Where to plant scented geraniums?
Plant scented geraniums where you will rub against them; along with a walkway or at an entrance. These are great plants for containers, filling out and spilling over the edges. Scented geraniums are especially nice in individual pots, clustered together.
What are scented geraniums and how are they used?
The leaves, flowers, and scented oils of many scented geraniums can be used as garnishes and in salads and for flavoring ice creams and desserts. Scented geraniums are easy to grow indoors and out. Origin: Pelargoniums originated in Africa; many scented geraniums are hybrids. Type of plant: Scented geraniums are tender herbaceous perennials.
How big do scented geraniums get?
Size will vary with the particular variety you are growing and the amount of pruning you do. Most scented geraniums grow between 2--3 feet tall and about 1--2 feet wide.
What zone are scented geraniums?
Zones 10 and 11Scented geraniums are usually grown as annuals, though they are perennials in USDA Hardiness Zones 10 and 11. If you don't live in one of these areas and you're loath to give up your gorgeous plants to the compost heap every year, you can bring them indoors during the winter.
Where do geraniums grow naturally?
eastern North AmericaGeranium maculatum is an herbaceous perennial native to deciduous woodlands of eastern North America, from southern Ontario south to Georgia and west to eastern Oklahoma and the eastern part of the Dakotas in zones 3 to 8.
Do scented geraniums like sun or shade?
full sunLike other garden pelargoniums, scented-leaved geraniums prefer full sun but will tolerate part shade. 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.
Are scented geraniums indoor or outdoor plants?
Scented geraniums do well indoors under the same conditions as out. Keep them in a sunny window, water regularly, and fertilize very little. Scented geranium care is so easy both indoors and out, it's a wonder every gardener doesn't own at least one. They're the perfect patio or balcony plant.
Is scented geranium edible?
A: The leaves of scented geraniums (and all parts of the plant) are safe to eat, but the leaves and flowers are most often used as scents and flavoring. Your lemon geranium is one of the most-used of the scented group, which includes nutmeg, rose, orange, peppermint, chocolate, etc.
What does geranium symbolize?
The geranium flower symbolizes happiness, good health, good wishes, and friendship. They are associated with positive emotions, with the exception of the Victorian symbolism of stupidity or foolishness.
What is the difference between a geranium and a scented geranium?
The flowers on scented geraniums are smaller than true geraniums and do not have a fragrance. Many scented geraniums add flavor to food, sugar, syrup and hot tea.
Do scented geraniums repel mosquitoes?
Citronella / Scented Geranium Scented geraniums are also a popular mosquito-repelling plant. Recommended by PlantShed, BBG, and NYBG, the favored scent seems to be lemon scented, which is reminiscent of citronella grass. The strong fragrance keeps several types of pests away.
What do you do with scented geraniums in the winter?
If you bring potted scented geraniums indoors for winter, give them a spot near a bright east or south window for best growth. Plants will become lanky inside. Trim them as needed to keep growth in check. Taking cuttings is another way to keep scented geraniums alive through winter.
How long do scented geraniums live?
They are grown as houseplants the world over, as garden annuals in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 2 through 8, and as perennials in zones 9 through 11. A common geranium can live for 40 years or longer if it is cared for properly.
Are scented geraniums winter hardy?
Grow these as houseplants in a sunny window or a sunny location outdoors during frost-free weather. Scented geraniums are hardy in zones 10 and 11 and must be moved indoors for the winter in most areas. Use a quality potting mix for indoor plantings or grow them outdoors in well-drained soil for best results.
How do you get scented geraniums to bloom?
Scented geraniums do best if exposed to around 6 hours of direct light per day. What is this? With enough sunlight, scented geraniums will bloom even indoors. Place them near a south or west facing window and they'll start blooming again.
Are geraniums indigenous to South Africa?
Commonly referred to as a geranium, Pelargoniums are indigenous to South Africa and are hardy sun-loving perennials, virtually trouble-free to grow.
Is wild geranium invasive?
