pelargonium
noun
pel·ar·go·ni·um
ˌpe-lär-ˈgō-nē-əm 
-lər-
: any of a genus (Pelargonium) of southern African herbs of the geranium family with showy flowers of usually red, pink, or white distinguished by a spurred calyx and irregular corolla
called also geranium, storksbill
compare rose geraniumExamples of pelargonium in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Unlike pelargoniums, hardy geraniums grow in partial shade.
—
Lauren David, Southern Living, 6 July 2025
This year’s plant sale, held at a Willow Glen residence, will feature homegrown pelargoniums, vegetables and herbs, and also succulents and professional quality house plants.
—Lisa Thorn, Mercury News, 20 Apr. 2025
This gardening trend isn’t just about growing pelargoniums outdoors, however.
—Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Aug. 2023
Flower seeds to start: Rhodochitins, fibrous begonias, dahlias lobelia (don’t cover seeds), snapdragons (don’t cover seed and grow cool), carnations, verbena, pelargoniums, hollyhocks.
—Jeff Lowenfels | Alaska Gardening and Growing, Anchorage Daily News, 9 Mar. 2023
The sale includes Bakers Acres inventory of bromeliads, tillandsias and gasteria as well as pots, and board members will be selling vegetable starts, succulents, plumeria, pelargoniums and other varieties.
—Los Angeles Times, 28 Feb. 2023
Take cuttings from pelargoniums to multiply plants.
—Jeff Lowenfels, Anchorage Daily News, 2 Apr. 2020
Pelargonium A close cousin to the geranium, pelargonium is undoubtedly more elegant and just as easy to grow.
—Molly Marquand, Good Housekeeping, 14 Dec. 2017
Just as with pelargonium, snip off a three inch piece at a node, place in water for 2-3 weeks, and presto!
—Molly Marquand, Good Housekeeping, 14 Dec. 2017
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Lauren David, Southern Living, 6 July 2025
This year’s plant sale, held at a Willow Glen residence, will feature homegrown pelargoniums, vegetables and herbs, and also succulents and professional quality house plants.
—Lisa Thorn, Mercury News, 20 Apr. 2025
This gardening trend isn’t just about growing pelargoniums outdoors, however.
—Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Aug. 2023
Flower seeds to start: Rhodochitins, fibrous begonias, dahlias lobelia (don’t cover seeds), snapdragons (don’t cover seed and grow cool), carnations, verbena, pelargoniums, hollyhocks.
—Jeff Lowenfels | Alaska Gardening and Growing, Anchorage Daily News, 9 Mar. 2023
The sale includes Bakers Acres inventory of bromeliads, tillandsias and gasteria as well as pots, and board members will be selling vegetable starts, succulents, plumeria, pelargoniums and other varieties.
—Los Angeles Times, 28 Feb. 2023
Take cuttings from pelargoniums to multiply plants.
—Jeff Lowenfels, Anchorage Daily News, 2 Apr. 2020
Pelargonium A close cousin to the geranium, pelargonium is undoubtedly more elegant and just as easy to grow.
—Molly Marquand, Good Housekeeping, 14 Dec. 2017
Just as with pelargonium, snip off a three inch piece at a node, place in water for 2-3 weeks, and presto!
—Molly Marquand, Good Housekeeping, 14 Dec. 2017
Cite this Entry
“Pelargonium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pelargonium. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.
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pelargonium
noun
pel·ar·go·ni·um
ˌpe-lär-ˈgō-nē-əm
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