Geraniums are a backyard favorite thanks to their bright blooms, easy care, and long flowering season. They grow well in garden beds, containers, and hanging baskets, making them one of the most versatile plants for home gardeners.
Many geranium varieties are heat-tolerant, drought-resistant once established, and bloom continuously from spring through fall. From classic annual types to hardy perennials, these are the most popular varieties of geraniums to grow in your backyard.
1. Zonal Geranium (Pelargonium × hortorum)
Zonal geraniums are the most common type grown in backyard gardens. They are known for their round flower clusters and distinctive leaf markings, often with darker “zones” on the foliage. These geraniums thrive in full sun, tolerate heat well, and bloom continuously from spring to fall, making them perfect for garden beds, containers, and window boxes.
2. Ivy Geranium (Pelargonium peltatum)
Ivy geraniums have trailing stems and glossy, ivy-shaped leaves, making them ideal for hanging baskets and raised planters. They produce clusters of flowers that spill gracefully over the edges of containers. This variety prefers full sun to partial shade and performs best with good air circulation and well-drained soil.
3. Scented Geranium
Scented geraniums are grown primarily for their fragrant leaves rather than their flowers. The foliage releases scents like lemon, rose, mint, or apple when touched. These geraniums are great for containers, patios, and herb-style gardens and are valued for their aroma and ornamental foliage.
Regal geraniums produce large, showy flowers with bold patterns and rich colors. They bloom heavily in spring and early summer and prefer cooler temperatures compared to other geranium types. This variety works best in containers where it can be protected from extreme heat.
5. Perennial Geranium (Cranesbill Geranium)
Perennial geraniums, also known as cranesbill geraniums, are hardy plants that return year after year. They have smaller, delicate flowers and spread gently to form ground cover. These geraniums are excellent for borders, cottage gardens, and low-maintenance landscapes.
plants with soft, textured leaves and small pink flowers. This variety is often grown in containers or herb gardens and is popular for making potpourri and scented oils.
7. Citronella Geranium
Citronella geraniums are widely known for their lemony scent, which many gardeners associate with mosquito deterrence. They grow well in containers and sunny garden beds. While not a replacement for repellent, they are valued for their fragrance and attractive foliage.
8. Angel Geranium
Angel geraniums are compact plants with delicate, pansy-like flowers. They bloom generously and stay smaller than many other geranium types. This variety is ideal for containers, window boxes, and sheltered garden areas.
9. Fancy Leaf Geranium
Fancy leaf geraniums are grown mainly for their decorative foliage rather than flowers. Their leaves often display striking patterns, colors, or unique shapes. These geraniums add visual interest to containers and mixed plantings.
10. Variegated Geranium
Variegated geraniums feature leaves edged or marked with cream, white, or yellow tones. They provide color and texture even when not in bloom. This variety is excellent for adding contrast to garden beds and containers.
11. Calliope Geranium
Calliope geraniums are a hybrid known for their vigorous growth and large, vibrant blooms. They combine the upright habit of zonal geraniums with the trailing nature of ivy geraniums. This variety performs especially well in containers and hanging baskets and blooms continuously through the season.
12. Americana Geranium
Americana geraniums are a classic zonal geranium variety bred for uniform growth and consistent flowering. They are easy to care for and perform well in garden beds and containers. This variety is popular for its reliability and bright color options.
13. Horizon Geranium
Horizon geraniums are known for their compact growth and early blooming habit. They produce bold flower clusters and hold up well in hot weather. This variety is ideal for borders, containers, and small garden spaces.
14. Maverick Geranium
Maverick geraniums offer vibrant blooms on tidy, well-branched plants. They are heat-tolerant and bloom early, making them a dependable choice for long-lasting color. This variety works well in both containers and garden beds.
15. Rozanne Geranium
Rozanne geraniums are a popular perennial geranium variety known for their long bloom time and spreading habit. They produce violet-blue flowers from late spring into fall. This variety is extremely hardy and perfect for low-maintenance gardens.