Wild geranium grows in colonies. It naturalizes readily when it's happy, but it's not invasive. Plants usually grow about 18 to 24 inches tall and 12 to 18 inches wide.
Do geraniums repel mosquitoes?
Citronella / Scented Geranium Scented geraniums are also a popular mosquito-repelling plant. Recommended by PlantShed, BBG, and NYBG, the favored scent seems to be lemon scented, which is reminiscent of citronella grass. The strong fragrance keeps several types of pests away.
What is geranium farming?
Geranium is usually grown as a rainfed crop. Irrigation during dry periods increases the yield. Aftercultivation. Weedings, uprooting and burning the diseased plants throughout the life cycle of the plant. From the second year onwards give a deep soil forking around the plants to improve the growth of more suckers.
How tall does a Spanish lavender plant grow?
Spanish lavender-scented geranium. Pelargonium cucullatum is a shrubby plant that can grow up to 6 feet tall in the wild, but in cultivation it is more likely to grow 12-24 inches tall and wide. It is also known as hooded-leaf geranium because its hairy leaves are cupped upward, resembling a hooded cloak.
How big does a coconut scented geranium get?
The plant grows as a spreading groundcover, reaching 6-12 inches tall and 12-18 inches wide. In California it has escaped cultivation to become a weed.
What is a Pelargonium graveolens?
Pelargonium graveolens is also called velvet rose and sweet-scented geranium. The deeply lobed hairy leaves have a strong scent of roses. They are sometimes used for commercial production of geranium oil, a substitute for attar of roses in perfume production. Flowers are small and pinkish-white. Plants may grow 1-3 feet tall and wide. Zones 9-11
What is a Pelargonium shrub?
Pelargonium scabrum is a shrubby plant with hairy lobed leaves that have a sweet, fruity scent. It bears pink to white flowers from early spring to summer and grows 12-24 inches tall and wide. Zones 9–11
How tall does Pelargonium tomentosum grow?
As leaves mature, the brownish coloration fades. The plant develops pale lavender flowers and grows 1-3 feet tall and wide. Zones 9-11
What is Pelargonium Denticulatum?
This cultivar of Pelargonium denticulatum ('Filicifolium') is known by several common names, including fernleaf, toothleaf, and pine-scented geranium. It has finely divided leaves with toothed edges and a strong piney fragrance. Small pinkish-purple flowers develop above the lacy foliage. It grows 18-36 inches tall and 12-24 inches wide. Zones 9-11
What is a scented geranium?
Scented Geranium. These plants have been favorites of herb and indoor gardeners since Victorian times. With fragrances of fruits, flowers, spices, or even chocolate, scented geraniums delight the senses. Brush against the leaves to release their strong aroma. Their tactile leaves can be fuzzy or smooth, and they come in a wide range ...
How many varieties of geraniums are there?
From those original African plants, horticulturalists have developed the wide variety of scented geranium plants we enjoy today. There are now over a hundred varieties with different shaped and textured leaves, flower colors, and aromas.
What is a scented geranium?
Image by nicksus. Scented geranium plants are a sensual delight in any home or garden. Their varied and textured leaves, the bright colors of their flowers, the scented oils they produce, and the flavor they can add to food and drinks appeal to all five of our senses.
What color are geranium leaves?
Leaves of the scented geranium run the gamut from smoothly rounded to finely cut and lacy and from grey-green to dark. Their tiny flowers range from white to shades of lilac and pink to red, often combining colors.
Where did geraniums originate?
It’s an added bonus that they are so easy to grow! Scented geraniums were originally found in Africa and brought back to Holland by early explorers. From Holland, the popular houseplant migrated to England in the 1600s.
Can geraniums be planted in containers?
Whether in containers or in the ground, grow scented geraniums where they will be touched as the leaves need to be brushed or crushed to release the aromatic oils. Before the first frost of fall, dig up your plants to bring indoors or take cuttings for winter growing.
Is a scented geranium perennial?
