Definition

Noun: * Fish Geranium: A common name for a specific type of upright geranium plant (Pelargonium hortorum), characterized by its scalloped (wavy-edged) leaves that often have a distinct, broad band of darker color (a "zone") inside the leaf margin, and which produces clusters of white, pink, or red flowers. It is also widely known as the "zonal geranium" or "bedding geranium."

Usage

• The term "fish geranium" is a specific horticultural name. It is used to identify this particular cultivated variety of geranium, especially noting its distinctive leaf pattern.
• It is primarily used in gardening, plant identification, and botanical contexts.

Examples

• "The garden border was filled with bright red fish geraniums."
• "For a classic summer display, many gardeners plant fish geraniums in their window boxes."
• "You can identify a fish geranium by the horseshoe-shaped zone on its rounded leaves."

Advanced Usage

• The name "fish geranium" is considered an old-fashioned or less common common name. In modern gardening, the terms "zonal geranium" or simply "geranium" (though technically ) are far more prevalent.
• The "zone" on the leaf, which gives the plant its more common name "zonal geranium," is a key identifying feature and is caused by a concentration of pigments.

Variants and Related Words

• Zonal Geranium (n): The most common modern name for the same plant ().
• Bedding Geranium (n): Another common name, referring to its widespread use in flower beds for mass color.
• Pelargonium (n): The correct botanical genus name for plants commonly called "geraniums" in gardening. True botanical species are different plants, often called "cranesbills."
• Horseshoe Geranium (n): A less common synonym, also referring to the shape of the colored leaf zone.

Synonyms

• Zonal pelargonium
• Common geranium
• Garden geranium

Notes on Meaning

• The "fish" in "fish geranium" does not relate to aquatic animals. Its origin is unclear but may be a folk name or corruption. The defining characteristic is the zonal leaf pattern, not any association with fish.

Noun

1. an upright geranium having scalloped leaves with a broad color zone inside the margin and white or pink or red flowers