Pelargoniums

Pelargoniums — A Woottens Favourite

Pelargoniums have been at the heart of Woottens for over 30 years.
From delicate wild species to richly scented foliage varieties and flamboyant regals, they are the most diverse and characterful plant groups we grow.

Often confused with hardy Geraniums, Pelargoniums are entirely different plants — tender perennials predominantly from Southern Africa, adored for their scent, structure and endless variation.

Whether you are new to growing Pelargoniums or already smitten with them, this page will help you discover the main groups, how they differ, and which ones might suit your garden, greenhouse or windowsill.

Pelargoniums vs Geraniums — What’s the difference?

The names get mixed up constantly, but Pelargoniums and Geraniums are not the same plant — and once you’ve been told, it’s worth getting it right.

  • Geranium - Hardy "cranesbills", happy outdoors all year. Northern hemisphere
  • Pelargonium - Tender "storksbills", predominantly from South Africa and grown in pots or under cover. 

The confusion began in the 1700s when the two were briefly lumped together under the name Geranium, but botanists have long since corrected it.

If you’re visiting the nursery, you’ll make our day by calling them Pelargoniums rather than ‘Geraniums’ — it’s a small detail, but it matters to plant folk! Expect raised eyebrows if you keep getting it wrong! 

Pelargonium flowers have a distinctive shape: two petals pointing upwards and three pointing down (there is one exception).  Geraniums, by contrast, have five even petals arranged in a neat circle.

Where Pelargoniums Come From

Most Pelargoniums originate from South Africa, with a few species from surrounding regions and a small number found outside Africa.
Because they come from varied landscapes — coastal scrub, dry mountain slopes, open grasslands — their needs differ slightly between species.

Two things unite them:

  • they dislike cold, wet roots in winter
  • they adore light, warmth, and good air circulation

This makes them excellent container plants for patios, greenhouses and conservatories.

The Main Pelargonium Groups

Woottens grows a very broad range of Pelargoniums. Here is a simple guide to the main groups you’ll see on our website:

Species Pelargoniums

The original wild plants collected from nature.
Many have extraordinary leaves, unusual stems, or elegant, simple flowers.
They tend to prefer drier conditions and make wonderful collector’s plants.

Scented Leaf Pelargoniums

Grown primarily for their fragrant foliage - from orange and lemon to rose, camphor, peppermint, pineapple and more.
These are perfect for patios, sunny windowsills and conservatories, and some leaves can even be used in baking or drinks.

Regals

Large, showy flowers with ruffled petals and rich colours.
Compact, upright plants ideal for summer displays in pots.

Decoratives

Victorian favourites — taller plants with smaller, neat flowers, often bicoloured.
Brilliant for bold summer containers.

Uniques

Larger-growing plants, many with scented foliage.
Very free-flowering and ideal for large summer pots. Includes notable varieties such as Pelargonium ‘Voodoo’.

Ivy Leaf

Trailing Pelargoniums with succulent leaves — excellent for baskets and window boxes.
Exceptionally drought-tolerant.

Angel

Petite, dainty flowers and small foliage.
Slow-growing and very compact — wonderful for decorative pots.

Zonals

The classic rounded leaves with a central “zone”.
These are the ancestors of modern bedding Geraniums, but we only grow select heritage varieties, not mass-produced bedding types.

Stellata

Star-shaped flowers and deeply cut leaves, often with unusual sculpted shapes.
Quirky, rare, and much loved by collectors.

How to Grow Pelargoniums — The Basics

For more information on growing Pelargoniums read our Pelargonium Care Guide, but here are the essentials:

Light

Pelargoniums need plenty of light to flower well — a sunny windowsill, patio or greenhouse is ideal.

Water

  • Water generously in warm weather
  • Water sparingly in winter
  • Never leave them sitting cold and wet

Compost

Use a free-draining, open compost.
Avoid heavy soil or very fine, compacted mixes.

Temperature

Pelargoniums are frost tender.
Most will tolerate cool nights, but should be brought under cover before the first autumn frost.

Ventilation

Good airflow prevents botrytis and keeps plants healthy, especially under glass.

Why Grow Pelargoniums?

Because they bring joy.
Their leaves, scents, forms and histories are endlessly varied — and once you begin collecting them, it’s hard to stop.

At Woottens we propagate thousands of Pelargoniums each year and hold one of the largest collections in the UK.
Every plant on this website has been grown and cared for by us.

Continue Your Pelargonium Journey

Explore our specialist guides below:

  • Pelargonium Care Guide
    (How to water, feed, repot, overwinter and manage plants under glass)
  • Species & Groups Explained
    (Explore scented leaf types, wild species, regals, uniques, zonals and more)
  • Propagation & Potting Guide
    (When to take cuttings and how to root them successfully)
  • Pelargonium Troubleshooting
    (Pests, diseases and common issues, with Woottens’ practical solutions)