Like their fellow hothouse cousins, scented geranium plants are not true geraniums at all, but members of the Pelargonium genus and are considered to be tender perennials. They are treated as annuals throughout most of Europe and the United States and their beauty is appreciated all over the world.
Can you grow geraniums from cuttings?
Don’t throw those trimmings away, though. You can easily grow scented geranium from cuttings to replace older plants or to give as gifts to friends. You might want to line a sidewalk or path with plants grown from your cuttings. Whether in containers or in the ground, grow scented geraniums where they will be touched as the leaves need to be brushed or crushed to release the aromatic oils.
What color are a sage's leaves?
Though usually tiny, the flowers are pretty and range in color from white and pink to lavender and purple.
What was the name of the plant that was used as a substitute for rose oil?
In the early 1800’s, large quantities of rose geraniums were grown as a substitute for expensive rose oils. Victorian gardeners loved these plants but their popularity waned when their cousin, the zonal geranium—with its big showy blossoms—became all the rage.
What is a rose geranium?
Rose scented geraniums are uplifting and is sometimes used for banishing anxiety and depression. The multitude of fragrances are grouped into 6 classes— rose, lemon, fruit, pungent, mint, and spice. Pungent varieties have the largest flowers.
Where do geraniums grow?
Scented geraniums are native to South Africa, where they grow in size from low trailing plants to 5 foot tall shrubs. Plant hunters brought them to England in 1632 where they were an instant hit in those pre-air-freshener days. By the 1790’s, they were highly fashionable and widely grown in Europe and America.
Where is the fragrance of a leaf?
Their fragrance is contained in small beads of oil located at the base of the tiny leaf hairs. Crushing a leaf breaks the beads and releases the scent. Some leaves need only be brushed to produce fragrance.
Who is Robin Sweetser?
Get inspired by Robin Sweetser’s backyard gardening tips and tricks. Robin has been a contributor to The Old Farmer’s Almanac and the All-Seasons Garden Guide for many years. She and her partner Tom have a small greenhouse business and also sell plants, cut flowers, and vegetables at their local Farmer’s Market.
What is a chocolate mint?
quercifolium and P. tomentosum, ‘Chocolate Mint’ is a scented geranium with an intense minty scent to both the leaves and the pale lavender flowers. You’ll sometimes see the plant called ‘Chocolate Peppermint,’ as well.
What is a scented geranium?
Also called rose geraniums, sweet geraniums, or old fashioned rose geranium, scented geraniums are beautiful evergreen plants that all have various unique scents to their leaves and blossoms.
How big does a chocolate splotch grow?
Once the plant flowers, the chocolate splotch fades. Growing two feet tall and 18 inches wide, this plant is hardy in Zones 10 and 11. It has large leaves and each grows up to four inches across.The flowers are white and quite petite, so this isn’t one to select for its flowers.
How to encourage bushier foliage?
Pinch back the plants as they grow to encourage bushier foliage and deadhead regularly to encourage more blossoms.
Why do I like to amend my soil?
As a general rule, I like to amend the soil with a bit of well-rotted compost because it creates a good base and provides nutrients for new plants.
How to plant a sage plant in the spring?
In the spring, put them in potting soil in a container, harden them off, and plant them as described under the section above on transplanting seedlings. If you prefer to enjoy your plants during the winter, you can dig them up and pot them inside.
What does it mean when a plant has brown spots?
When one of these types of fungi attacks, the leaves on the plant might look like they have brown, water-soaked spots. Eventually, these spots will become surrounded by yellowing tissue.
How to grow geraniums indoors?
Winter growing: Grow scented geraniums indoors in winter like you would other herbs. Place plants in a bright window or under fluorescent lights. Keep the soil just moist but littler fertilizer is needed.
How to care for a geranium that is leggy?
Scented geraniums are light feeders; too much nitrogen will cause the plants to be less fragrant. Care: Pinch out faded blooms to encourage new flowers. Scented geranium can become leggy especially indoors or in too much shade. Pinch back growing tips regularly to keep plants compact and bushy.
