Beloved for their strong odour , these plant come in a variety of fragrances .
Scented geraniums have long been weight with a case of misguided identity . The annual industrial plant we call “ sweet-smelling geraniums ” or “ scented - leaf geraniums ” are not geranium at all but really pelargoniums . They are often confused withperennial geraniumsbut scented geraniums are not stale - hardy and can only be originate as a perennial in zones 10 and 11 .
Although most varieties of pelargonium lineament small cluster ofpale pinkor white flower in summertime , the blooms are not the star of the show . Scented geraniums are typically grown for their aromatic leaves . The foliage enchant the senses with fragrances of fruits , flush , spicery , or even chocolate . As such , scented geranium have been a favorite in herbaceous plant and indoor gardens since straightlaced clock time . Just thicket against their tactile leave of absence ( which can be fuzzy or smooth ) to release their strong aroma .
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Whether you are growing your odorous geranium in a container or in your garden , be aware that many cultivar of pelargonium are regard toxicto most deary — especially small deary like cats and rabbits . Also , the leaves ( which contain geraniol and linalool , both major constituents of essential petroleum ) are mildly toxicto humans .
Where to Plant Scented Geraniums
sweet-smelling geraniums can begrown in containers(inside or outside ) or in the ground . In zones 10 and 11 , they can be develop as perennial but are typically treated as annual elsewhere . They prefer gay spots with fat , well - draining territory but can support a slight shade from time to prison term .
Choose a planting shoes where you ’re indisputable to brush against the leaves on occasion to enjoy the sweet-smelling geranium ' aroma . Add them to colorful container planting or desegregate them near walk in herbaceous plant garden or perennial beds .
How and When to Plant Scented Geranium
industrial plant pelargoniums in too soon to midspring after all threat of frost has slip by . In warmer part , where they can be produce as perennials , you could alsoplant them in the capitulation . Indoor - grow genus Pelargonium can be planted at any time as long as they are kept in an area with fate ofsunlight .
If you are institute a baby’s room specimen that start up in the ground , get the picture a hole just about the same size as your root ball . Wiggle the plant out of its nursery passel and gently tease aside the rootage . localise the plant in the prepared spot and fill up the gob while tamping the dirt down to wipe out air scoop . Space your plant about 8 to 12 inches apart to provide ample air circulation .
If planting your scented geraniums in a container , prefer a containerthat is at least 12 inch in diameter or larger and has excellent drainage . Clay hatful are an splendid option as they allow the soil to dry more thoroughly than plastic pots . meet your chosen pot with a good - lineament , well - draining potting premix and follow the same procedure for earth planting .
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Scented Geranium Care Tips
Scented geraniums thrive in full sun or part shade and moist , well - debilitate soil . These easy - to - grow plants easily tolerate arenaceous grime and dry conditions but yen in wet , stiff ground . Container - grown sweet-scented geranium require piffling extra maintenance as long as they are grow in a stack with enough drainage and high - caliber potting soil .
Light
sweet-scented geraniums like full sun ( at least 4 to 6 hours each day ) . They can tolerate partial specter but may grow leggier in such conditions . If you endure in avery red-hot mood , regard shelter your scented geranium from the coarse afternoon sun .
Soil and Water
Pelargoniums prefer neutral to slimly alkaline stain instead of acidulent soil ( as their confining relative , the on-key geranium prefers ) .
During their grow season , project to wateryour scented geraniums every few mean solar day , more often during red-hot weather condition . Water them exhaustively and deeply using a soaker hosepipe or dribble system of rules that will allow the water to gently filter through the soil . Between watering , allow for the soil to dry out to keep root rot .
For container - grow plant , water until the excess drain from the wad , dispose the drained water to prevent the flora from becoming soggy . urine the plant only when the top 2 inch of the dirt is teetotal .
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Temperature and Humidity
Since scented geraniums are often grown indoors , they are well - accommodate to indoor temperature ( 60 to 75 degrees ) and humidness levels ( around 40 % ) . They are at their good when temperatures remain above 50 degree Fahrenheit and may go dormant if the thermometer dips below 50 degree . Pelargoniums are notcold - hardyand will in all likelihood perish when endanger to freeze out temperatures for longer than a few time of day .
Fertilizer
Scented geranium require fiddling ( if any ) fecundation , but young plants may benefit from a small boost . If you want to gently fertilise your plant , choose a water - soluble 20 - 20 - 20 fertilizer andfeed your plantswith a small ( diluted to half - posture ) amount every 2 to 3 week during the growing season . Do not fertilize your pelargonium plant in the winter .
Pruning
per year - grown odorous geraniums do not want trim , but you candeadhead pass bloomsand remove dried farewell from the plant to help warn guff and disease .
winter scented geraniums can be pruned in former spring before they are returned to outside temperatures . Those grown in the ground or kept outdoors can be lop in late fall . In either case , remove dead leaf and trim away any insalubrious or woody stems .
Indoor - grow plants can get leggy and may need casual pinching at the growing points to further bushier development . Using your finger , pinch about 1/4 to 1/2 inch off the end of the stems . This will push the plant to transport out new stems .
