Pelargonium is a genus of flowering plants which includes about 200 species of perennials, succulents, and shrubs, commonly known as geraniums or storksbills. Confusingly, Geranium is the correct botanical name of a separate genus of related plants often called Cranesbills. Both genera are in the Family Geraniaceae. They are drought and heat tolerant, but can tolerate only minor frosts. Some species are extremely popular garden plants, grown as bedding plants in temperate regions.

Pelargonium cordifolium, commonly known as Heart-leaved Pelargonium, is a spreading, branched aromatic shrub, reaching a height of more than 1.5 metres. This attractive pelargonium flowers from June to January with a peak in September (spring). The flowers are borne in a branched inflorescence terminating in several (4-8) flowered umbel-like groups. The two upper petals of the flower are much larger than the three lower ones. The upper petals are usually pink or purple with darker purple veins. The lower petals are lighter in colour. The main stem of Pelargonium cordifolium is woody at the base, while the side branches are herbaceous and covered with hairs of variable density. It has beautiful foliage.