Zonal pelargonium

Pelargonium × hybridum (L.) L'Hér.

Pet & Human Safety

People: Toxic to people (low severity)Pets: Toxic to pets

Hazardous parts

Leaves, Flowers

Preparation

Not applicable; this is an ornamental plant.

Hazard type

NC State rates it low-severity poison (leaves; geraniol and linalool). Eating a quantity can cause vomiting and anorexia, and larger exposures can cause ataxia, weakness, depression or low body temperature; NC State says cats are most sensitive. Contact (allergic) dermatitis is mild.

Hazard route

ingestion and skin

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

Pet verdict: ASPCA's page covers the whole genus, not this species alone.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Look-alike warning

Could be mistaken for Other plants with a similar name or look. To tell them apart: Match on the scientific name, Pelargonium x hybridum, not on the common name.. Bedding geranium is Pelargonium; hardy geranium / cranesbill (Geranium) is a different genus.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: Not checked yet
Light: Full sun, 6 or more hours of direct sun a day; in insufficient light plants get leggy and bloom poorly (NC State Extension).
Water needs: low
Where it comes from: Parent species (Pelargonium zonale and P. inquinans) are native to the Cape region of South Africa; the hybrid itself was bred in the late 18th century (NC State Extension).

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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