Geranium and pelargonium: what is the difference and are there any differences, comparison of plants

Many people confuse the names of indoor flowers. A plant that is often found on windowsills is often called a geranium, although in fact it is a pelargonium. These flowers belong to the same family and share many characteristics. However, not everyone knows what the difference between geranium and pelargonium is. It affects the appearance and growing conditions.

Description of plants

Geranium and pelargonium are similar in many ways, but these plants cannot be considered the same. The Dutch scientist Johannes Burman suggested as early as the seventeenth century that these are different cultures, despite the similarity in appearance.However, to this day, many flower growers are sure that fragrant bushes with decorative inflorescences are geraniums. In fact, this is a pelargonium.

Such confusion is due to the fact that both flowers belong to the Geranium family. In total, it includes 5 genera and 800 species. The cultures under consideration have a number of characteristic features and differences.

What kind of geranium plant

This plant is a herbaceous perennial shrub, which is characterized by carved leaves and many flowers with 5-8 symmetrical petals. Flowers are solitary or form inflorescences. White, pink, crimson, lilac tones are considered very popular. However, there are no scarlet varieties of garden geraniums.

Another feature of the culture is a strong and branched root system. Some varieties of the plant can grow quickly and do not need autumn pruning.Culture is considered undemanding to the composition of the soil. Even after flowering, the bushes retain their decorative properties and serve as a decoration of the site until the end of autumn.

What kind of pelargonium plant

Pelargonium is a perennial herbaceous plant with palmate leaves. This means that the leaf veins diverge in a radial fashion. This plant has irregularly shaped flowers. At the same time, the upper petals are slightly larger than the lower ones.

During the flowering period, lush inflorescences appear on the bushes. They can be pink, white, scarlet or dark red. At the same time, blue or purple buds are not found in this plant.

Pelargonium is characterized by a fibrous root system. She needs loose fertile soil with a good drainage layer. The culture tolerates a short drought well. In general, the flower is considered very unpretentious, but needs pruning and shaping.

Their similarities

Geranium and pelargonium are very similar. However, even when buying one plant and growing it, you also need to understand the difference. The confusion between the flowers is due to the fact that they belong to the same Geranium family. Plants are characterized by erect stems and alternately arranged leaves covered with fine hairs. Almost all specimens are distinguished by a characteristic odor that appears when touching the leaves. Fertilized pistils of flowers also look alike.

In general, cultures are considered to be very unpretentious. They breed easily and prefer well-lit areas. These plants require moderate watering. This is where the cultural similarities end.

Main differences

Many people are interested in how exactly one plant differs from another. Contrary to popular belief, a houseplant on a windowsill is not a geranium, but a pelargonium. These plants differ in flower and leaf shape, propagation methods, frost resistance and species diversity.

Flowering

One of the main differences is the color of the buds. Geranium has predominantly blue and purple flowers and shades close to them. In addition, there are garden varieties that differ in pink, raspberry and white flowers. However, scarlet geranium is not found.

Pelargonium is most often red, white, pale pink. At the same time, it is impossible to meet blue or blue buds. Two-color varieties of pelargonium and cultures with spotted petals look very interesting.

The structure of flowers

An important difference between cultures is the structure of flowers. In geraniums, they are symmetrical and contain 5-8 petals. Pelargonium is characterized by some asymmetry. At the same time, the flowers in the upper part are larger compared to the lower ones.

Other differences

An important difference between colors is resistance to cold. Geranium is able to winter in open ground at a temperature of -30 degrees. Pelargonium dies at a temperature of 0 … +3 degrees.

Also, the difference affects the root system. Among the geraniums growing in the highlands, there are plants with a tap root. At the same time, pelargoniums are characterized by a fibrous root system.

There are some differences in the features of care. When growing pelargoniums, the following rules should be observed:

• systematically water the bushes;
• provide the plant with quality lighting;
• Pruning and shaping the plant from time to time;
• keep the room temperature at least +12 degrees.

A great place to place pelargonium in an apartment will be the southeast or southwest window sill. The flower needs a little coolness, but it needs to be protected from drafts.With a lack of light, there is a risk of too small buds or their complete absence. Direct exposure to the sun causes burns on the leaves.

Watering the bushes is required as the top layer dries. Otherwise, there is a risk of rotting of the root system. With root discomfort, the foliage becomes lethargic and lifeless. To remove excess moisture at the bottom of the tank, drainage is required. From time to time, it is recommended to loosen the soil in the pot. This will provide the root system with oxygen. Before flowering, the crop needs to be fed.

Geranium is considered less demanding to care for. Because it is appreciated by many flower growers. The place under the flower garden should be well lit. However, it is important to ensure that there is no strong wind there. The plant needs regular fertilization and weed removal. Watering the bushes is recommended only in case of a prolonged drought. Since this culture does not tolerate stagnant moisture, it needs to organize high-quality drainage.

Growth area

Geraniums are found in moderately damp areas on all terrestrial continents, with the exception of Antarctica. They grow in Asia, Europe, North America. Such crops mainly include perennial frost-resistant plants.

South Africa is considered the birthplace of pelargoniums. Therefore, the culture is considered thermophilic and easily tolerates a lack of moisture in the soil. In the usual habitat, such plants are perennial, but in more severe conditions they grow as annuals. Because these flowers are often grown indoors.

Geranium and pelargonium are common plants appreciated by many growers. Despite belonging to the same family, they have many differences that must be considered when choosing a particular crop for planting.

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