Zonal Geranium

 The common geranium plants seen in window boxes, hanging baskets, and cemetery plantings are hybrid plants derived from species in the Pelargonium genus. They are much different plants than the true hardy geraniums that actually own the genus name Geranium.

The zonal geraniums are tropical perennials that are usually planted as annuals. Although sometimes regarded as over-used plants, zonal geranium hold up so well with so little care than their continued popularity is guaranteed.

Known as "zonal" because the leaves exhibit divided zones of color, these plants are known for large clusters of flowers that continue to bloom almost non-stop from spring until frost. Zonal geraniums have an upright growth habit, but a closely related plant, Pelargonium peltatum, is the ivy-leaved geranium, which has a trailing habit that makes it excellent for hanging baskets or to cascade over the edge of large pots.