At the Master Gardener Garden Tour last Sunday, several Master Gardeners gathered around a gorgeous mound of magenta flowers, snapping pictures and asking each other what kind of plant it might be. A quick Google search identified it as a Pelargonium, often mistakenly called a Geranium. Further online searching of colorful photos helped identify it as a variety called, 'Pink Aurora'.
When Pelargoniums were brought over from South Africa, they were thought to be the same as Geraniums, and were accidentally misclassified. Although the mistake has been rectified, much confusion remains. The Pelargonium cannot survive a frost, and is considered an annual in many regions of our country. In Solano County, with our mild winters, they often live for years, with some varieties becoming large and bushy. The Hardy Geranium becomes dormant during the winter, dying back almost to the ground, then puts forth new growth once the warmer temperatures of spring arrive. The two plants also differ in how they are propagated. Pelargoniums are easily started by taking a cutting that includes at least one leaf node on the stem, while Geraniums are started with seeds.
There are four main groups of Pelargoniums, distinguished by different foliage:
1.) Ivy – the leaves look like English ivy, often called trailing or hanging Geranium.
2.) Regal or Martha Washington – rounded leaved that may be toothed or lobed.
3.) Scented – leaves release scent when rubbed.
4.) Zonal – rounded leaves are often bicolored and it's displayed as a "zone" or band on the leaf.
This 'Pink Aurora' Pelargonium was definitely a show-stopper. At the end of the Garden Tour, the gracious homeowner came out in front of her house with her garden pruners. She actually gave several of us cuttings from her plant. I am hoping my little plant thrives!