What is a scented geranium?
Scented geraniums are colorful tender perennial herbs with a variety of aromas. The scent of these flowering herbs includes rose, peppermint, lemon, nutmeg, apple, and chocolate. Scented geraniums are not true garden geraniums like their common name infers; they are pelargoniums, mostly hybrids created for their bright colors, beauty, and fragrance.
What is the pH of geraniums?
Scented geraniums prefer a slightly acidic soil pH of about 6.0 to 6.8. Seed starting indoors: Scented geraniums are hybrid plants most commonly grown from cuttings. Start cuttings at any time during the year indoors under fluorescent lights in well-drained potting mix.
What is geranium used for?
Leaves and flowers: Scented geranium leaves can be used to flavor teas, jellies, preserves, syrups, butter, sorbets, and baked goods. When cooked, remove the leaves before serving.
How many petals does a geranium have?
Flowers: Scented geraniums have five-petal flowers—two larger upper petals and three smaller lower petals–that grow in clusters atop branching stems. The flowers range in color from white to shades of lilac and pink to red, often combining colors. Bloom time: Late spring and summer.
Where did scented geraniums originate?
Origin: Pelargoniums originated in Africa; many scented geraniums are hybrids. Type of plant: Scented geraniums are tender herbaceous perennials. Growing season: Summer. Growing zones: Most scented geranium varieties are hardy only in Zones 9 to 11, but they can easily be overwintered as houseplants, or grown as annuals.
What is a scented geranium?
Scented geranium plants are a sensual delight in any home or garden. Read the following article to get tips on growing scented geranium plants so you can take advantage of all they have to offer.
What is the attar of roses?
Scented attar of roses, extracted from the blooms of roses, was highly desired and very expensive during the Victorian era. Thus, geranium attar of rose became an inexpensive substitute. Learn more about this plant in the following article.
Can you multiply geraniums?
If you love scented geraniums, you can easily multiply your plants by rooting Pelargonium cuttings. Learn how in this article.
Can mosquito plants be pruned?
Although not as effective as commercially prepared repellents, the mosquito plant is a popular choice for backyard gardens. While this is just one aspect of growing these plants, pruning mosquito geraniums is another. Learn more in this article.
How much light do geraniums need?
All authorities seem to agree that scented geraniums like moderate temperatures (55° to 70°F is ideal) and plenty of light, although heavily blossoming ones like Clorinda and Mrs. Taylor need direct sunlight.
How many varieties of geranium are there?
Altogether there are some 80 varieties available, yet at one time there were more than 250. The original herbs were introduced to Europe from South Africa in the early 1600's and attracted so much attention that by 1652 the Dutch East India Company had established a brisk trade in the plants. Specimens were sent to Holland, where they were multiplied and hybridized. By the 1700's they were being grown in quantity for the perfume industry, and with the discovery that the Pelargonium capitatum— known as Attar of Roses—could serve as a substitute or adulterant for the costly true rose attar, extensive plantations of scented geraniums were established by British landowners in Kenya. (This will give some idea of just how extensive these plantations needed to be: It takes one ton of green material to produce a mere two and a half pounds of essence by the process of distillation!) In the 1800's the Victorians cultivated them widely as ornamentals and used them in a number of folk remedies. Compresses or head baths of scented geranium vinegar, for example, were reputed to cure headaches ... a remedy that doesn't seem to have survived the Victorian era.
What is a scented geranium?
While the garden geranium is well-known for its bright flowers and occasionally variegated leaves, scented geraniums are noted for their aromatic foliage that—after centuries of hybridization—comes in a wide assortment of fragrances.
Why were geraniums banned?
With the advent of World War I and its concomitant fuel shortages, greenhouse production of ornamental plants was banned. As a result, propagation of scented geraniums fell into a decline, and many hybrids were lost. It wasn't until after World War II that interest in them was rekindled and it's going strong today.
What is the name of the plant that was grown in the 1700s?