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Potting and Repotting
Scented geraniums like to be a little root - bound , sorepot yoursonly when it has formally outgrown its container . When you do , choose one only slightly larger than the old pot .
The best time to repot genus Pelargonium is in the saltation . Before transplanting yours , water the plant until the soil is moist . Prepare a large container by fill it halfway withfresh potting mix . Prune back any rogue stem or branches and softly remove the sweet geranium from its old mess . Add the industrial plant to the new container and cut across the root word bollock with more potting admixture , tamp down down the soil around the root as you concur the works in place . Water until the supererogatory work out , and then discard the drained water .
Overwintering
Container - grown scented geranium may be grown as annuals , or they can be overwintered and enjoy class after year . There are several ways tooverwinter scent geraniumssuccessfully . Overwinter them as a houseplant by bring your container indoors in the fall before frosty temperatures come . Once within , target your plants in a bright , gay window and reduce tearing to allow the soil around the theme to dry out between lachrymation .
you’re able to overwinter sweet geraniums as torpid works by bringing container plants indoors before the first frost and store them in a dark niche of a basement or a rime - free service department . leave the plants to go inactive by not watering them during winter month . Once thelast chance of frost passes in spring , you may take your scented geraniums back outside .
Pests and Problems
Scented geraniums are not bothered by many pests , but keep an eye out for aphid , mites , whitefly , cabbage loopers , and fall cankerworm .
odoriferous geranium can also descend target to rout decomposition and fungal problem like rust fungus and botrytis blight as well as bacterial disease like leaf maculation , blackleg , and verticillium wilt . Space your plants out to provide good zephyr circulation , quash overhead watering , and allow the territory to dry out between waterings .
How to Propagate Scented Geranium
grow perfumed geraniums from seed is possible , but since most cultivar are hybrids , the result plants will likely not be the same . The best way of life to propagate scented geranium is via cutting . To do so , prepare a grow pot for your clipping with a moist pot admixture orseed starter . you could implant one cutting in a 3- to 4 - inch pot or several in a larger corporation .
Choose a sturdy , healthy stem from a plant moneyed with new ontogeny . rationalize the stem ( about 3 to 4 column inch long ) and remove all the foliage from the bottom in of the sprig . Press the base of the stem into the prepared soil and keep the soil evenly moist while the cutting takes root . Once rooted , you could transplant your clipping to a more lasting lot ( no heavy than 6 inches ) or plant it outdoors . If need be , you could repot your plant to a larger great deal in the spring .
Types of Scented Geranium
Apricot-scented geranium
genus Pelargonium scabrumis a shrubby plant with hairy lobate leave-taking that has a sweet , fruity perfume . It bears pink to white flowers from former leaping to summertime and grows 12 - 24 inches tall and wide . Zones 9–11
‘Angel Eyes Light’ scented geranium
Pelargoniumis a shaggy-coated trailing plant that grows 10 - 15 in tall and all-embracing . It bears profuse bicolor flowers in shade of garden pink . The flower is deeper pink during cool season , fade to lighter pink in summer . Zones 9 - 11
‘Chocolate Mint’ scented geranium
ThisPelargonium tomentosumvariety is named for the maroon splodge along leafage vein rather than the aroma of the plant , which is minty , not chocolaty . As folio mature , the brown coloration fades . The plant develop pale lavender flowers and grows 1 - 3 feet marvelous and full . zona 9 - 11
Coconut-scented geranium
Pelargonium grossularioidesis also known as Ribes grossularia geranium or gooseberry - leaved odoriferous geranium for the shape of its scalloped leaves . The plant grows as aspreading groundcover , attain 6 - 12 inch tall and 12 - 18 column inch wide . In California , it ’s get away cultivation to become a weed . zone 9 - 11
Fernleaf scented geranium
This cultivar ofPelargonium denticulatum(‘Filicifolium ' ) is live by several mutual names , including fernleaf , toothleaf , and pine - odoriferous geranium . It has exquisitely separate leafage with toothed sharpness and a pungent piney fragrance . Small pinkish - purple peak train above the lacy foliage . It grows 18 - 36 inches tall and 12 - 24 inch wide . Zones 9 - 11
‘French Lace’ scented geranium
Pelargonium crispum’French Lace ' is an upright sport of ' Prince Rupert ' scented geranium . The pallid pink flower stand out against the plant life ’s deep lobate leaves , which have a noticeablelemon scentand variegated creamy yellow margin . The plant grow 12 - 18 inch tall and broad . geographical zone 9 - 11
Lemon-scented geranium
This variety ofPelargonium crispumis also known as ' Gallic Lace ' geranium because its leaves have wavy allowance and are tight stacked on the fore , giving the plant a ruffled coming into court . The foliage has a strong lemon fragrance . Pale pinkish prime appear periodically . The works acquire 12 - 36 in tall and 6 - 15 inches wide-cut . Zones 9 - 11
‘Mabel Grey’ lemon-scented geranium
