Pelargoniums for Sale: A Complete Guide to Buying and Choosing the Best Pelargonium Plants

Pelargoniums are among the most popular flowering plants sold in garden centres and online nurseries in the UK. Often labelled simply as “geraniums,” these versatile plants provide months of colour in pots, baskets, window boxes, and borders. Whether you want vibrant bedding plants, fragrant scented-leaf varieties, or decorative trailing types, there are pelargoniums for sale to suit every garden and style.

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This article explains what pelargoniums are, the different types available to buy, where to find them for sale, what to look for when purchasing, and how to plant and care for them so they thrive.

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What Are Pelargoniums?

Pelargoniums are a group of tender perennial plants in the Pelargonium genus, grown mainly as annuals in the UK. They are loved for their:

• Bright, long-lasting flowers
• Variety of colours and forms
• Ease of care
• Excellent performance in containers and baskets

Despite being commonly called “geraniums,” pelargoniums are not true geraniums (which belong to the Geranium genus and are hardy perennials). The pelargoniums sold for summer colour are tender and need frost protection.

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Types of Pelargoniums You Can Buy

When shopping for pelargoniums, you’ll encounter several popular types, each with distinct features.

Zonal Pelargoniums

• The most common type for beds and containers
• Upright growth
• Leaves often with a darker “zone” marking
• Large, bright flower clusters

Zonal pelargoniums are ideal if you want classic, bold summer colour.

Trailing or Ivy-Leaved Pelargoniums

Also called hanging geraniums, these are perfect for:

• Hanging baskets
• Window boxes
• Raised containers

Trailing pelargoniums have glossy, ivy-shaped leaves and stems that cascade beautifully, creating a flowing display of flowers.

Scented-Leaf Pelargoniums

Grown for their aromatic foliage, scented pelargoniums offer fragrances such as:

• Rose
• Lemon
• Mint
• Apple

They may have flowers, but the fragrance of the leaves is the main attraction.

Species & Collector Pelargoniums

Less common but increasingly popular, species pelargoniums offer unusual foliage, texture or flower forms. These are great for collectors or mixed planting schemes.

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Where to Find Pelargoniums for Sale

Pelargoniums can be purchased from a variety of sources:

Garden Centres and Nurseries

Most garden centres carry a good selection of pelargonium plants from late spring to mid-summer. These are usually:

• Established plants in 9cm or 10.5cm pots
• Ready to plant out immediately
• Available in zonal, trailing, and some scented varieties

Online Nurseries

Online plant retailers and specialist nurseries often provide a wider range of varieties, including rare scented types or larger plants. Ordering online allows you to:

• Choose from a larger selection
• Have plants delivered to your door
• Buy plug packs or larger established plants

Seasonal Plant Shops & Market Stalls

Seasonal stalls at markets or plant fairs also sell pelargoniums in spring and summer, often with helpful planting advice.

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What to Look for When Buying Pelargoniums

Whether buying in person or online, inspect plants carefully to ensure quality.

Healthy Plant Features

• Strong, compact growth
• Fresh green or shiny leaves
• No signs of yellowing or wilting
• Well-developed root system (if known)

Signs to Avoid

• Leggy, weak shoots
• Excessive flowering with few leaves (can indicate stressed plants)
• Dry, cracked compost
• Pests or visible damage

If buying online, check reviews and plant descriptions for size, variety and health guarantees.

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Flowering Times of Purchased Pelargoniums

Once planted out after frost has passed, pelargoniums typically flower:

• From early summer
• Throughout summer
• Until the first autumn frosts

With regular feeding and deadheading, flowering can continue for many weeks.

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Planting Your Pelargoniums

When to Plant

Plant pelargoniums outdoors after the risk of frost has passed — usually late May in most UK regions.

How to Plant

• Choose a sunny, sheltered spot
• Use a free-draining compost or soil
• Space plants according to pot size and type
• Water well after planting

Trailing types should be placed near edges so they can cascade properly.

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Caring for Pelargoniums After Purchase

To keep your pelargoniums looking their best:

Watering

• Water when the compost surface begins to dry
• Avoid waterlogged conditions
• In hot weather, hanging baskets may need daily watering

Feeding

• Begin feeding once plants are established
• Use a balanced liquid fertiliser or high-potash feed
• Feed weekly during the flowering season

Deadheading & Pruning

• Regularly remove spent flowers
• Trim back leggy stems to encourage bushy growth

This keeps plants tidy and promotes continuous flowering.

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Overwintering Pelargoniums You Buy

Because pelargoniums are frost tender, many gardeners save their plants for next season by overwintering.

How to Overwinter Pelargoniums

• Bring plants indoors before first frost
• Place in a bright, frost-free area
• Reduce watering over winter
• Do not feed until spring

In spring, cut back and re-pot if needed before moving outdoors again.

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Popular Pelargonium Varieties to Consider

When looking for pelargoniums for sale, you may encounter:

• Classic red or pink zonals
• Trailing bicolour varieties
• Scented types like rose or lemon
• Mixed plug packs for mass planting
• Collector species with unusual foliage

Choosing a mix of upright, trailing and scented types adds both colour and interest to your planting scheme.

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Are Pelargoniums Worth Buying?

Yes — pelargoniums are among the most rewarding summer plants because they offer:

• Long, reliable flowering
• Wide range of colours and forms
• Easy care and feeding
• Excellent performance in mixed containers

For bold summer colour, sunny patios, or fragrant foliage, pelargoniums remain a top choice for gardeners.

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Final Thoughts: Pelargoniums for Sale

Pelargoniums are widely available from garden centres, online nurseries, and seasonal plant stalls — offering everything from classic bedding plants to scented leaf and trailing types. When choosing plants, look for healthy, compact growth and plan your planting after the last frost. With the right care, your pelargoniums will reward you with vibrant colour and foliage through summer and into autumn, making them one of the most versatile and attractive plants to grow.

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