In My Garden: Geraniums

The garden geranium is one of the most common ornamental potted plants, with over 200 varieties. The first species known to be cultivated was a native of South Africa. It was probably brought to the botanical garden in the city of Leiden in the Dutch province of South Holland before 1600 on ships which stopped at the Cape of Good Hope. In 1631 the English gardener John Tradescant the elder bought seeds from René Morin in Paris and introduced the plant to England. Other than being grown for their beauty, some species are important in the perfume industry and are cultivated and distilled for their scent.