Plant Profile: Pelargonium x hybridum

Geraniums are short-lived perennials that typically reach a height of up to 2 feet and grow in tufted clusters. Their leaves can be either simple or divided, showcasing a variety of colors. This plant has a low tolerance for drought and blooms throughout the summer, continuing until the first frost. When wet, the leaves emit a strong, unpleasant fishy smell. Geraniums belong to a diverse group of hybrids, easily identifiable in garden beds by their characteristic umbels and reniform leaves adorned with large stipules. With numerous cultivars available, they are commonly used in hanging baskets, planters, containers, and as bedding plants. Geraniums thrive in full sunlight and prefer cool, well-drained, moist soils. For propagation, seeds should be sown in January or February at temperatures between 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit, with planting occurring in late May. Stem cuttings can be taken in July or August and should be grown under glass until the risk of frost has passed. However, these plants are vulnerable to pests such as caterpillars, mites, and mealybugs, as well as various fungal and bacterial diseases.

**Poison Delivery Mode:** Dermatitis.

**Severity:** Minor skin irritation, typically lasting only a few minutes.

**Habitat:** Commonly found as houseplants or in interior landscapes, and used in flower gardens as herbaceous annuals.

**Quick Identification Tips:**