By the 1700's they were being grown in quantity for the perfume industry, and with the discovery that the Pelargonium capitatum — known as Attar of Roses—could serve as a substitute or adulterant for the costly true rose attar, extensive plantations of scented geraniums were established by British landowners in Kenya.
What was used to treat headaches in the 1800s?
In the 1800's the Victorians cultivated them widely as ornamentals and used them in a number of folk remedies. Compresses or head baths of scented geranium vinegar, for example, were reputed to cure headaches ... a remedy that doesn't seem to have survived the Victorian era.
How many categories of pelargoniums are there?
Fragrant pelargoniums are divided into six or seven major categories (depending on which authority you follow) according to their predominant scents and growth habits. Here are the seven groups and some of their best-known varieties:
What is the fragrance of lime pink champagne?
Hot pink flowers and a citrusy fragrance make 'Lime Pink Champagne' a standout.
What does a pelargonium smell like?
Spicy pelargoniums smell of peppermint, cinnamon, anise, nutmeg or pine. Rose-scented geranium leaves can be used to flavor cakes and other foods, as long as the leaves have never been grown or treated with chemicals.
What are the cousins of geraniums?
Pelargoniums, cousins of common garden geraniums, add delightful fragrance to your home and garden.
When did geraniums start growing?
Scented geraniums are in the genus Pelargonium, and they’ve been around since the 1600s , when Dutch sailors discovered them growing wild in South Africa and brought them home to their gardens. By the late 1700s, the plants were on the move again, becoming fashionable in America and Europe.
Can geraniums be in the sun?
Scented geraniums prefer full sun, but they may need protection from the hot afternoon sun, especially in Southern climates. Before the temperatures drop to freezing, take cuttings or bring your potted plants indoors for the winter. Give them a brightly lit exposure, or they may stretch toward the light and start to look leggy. Fertilize very little, if at all, until spring, and then feed lightly. Feeding too heavily can also cause legginess.
Why are sage bushes so popular?
They were popular because they were , and still are, easy and fun to grow, but over the years, their soft colors and typically small flowers were overshadowed by modern hybrids with big, bold blooms.
Can geraniums grow in containers?
Scented geraniums tolerate dry soil and many are excellent for growing in containers. When you water, drench the plant thoroughly and drain away any excess water. Then let the soil dry out slightly before you water again. The plants don’t like wet feet, so use a planting medium that drains easily.
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Uses
- Like their fellow hothouse cousins, scented geranium plants at not true geraniums at all, but members of the Pelargonium genus and are considered to be tender perennials. They are treated as annuals throughout most of Europe and the United States and their beauty is appreciated all over the world. Its an added bonus that they are so easy to grow!
Origins
- Scented geranium was originally found in Africa and brought back to Holland by early explorers. From Holland, the popular houseplant migrated to England in the 1600s. They were particularly favored during the Victorian era when the fragrant leaves were added to fingerbowls for guests to rinse their hands between courses at dinner.
Varieties
- From those original African plants, horticulturalists have developed the wide variety of scented geranium plants we enjoy today. There are now over a hundred varieties with different shaped and textured leaves, flower colors and aromas. If youre familiar with growing scented geraniums, you know that the varieties are first categorized by their scent. Mint, rose, citrus and chocolate y…
Culture
- Scented geranium care is pretty basic. You can grow them in pots, indoors or out, or in the ground. They prefer lots of sun, but may need some protection when the sun is at its strongest. They arent fussy about soil type though they dont like wet feet.
Prevention
- Before the first frost of fall, dig up your plants to bring indoors or take cuttings for winter growing. Scented geraniums do well indoors under the same conditions as out. Keep them in a sunny window, water regularly and fertilize very little.
Quotes
- Scented geranium care is so easy both indoors and out, its a wonder every gardener doesnt own at least one. Theyre the perfect patio or balcony plant. Not only do they offer fragrant leaves, lovely flowers and exquisite scent; theyre edible! The leaves can be used to flavor teas, jellies, or baked goods and the aroma therapy is free for the taking. So never mind the roses. Stop and s…