Nothing signals the start of the garden season like a cheerful pot of geraniums among your porch planters. But did you know there are two major types?

There are true geraniums (Geranium spp.), which are hardy perennials that can be used as ground cover or in pots. Then, there’s the more common type—bedding geraniums (Pelargonium spp.), which are in the same plant family as true geraniums but fall into a different genus.

Often treated as annuals or tender perennials, bedding geraniums are typically not planted in the ground. Instead, they live in pots, window boxes, and containers.

The geraniums you see in all the garden stores? Those are bedding geraniums. These popular container plants are known for their extended flowering time and come in many varieties.

Zonal Geraniums , Ivy Geraniums , Regal (aka Martha Washington) Geraniums , Angel Geraniums, Scented Geraniums, Fancy Leaf Geranium , Stellar Geraniums

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From the most beginner-friendly, to the most fragrant, to the toughest contender against the hot sun, the seven common bedding geraniums ahead can all add a dose of charm to your outdoor living spaces. (What to learn more about the other kind of geraniums? See our growing guide for true geraniums).

Zonal Geraniums

Potted Geranium

This is the geranium you think of when you think – Geranium! They get their name from the circular patterns, or zones, on their leaves. The growth is upright on long stems, which bear single or double flowers arranged in globular bunches (sometimes resembling hydrangeas).

Ivy Geraniums

Selective focus of a flower in a balcony, Ivy geranium Pelargonium peltatum.

Ideal for hanging baskets, ivy geraniums have long narrow stems with thick leathery leaves that look like ivy. They are well-suited to prolonged drought as they are adapted to retain water.

Regal (aka Martha Washington) Geraniums

Close-up of Pelargonium grandiflorum regal geranium

This type of geranium is great for beginners. They have the large, often patterned flowers and broad green leaves. They are relatively easy to overwinter as can survive in low winter light.

Angel Geraniums

Scented Geranium Pelargonium Crispum in the garden

Angel geranium blooms resemble violets, with flowers that are often bicolored. The angel geraniums are like regal geraniums, but are more compact and have smaller leaves.

Scented Geraniums

"Sweet Scented Geranium" flowers - Pelargonium Graveolens

Grown mainly for their fragrant leaves, which release their scent when touched, most scented geraniums have small, faint flowers. Some popular geranium scents include cinnamon, lemon, rose, lavender, and strawberry.

Fancy Leaf Geranium

Pelargonium Mrs Pollock

The leaves on these geraniums put on quite a show. They can range from green with a dark ring running around the edge to chartreuse with a maroon border.

Stellar Geraniums

Pelargonium stellar butterfly pink flowers

These have starry flowers and leaves that look delicate but are quite tough and long lasting, as they can handle scorching sun. Look out for the 'Fireworks' or 'Quantum' series.

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