Mixed geranium varieties including zonal, ivy, and hardy cranesbill geraniums growing in a sunny cottage garden"

Best Geranium Varieties for Your Garden: Zonal, Ivy, Scented & Hardy Compared

Geraniums are one of the most versatile and rewarding flowers you can grow — but with so many varieties available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Whether you want cascading color for hanging baskets, fragrant foliage for your patio, or tough perennials that come back year after year, there's a geranium perfectly suited for your garden. Here's a breakdown of the best geranium varieties and where each one shines.

1. Zonal Geraniums (Pelargonium × hortorum)

The classic garden geranium. Zonal geraniums are named for the dark "zone" or band on their leaves and are the most widely grown type.

  • Best for: Containers, window boxes, and garden beds
  • Bloom colors: Red, pink, white, salmon, coral, and bicolor
  • Sun needs: Full sun (6+ hours)
  • Care level: Easy — great for beginners
  • Tip: Deadhead spent blooms regularly to keep flowers coming all season

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2. Ivy Geraniums (Pelargonium peltatum)

With trailing stems and glossy, ivy-shaped leaves, these are the go-to choice for hanging baskets and window boxes.

  • Best for: Hanging baskets, elevated planters, cascading over walls
  • Bloom colors: Pink, red, lavender, white
  • Sun needs: Full sun to partial shade
  • Care level: Easy — more heat and drought tolerant than zonal types
  • Tip: They thrive in hot summers where other geraniums struggle

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3. Scented Geraniums (Pelargonium spp.)

Grown primarily for their aromatic foliage rather than showy blooms, scented geraniums come in an incredible range of fragrances — rose, lemon, mint, chocolate, and more.

  • Best for: Herb gardens, patios, sensory gardens, and indoor growing
  • Bloom colors: Small pink or white flowers (foliage is the star)
  • Sun needs: Full sun
  • Care level: Easy — drought tolerant once established
  • Tip: Brush the leaves gently to release their fragrance

4. Hardy Geraniums / Cranesbills (Geranium spp.)

True perennial geraniums — not to be confused with the tender Pelargoniums above — hardy geraniums come back every year and are incredibly low maintenance.

  • Best for: Ground cover, borders, cottage gardens, shady spots
  • Bloom colors: Blue, purple, pink, magenta, white
  • Sun needs: Full sun to full shade depending on variety
  • Care level: Very easy — drought tolerant and deer resistant
  • Tip: Cut back after first bloom for a second flush of flowers in late summer

Which Geranium Is Right for You?

Variety Best Use Sun Returns Each Year?
Zonal Beds & containers Full sun No (annual)
Ivy Hanging baskets Full to partial No (annual)
Scented Patios & indoors Full sun No (annual)
Hardy (Cranesbill) Borders & ground cover Sun to shade Yes (perennial)

Frequently Asked Questions About Geraniums

What is the difference between geraniums and pelargoniums?

True geraniums (cranesbills) are hardy perennials that survive winter. Pelargoniums are the tender, frost-sensitive plants most people call "geraniums" — including zonal, ivy, and scented types. Both are beautiful but behave very differently in the garden.

Do geraniums come back every year?

Hardy geraniums (cranesbills) are perennials and return each spring. Zonal, ivy, and scented geraniums are tender perennials treated as annuals in most climates — they won't survive frost without being brought indoors.

How do I keep geraniums blooming all summer?

Deadhead spent flowers regularly, fertilize every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer, and make sure they get at least 6 hours of sun daily.

Can geraniums grow indoors?

Yes! Scented and zonal geraniums do well indoors in a sunny south-facing window. They need at least 4-6 hours of bright light daily.

What is the easiest geranium to grow?

Zonal geraniums are the most beginner-friendly — they're forgiving, bloom prolifically, and are widely available. Browse our full range of geranium seeds or visit Trailing Petunia Bulk Seeds for larger quantities.

Shop Geranium Seeds

Ready to grow? Here's our full geranium seed lineup:

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Conclusion

No matter your garden style or space, there's a geranium variety that will thrive for you. Start with zonal or ivy types if you're new to geraniums, or go straight to hardy cranesbills if you want a plant-it-and-forget-it perennial. Happy growing! 🌸

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