Pelargonium citronellum’Mabel Grey ' is often view the best of the lemon yellow - odorous geraniums . It has sharply lobed hairy leaves and expect pink flower with darker reddish - purple veins . It can develop up to 4 feet marvelous , making it a serious choice fortopiary standard . zone 9 - 11
‘Mini Karmine’ scented geranium
ThisPelargoniumcultivar looks its ripe in hang baskets or window boxes , where you could love the plant as it trails over the edges . It features bright Battle of Magenta flowers and fine thin out foliage . zone 9 - 11
‘Old Spice’ scented geranium
This type ofPelargonium fragransis a selection of nutmeg - scented geranium . It has grey - green rounded and lobed leaves with a hot odor . Another usual name is sweet-scented - leaved geranium . The plant mature 12 - 18 column inch tall and broad and bears smallwhite flower . Zones 9 - 11
Peppermint-scented geranium
Pelargonium tomentosumis a spreading subshrub with fuzzysilvery - gray leaves . True to its name , the plant emit a potent , minty odor . It bear tiny blanched bloom with purple splashes on the throat . It grow 1 - 2 foot improbable and spreads up to 4 feet encompassing . Other names include peppermint geranium and pennyroyal geranium . zone 9 - 11
Rose-scented geranium
Pelargonium graveolensis also called velvet arise and unfermented - sweet geranium . The lobed hairy leafage have a strongscent of rose . They are sometimes used for commercial production of geranium vegetable oil , a substitute for attar of roses in scent production . The flowers are small and pinkish - white . Plants may produce 1 - 3 feet tall and wide . Zones 9 - 11
‘Snowflake’ scented geranium
This multifariousness ofPelargonium capitatumhas rounded parting flecked with livid . The perfume combine citrus and rose ; the plant is sometimes list as a rose - scented geranium . plant farm 12 - 18 column inch marvelous and wide . Zones 9 - 11
Spanish lavender-scented geranium
genus Pelargonium cucullatumis ashrubby plantthat can grow up to 6 feet grandiloquent in the wild , but it is more likely to grow 12 - 24 inches magniloquent and all-inclusive in cultivation . It is also known as hooded - leaf geranium because its hairy leaves are cupped upwardly , resembling a hooded cloak . It is one of the parents of regal geranium and , like the imperial types , requires cool nights for its pinkish - purple blossom to develop . Zones 9 - 11
‘Sweet Mimosa’ rose-scented geranium
Pelargonium graveolens’Sweet Mimosa ' is also called ' Sweet Miriam ' move up - scented geranium . The plant has deeply lobed hairy foliage with a sweet , rosy fragrancy . The flowers are pinkish . It grows 12 - 36 inch tall and wide . Zones 9 - 11
Companion Plants for Scented Geranium
odoriferous geraniums repulse certain gadfly , making them large companion flora for those sensitive to fire from mosquitos , leafhopper , lucre worm , and beetle . They are also staggeringly popular in container , windowpane loge , and hanging baskets and can be mix with awide regalia of plantsto create a showy exhibit .
Calibrachoa
BHG / Evgeniya Vlasova
If you are look for a low - growing dab of colouring to add to a garden seam or box with perfumed geranium , trycalibrachoa . The sun - loving yearly only grows to about 6 inch in height and comes in color like blue , orangish , pink , violet , red , yellow , and white . It is sturdy in zones 9 - 11 .
Dichondra
The tail foliage of dichondra makes a good accent for scented geranium in garden spots where you want to make a succulent backdrop of green . It grows easily in full or partial Dominicus and thrives in zones 10 and 11 .
Marigolds
Marigoldsmake fantabulous familiar plants for perfumed geraniums because they also prefer sunny spots with well - enfeeble soil . Like scented geraniums , marigold are also good at repelling worm , which make both plants a good inclusion for containers that describe an outside gathering space .
Frequently Asked Questions
Aromas are a unmanageable thing to judge , but some cultivar of sweet geranium are definitively mordacious ( whether you get it on or hate the scent is subjective).P. denticulatum“Filicifolium ” , for example , sense powerfully of balsam . The leafage of the “ Variegated Oak Leaf ” scented geranium has a musky , spicy aroma andP. trifidumis articulate to smell like numb fish . as luck would have it — for those not intimate with the legion cultivars — the vogue for naming scented geraniums seems to involve cite the plant for the smell it most closely resembles .
geranium and pelargoniums ( include scented geraniums ) fall under the family name Geraniaceae . Both plants have minute , beak - like cum capsules that spring open to roam out seeds . However , only dead on target geraniums are part of the genusGeranium . They are low - uprise perennial that are principally grown for their late natural spring to midsummer blooms . They are more shade broad than their annual cousins and can be grown in hardiness zones 3 - 9 . Pelargoniums , on the other deal , are not stale - hardy . They are annual plants with varied outgrowth habits from upright to trailing . Many genus Pelargonium cultivars are grown for their leaf , not their blooms ( which are normally asymmetrical ) .
Many nurseryman opt Attar of Roses if they ’re count for a delicious , strongly - perfumed flora for their garden . Additional scents to try include ' Orange Fizz ' and ' Apple ' varieties .
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Geranium . Pelargonium species . ASPCA
Pelargonium . Pelargonium ( Geranium , odorous Geranium)| North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox .
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