Unlike some plants, which are only prized for their petals, or those with only nice foliage, geraniums are the whole package. Most species have broad, interesting leaves, whose velvety green ends in tips. Then, colorful orbs of multiple small blossoms balance atop long graceful stems. These lovelies are pretty from head to toe and are, quite understandably, a favorite for gardeners. Originally geraniums only flourished in hot climates with little to no colder weather. Because of their beauty, many cultivars have now been produced to help these plants thrive in temperate climates as well.
The term 'geranium' is a confusing one at best. The family to which this genus belongs is the Geraniaceae family. Originally this family held all of the species commonly called 'geraniums', as well as others. In 1789 this family was split into two genera by Charles L'Héritier. One of these genera was named Pelargonium, the other Geranium. This is where the confusion begins. The actual genus Geranium does not contain what are commonly called geraniums, but flowers commonly called 'Cranesbills' (a not so distant relative). The plants whose common name is 'geranium' are actually of the Pelargonium genera. What a mess! Although many gardeners and enthusiasts call these plants 'pelargoniums', in order to try and straighten things out, it is difficult to sway many people after generations of one term's use. So the geranium, which isn't really a Geranium at all, continues to use the title. There are over 200 species in the Pelargonium genus, as well as multiple cultivars. The plant's species include succulents, perennials and shrubs.
The first known cultivated geranium was several hundred years ago, occurring in the plant's native homeland of southern Africa. Sometime before the seventeenth century, the cultivated geranium was introduced to Europe, most likely through ships who journeyed to and from the Cape of Good Hope. By 1631, the plant had been introduced as far north as England. Originally, the plant was grown strictly for esthetic reasons. Today that continues to be their principal role. Geraniums have been bred to exude all manner of scents, including mint, lemon and other fruity odors. Most important economically is that some geraniums can produce a very convincing rose scent, which is used with or instead of the more expensive rose oils and extracts.