| Description | ABC's of Scented Geraniums (Pelargonium) Rather easy to grow tender perennials with scented leaves. |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Perennial Tender, Site author's observations |
| Hardiness Zone | 8(9) |
| Sunlight | full, mostly sunny, as much sun as the leaves can tolerate and not burn, cooler zones probably full sun in hotter zones some shade, |
| Moisture | average, slightly dry, moist for a few |
| Soil & Site | average, well-drained |
| Growing Media | average |
| Temperature | will tolerate the cooler fall temperatures, will suffer damage from frosts |
| Flowers | borne on an inflorescence called an umbel, 2 to 50 florets per umbel, 5 petals consisting of 1-2 upper and 3 lower, often stippled with deep purple or reddish markings, common colors white, rose and lavender some reds and salmons, scents: many different scents some very strong rose, lemon, peppermint, coconut, spice |
| Fruit | looks like a cranesbill hence the common name |
| Leaves | shapes: round lobed and finely divided, colors: usually mid-green with grays and silver overtones, some yellows, texture: smooth, rough and hairy, scents: many different scents some very strong rose, lemon, peppermint, scents are located in oil glands art the base of the leaf hairs |
| Roots | fibrous |
| Dimensions | In native sites can reach 5-7 feet. Easily kept to size by pruning. |
| Maintenance | All scented Geraniums can be overwintered. Most plants will be large. Cut back the plants 50-75% and repot. Grow in a bright cool window, keep evenly moist and prune to maintain size. |
| Propagation | tip cuttings, allow cutting to callus before sticking, should be taken before the plants fallized (hardened by cold weather) |
| Native Site | most from South Africa |
| Author's Notes | Over the years I have grown, propagated and overwintered scented Geraniums. I have found most rather easy to grow. Like having a Lavender plant you can never resist rubbing the leaves to release the scent from the oils. |
| Notes & Reference | #32-The Joy of Geraniums (Helen Van Pelt Wilson), #58-Pelargoniums (Diana Miller), #89-Scented Geraniums (Becker and Brawner) |
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