March's Flower of the Month

Scented Geraniums

(Pelargonium spp.)

Few plants in the garden have given me as much pleasure as scented geraniums. I should have known when I first discovered this fragrant group of plants that one would not be enough. With more than 75 species and hybrids of these South African natives available, finding a few to suit my fancy was a given. 

Scented geraniums are not grown for their flowers. Although they bloom during the spring and their delicate flowers are lovely, they are not the reason for their popularity. Foliage of the scenteds, as they are frequently called, is their main drawing card. Generally the fragrance can be grouped into rose, peppermint, lemon, spice, or pungent scents. Within these groups, fragrances include variations on mint, apricot, apple, strawberry, lavender, lemon, rose, nutmeg, and coconut. Sizes and textures of the leaves vary widely. Some are large and may be shiny, velvety, smooth or crinkly. Others are small and delicate. Shape ranges from deeply cut to gently lobed. Some are plain green while others have white or cream variegation. 

Do not confuse the scenteds with the brightly colored geraniums grown for their blooms (Pelargonium x hortorum). Those with brightly colored flowers are not very pleasantly scented. They grow best when night temperatures range between 60 to 65 degrees F and day temperatures do not exceed 85 degrees. Preference for these conditions severely limits their use in our area. Neither should they be confused with the native Geranium genus commonly known as cranesbills or wild geraniums.  

For optimum growth, plant scenteds in good soil that is well drained. Lightly feed with a balanced fertilizer. Prune throughout the growing season to keep plants compact and give plenty of material for rooted cuttings or other uses. 

Many of my friends prefer to grow their scenteds in containers that can be brought in during the winter. Generally they tolerate temperatures in the upper 30s without severe damage. Although I plant mine in the garden, I always take cuttings of my favorites. Hardy in Zones 10 and 11, these tender perennials are usually treated as annuals or protected during the winter in most of the Coastal South.

Foliage of the scenteds has many uses around the house. Usually the flavor matches their fragrance, and they are used in ice cream, herbal butter, jelly, and iced tea. Rose geranium pound cake is a classic dessert. Lemon-scented varieties are popular in finger bowls. Any extra leaves are simply tossed into the potpourri bowl where they retain their fragrance for a long time. 

Propagation is easy from cuttings. It took me a while to learn that the cut end needs to cure in the open air for six to eight hours before they are placed in the rooting medium. Sometimes I take cuttings, lay them out on the potting bench, and let them stay until the next day. They look all wilted and hopeless, but I’m not fooled by their pouting pose. Stuck in moist, freely draining medium, and they will perk up and root in three to four weeks.

I am constantly on the lookout for a scented geranium that I don’t already have. I guess I’ve become addicted – again.