Native to South Africa. Most gardeners buy geraniums as inexpensive bedding plants, set out in spring as soon as danger of frost has passed. While the geranium originates from South Africa, it found its path to North America in 1786. What Are Geraniums? Originating in South Africa geraniums can be grown in the United States as an annual plant. Garden geraniums, also known as annual geraniums, are actually from the genus Pelargonium. Also native to South Africa, ivy geranium needs more shade than garden geraniums. Click this article to learn more about recognizing geranium leaf rust symptoms. ... South African geranium might increase the immune system. Related plants Clumps readily, easy to divide and spread or share, but easy to keep controlled as well. Ivy Geranium. A pelargonium is a hybrid species of the geranium plant. The common name geranium is widely used for members of the genus Pelargoniumbut botanically speaking, it is not really accurate. Plan to try this on the east coast and see if it can take the humidity. Its roots are used for medicine. Only a few geranium varieties are available as seed, which tends to be slow to germinate. Originating in South Africa, the garden geranium made its way to North America from France in 1786. Umckaloabo is a flowering plant that is native to South Africa. Great grey-green foliage color contrasts well with the crimson flowers. Although Geraniums have the traits of annual plants, they can grow even in warmer regions such as the southern coastline of California. Pelargoniums are woody-based perennials (most of them native to South Africa) that endure light frosts but not hard freezes and have slightly asymmetrical flowers in … Geranium 'Ann Folkard' Overview Geranium 'Ann Folkard' is a deep magenta flowering perennial with long wandering stems that looks beautiful when allowed to climb through other perennials. Geraniums are native mostly to South Africa where hundreds of species grow, however they’re also a popular plant species throughout the US, EU, UK, and Australia. Common garden or annual geranium plants are actually derived from the Pelargonium genus. Wonderful plant in southern California! This popular garden plant is hiding a secret – it isn’t a true geranium. Some confusion arises between the two because of the really close likeliness. In the warmest USDA zones geraniums will grow as perennial plants. Geraniums are some of the most popular and easy to care for garden and potted plants. To get the best foliage yield and bloom, you want to wait till late winter or during the early weeks of spring. Geranium rust is a very serious and relatively new disease that can completely defoliate and even kill a plant. Single Plants: 30cm (11") each way (minimum) Rows: 25cm (9") with 35cm (1' 1") row gap (minimum) Sow and Plant. In the family Geraniaceae, Pelargonium peltatum is commonly known as ivy leaf, trailing, or cascading geranium.. An herbaceous perennial native to South Africa, P. peltatum was introduced to the cool climates of Holland and England by 1704.Winter hardy only in Zones 9-11, their fast growth and easy propagation soon saw them being used as an annual – as they still are today.