Annual · Geraniaceae family
Zonal geranium
Pelargonium × hortorum
In short a 10-second read
Zonal geranium (annual) grows to 0.3–0.9 m tall and 0.3–0.9 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun to part shade, in average soil. It flowers in May–October; the flowers are red, purple, pink, orange or white.
× spread 0.3–0.9 m
Where to plant
Sun and soil.
It grows best in full sun to part shade, in average soil.
Sun
Tolerates several positions — choose to suit the rest of the garden.
Soil and water
average · watering: moderate
Soil: loamy, humus-rich
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Flowers
May–October · red, purple, pink, orange or white
Pruning
pinch out the tips (March–June); deadhead spent flowers (as needed)
Planting
sow indoors: January–February; transplant outdoors: May
Winter protection
bring indoors for winter
Overwintering
In winter it belongs indoors.
Before the first frosts, bring the plant indoors.
- Bring indoors for winter
What to combine it with
Same needs, different flowering.
They share the same sun and soil and flower in other months — so the bed flowers for longer.
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When does Zonal geranium flower?
In May–October; the flowers are red, purple, pink, orange or white.
Does Zonal geranium tolerate shade?
It tolerates part shade (3–6 hours of sun), but not full shade.
How much space does Zonal geranium need?
At maturity 0.3–0.9 m wide and 0.3–0.9 m tall; recommended spacing 35 cm.
Does Zonal geranium survive winter outdoors?
Not outdoors — bring it indoors for winter.
Where the data comes from
We compared the data in 16 expert sources. Last checked 28 September 2026.
Show sources (16)
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — Pelargonium × hortorum
- GBIF Occurrence Search API — Pelargonium × hortorum
- GBIF Vernacular Names API — Pelargonium × hortorum
- Wikidata (CC0) — Pelargonium × hortorum
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder — Pelargonium × hortorum
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — pelargonium hortorum
- RHS - Pelargonium x hortorum
- Buchanan's Native Plants (plant library)
- US Plant Patent PP12914 (geranium 'Sophia')
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: EASIN, EU, Slovakia, Czechia, Germany, Poland, Denmark
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