Zonal geraniums, also known as Pelargonium x hortorum, are a popular garden plant, both for their beauty and their hardiness. But, is zonal geranium a perennial? The answer is complicated, as zonal geraniums have a unique lifecycle that makes them both annuals and perennials.
Zonal Geranium: A Perennial?
The answer to the question of whether zonal geraniums are perennials is not a simple yes or no. Zonal geraniums are a hybrid of two species of plants: Pelargonium zonale and Pelargonium peltatum. Both of these species are annuals, meaning that they complete their life cycle in one year. However, zonal geraniums are unique in that they can survive for multiple years.
Exploring the Lifecycle of Zonal Geraniums
Zonal geraniums are able to survive for multiple years because of their unique lifecycle. In the early spring, zonal geraniums produce new shoots and leaves. These shoots and leaves will then flower throughout the summer, producing bright, beautiful blooms. Once the summer is over, the blooms will fade and the zonal geranium will go dormant. During this dormant state, the plant will not produce any new growth, but it will still survive.
In the following spring, the zonal geranium will begin to grow again, producing new shoots and leaves. This process will continue for multiple years, allowing the zonal geranium to survive for more than one year.
In conclusion, zonal geraniums are a unique plant that can survive for multiple years. While they are technically annuals, their unique lifecycle allows them to survive for multiple seasons. As such, zonal geraniums can be seen as both annuals and perennials.