) and check it against what geranium (zonal) actually needs.
Life cyclePerennial zones 10–12, annual elsewhereGeranium (Zonal) · Common problems
Common geranium (zonal) problems
Pests
2 problems on file
- Budworms
- Aphids
Diseases
4 problems on file
- Botrytis on spent blooms
- Edema (overwatering)
- Bacterial Leaf Spot
- Edema
Geranium (Zonal) · Growing & propagation
Growing geranium (zonal)
- Light
- Full Sun
- Water
- Low-Moderate
Slightly dry beats soggy, always
Soil- Well-drained potting mix · pH 6.0 - 6.5
Fertilizer- Every 2-3 weeks in season
Pruning- None
Snap spent bloom stalks at the base; pinch leggy stems. Winter whole pots on a cool bright sill — century-old tradition, still works.
Spacing- 10-12 in
Geranium (Zonal) · Seasonal care & spray guidance
The geranium (zonal) growing playbook
When to spray geranium (zonal)
Growing season. Pick off spotted leaves; water mornings at the base.
Geranium (Zonal) · Calculators & field guides
A little help in the garden.
Geranium (Zonal) · Yearly calendar
The geranium (zonal) year, month by month
Jan
No calendar activity is listed for this month.
BloomBloomMay
What each band means
- Bloom — flowers open — pollinators working, frost on blossoms is the danger.
These are the species' typical months — expect them a few weeks earlier in warm zones and later in cold ones. Watch the plant, not just the calendar.
Geranium (Zonal) · Ecology & uses
Ecology & uses
Pelargonium × hortorum
Geranium (Zonal) in the garden system
- Attracts
- Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Moisture- Upland / dry
Deer- Browsed
Protect young plants
Origin- Introduced
What geranium (zonal) is grown for
! Some parts toxic — see notesToxic to dogs/cats (mild)
Use- Porch urns
- Use
- Window boxes
- Use
- Overwintering heirlooms
Edibility, identification, and traditional-use notes here are general reference — not medical or veterinary advice, and not a claim that any plant treats or prevents anything. Medicinal ratings record how strongly a plant features in herbal tradition, nothing more. Never eat or dose a plant you have not positively identified. More on how to use this library.
Geranium (Zonal) · Varieties & cultivars
Choosing a geranium (zonal) variety
Zonal (classic); Ivy (trailing balconies); Scented-leaf (rose, lemon — the mosquito-folklore ones); Regal (cool-season show)
Sources & plant identity
Know what you’re growing.
See where the knowledge comes from.
Geranium (Zonal)
Pelargonium × hortorum
The plant, at a glance.
- Botanical name
- Pelargonium × hortorum
- Plant family
- Geraniaceae
- Growth habit
- Annual · Tender Perennial
- Origin
- Introduced
- USDA plant symbol
- PEHO2
- Invasive risk
- Low
Hardiness, size and timing vary with your cultivar, soil and climate.
Rooted in research.
University extension research, brought together with hands-on growing experience at Story Thyme Farms.
for Geranium (Zonal)
Research from these sources
Publisher marks identify sources, not sponsorship or endorsement.
Questions
Geranium (Zonal) questions, answered straight.
Is geranium (zonal) safe for kids and pets?
With care. Toxic to dogs/cats (mild) Site it accordingly if children or pets roam the garden. This is general reference, not medical or veterinary advice — call a vet or poison control if something has actually been eaten.
Elsewhere
Where geranium (zonal) sits in the library.
Sunflower
Zinnia
Peony
Daylily