Geranium at a glance
| Botanical name | Pelargonium × hortorum |
|---|---|
| Family | Geraniaceae |
| Other names | zonal geranium, pelargonium |
| Plant type | Flower; tender perennial grown as an annual |
| Size | About 1 to 2 feet tall and wide |
| Light | Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sun) |
| Water | Let the top of the soil dry between waterings; they handle short dry spells. |
| Soil | Well-drained soil or potting mix. |
| USDA hardiness zones | Grown as a summer annual or overwintered indoors; it cannot take frost. |
| USDA PLANTS symbol | PEHO2 |
When to plant geranium
Plant outside after the last frost.
Turn these into real dates for your area with the planting calendar.
How to grow geranium
- Plant in full sun after frost.
- Water when the soil surface is dry.
- Remove faded flower clusters.
- Feed pots lightly through summer.
- Before frost, bring pots indoors to a sunny window or take cuttings.
Water and soil
Water: Let the top of the soil dry between waterings; they handle short dry spells.
Soil: Well-drained soil or potting mix.
Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sun).
Common problems
- Yellow lower leaves
- Often too much water. Let the soil dry a little more.
- Gray mold
- Fuzzy rot on flowers in damp weather. Remove spent blooms.
Is geranium safe for cats and dogs?
Toxic
Toxic
The ASPCA lists Geranium (Pelargonium species) as toxic to cats and toxic to dogs. Signs it lists include: vomiting, anorexia, depression, dermatitis. ASPCA entry.
NC State Extension rates its poison severity for people and animals as low.
If a pet chews a plant and you are worried, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435; a fee may apply). For people, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222. In an emergency, call 911.
Can you eat geranium?
Not edible.
Geranium questions
Are geraniums toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. The ASPCA lists geranium (Pelargonium) as toxic to cats and dogs; it can cause vomiting, poor appetite and skin irritation.
Can I keep geraniums over winter?
Yes. Bring pots inside to a sunny window before frost, or root cuttings indoors for next spring.
Do geraniums like sun or shade?
Zonal geraniums flower best in full sun.
Sources
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox: Pelargonium × hortorum (size, light, soil, zones, poison rating)
- USDA PLANTS Database profile: Pelargonium ×hortorum L.H. Bailey (pro sp.) [inquinans × zonale] (accepted name)
- ASPCA: Geranium (pet toxicity)
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control: plants toxic and non-toxic to cats
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control: plants toxic and non-toxic to dogs
Written in our own words from the sources above. See our editorial policy. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.
