Scented-leaved geraniums (Pelargonium spp.)
have glands at the base of their leaf hairs where the scented oil is formed.
Crushing the leavesor in some cases merely touching themreleases the oil and the scent.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
In very warm climates, some afternoon shade may be beneficial.
Shadier conditions may produce leggy plants that require frequent pinching back to keep the plants full.
Soil
Soil should be well-draining, but not too rich.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Water
Scented geraniums are drought tolerant and don’t like sitting in wet soil.
Water when the soil feels dry about an inch below the surface.
Geraniums also do well in very dry climates.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Fertilizer
Go easy on the fertilizer.
Potted plants will need more fertilizer than plants in the ground, however.
Do not fertilize at all during the winter.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Pruning
Occasional pinchingand light pruning will make your scented geranium plants more full and bushy.
Spring is the best time to prune because this will give the plants time to set buds and flowers.
But large plants can handle some cutting back during any season.
Spentflowers should be deadheadedto stimulate new flower buds.
Small plants are often available in the herb section of nurseries and are usually affordable.
you could also easily take root cuttings and make more plants.
If necessary, thin the seedlings so each has a clear area around it.
Scented-leaved geraniums are generally purchased as small nursery plants but grow quite quickly.
Plant them in containers filled with a peat-based potting mix.
They make lovely additions to a hanging basket or grow several varieties in one large container.
you’re able to also grow each plant in its own separate pot.
Whatever you choose, geraniums prefer slightly acidic soil.
Full sun generally provides the best flowering, but they will tolerate part shade.
As a general rule, an 8-inch pot is a good size for an average-sized scented-leaf geranium.
If you try this, be sure the plant gets plenty ofbright light.
It may get leggy in too much shade.
If that happens, you’ve got the option to prune lightly to create a bushier plant.
Trim back the plants by one-half and water deeply before storing them.
Through the winter, water lightly every so often to prevent the soil from completely drying out.
In the spring, bring the potted plants back outside and water deeply.
But don’t be surprised if some plants fail to return from dormancy.
While grown primarily for their fragrance, scented-leaved geraniums do produce pretty flowers in late spring through the summer.
To get these plants to bloom, give them 4-6 hours of sunlight facing West or South.
A warm climate will produce plenty of blooms.
Bloom Months
Scented-leave geraniums typically bloom in late spring to early summer and can last until fall.
What Do Scented-Leaved Geranium’s Flowers Look and Smell Like?
Simply brush them away or wash them away with water or insecticidal soap.
Once infected, the geraniums can not be salvaged and must be replaced.
This is usually brought on by insufficient sunlight.
In the hottest areas, morning sun is best to prevent scorch.
Scented-leaved geraniums are somewhat drought tolerant and prefer to go a bit dry between waterings.
Although these plants can live for years in their native South Africa, they rarely survive that long elsewhere.
However, in cold winter climates, the plant will die once frost sets in.
Most gardeners treat these plants as annuals.
Many varieties have a trailing habit and look wonderful spilling over the edge of ahanging basket.
This creates a veryfragrant potpourrithat can be used to fill sachets or displayed in a bowl.
North Carolina State University Extension.
American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
