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 zonale commonly known as Horseshoe Geranium or Wildemalva is a South African endemic species from the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape Provinces. The flowers of this strikingly beautiful species range from rose pink to all shades of red including pure white. Combined with its decorative rounded foliage, long flowering period and ease in cultivation, it is one of the most rewarding shrubs for the garden. This erect or scrambling softly woody shrub usually grows up to 1 m but it can reach heights of 3 m. The branches are almost succulent and are usually covered with hairs, while the older stems harden with age. The large leaves are often smooth and a characteristic dark horseshoe-shaped mark is often present. The flower colour ranges from rose-pink to all shades of red as well as pure white. The distinctly irregular flowers are borne in a typically umbel-like inflorescence. Pelargonium zonale flowers throughout the year with a peak in spring (September-November). Pelargonium zonale is a parent of many of the zonal pelargonium hybrids grown all over the world and is an integral part of any pelargonium breeding program.