Annuals, Evergreen, Perennials The common name “geranium” is
widely used for Pelargonium—but botanically speaking, it is not
really accurate. To the botanist, pelargoniums are woody-based
perennials (most of them native to South Africa) that endure
light frosts but not hard freezes, and have slightly
asymmetrical flowers in clusters. True geraniums, on the other
hand, are annuals and perennials native mainly to the Northern
Hemisphere, bearing symmetrical flowers either singly or in
clusters. In the past, the commonly grown pelargoniums were
Pelargonium x domesticum, Lady Washington pelargonium;
Pelargoniuim x hortorum, common geranium (this group also
includes variegated forms usually referred to as fancy-leafed or
color-leafed geraniums); and Pelargonium peltatum, ivy geranium.
Today, other kinds are increasingly available, including many
with scented leaves. Plants perform best in areas with warm, dry
days and cool nights. They can be grown outdoors year-round
where winters are very mild; in these areas, t