When it comes to identifying a geranium, there are a few key characteristics to look out for. Let’s break it down step by step:
1. Growth Habit: Geraniums are known for their upright and round growth habit. They typically reach a height of one to two feet, creating a compact and bushy appearance. This makes them ideal for garden beds, borders, and containers.
2. Leaf Structure: Geranium leaves are opposite, meaning they grow in pairs along the stem. They have a simple structure, meaning each leaf is undivided. The leaf margins are serrate, which means they have small, tooth-like projections along the edges. This gives the leaves a slightly jagged appearance.
3. Leaf Size: Geranium leaves are generally two to four inches long, depending on the variety. However, it’s important to note that leaf size can vary slightly between different geranium species and cultivars.
4. Aroma: One distinctive feature of geraniums is their fragrant leaves. When you crush a geranium leaf between your fingers, you’ll notice a pleasant, spicy scent. This aromatic quality is often used in perfumes and essential oils.
5. Flower Structure: Geranium flowers are arranged in rounded umbels, which are clusters of flowers that radiate from a central point, resembling an umbrella. These umbels can measure four to six inches across, creating a striking floral display.
6. Flower Color: Geraniums come in a wide range of flower colors, including shades of red, pink, purple, white, and even bi-colored varieties. The color of the flowers can vary depending on the specific geranium cultivar.
7. Lifespan: It’s important to note that geraniums are annual plants, which means they complete their life cycle within one growing season. However, some gardeners refer to perennial geraniums, which are a different plant species altogether. Perennial geraniums are known for their long-lived nature, returning year after year.
To summarize, identifying a geranium involves looking for an upright, round growth habit, opposite leaves with serrate margins, two to four-inch long leaves, fragrant aroma when crushed, rounded umbels of flowers measuring four to six inches across, and a wide range of flower colors. Keep in mind that geraniums are annual plants, completing their life cycle within one growing season.
