Pelargonium graveolens

The Pelargonium graveolens, also known as strongly scented geranium, is a highly fragrant botanical species, forming a beautiful evergreen shrub covered in soft and velvety leaves that release a pleasant aroma when touched. Its initially balsamic and menthol scent evolves throughout the season, to become reminiscent of the fragrance of roses during flowering. It blooms from June to September, producing small candy pink flowers with garnet red markings, clustered in small umbels. It is the origin of numerous hybrids known as Geranium Rosat, widely used in perfumery for their rose-scented essential oil. This pelargonium grows rapidly in light and fertile soils, in full sun. It should be protected from frost during winter.

Native to two separate regions in South Africa, as well as Zimbabwe and Mozambique, where the climate is characterised by hot and humid summers and mild winters, Pelargonium graveolens is a perennial shrub belonging to the geranium family. In the wild, the plant thrives in mountainous areas, particularly in moist ravines. Its bushy habit is supported by hairy stems that lignify over time, allowing the plant to reach 50 to 60 cm (20 to 24in) in all directions (or even more). Its highly ornamental foliage consists of deeply lobed and undulate leaves, measuring 4 cm (2in) in length and 6 cm (2in) in width. They are soft and velvety to the touch, due to the presence of numerous hairs that secrete a highly fragrant essential oil. Depending on the observer and the time of year, its fragrance can be perceived differently; balsamic, lemony, or mint-like, it more distinctly evokes rose notes in summer. Flowering occurs from June to October, in the form of heads containing 10 to 15 small light pink flowers measuring 15 mm (1in), which may be less spectacular than those of classic perennial or annual hybrids, but more authentic. The two upper petals, veined with garnet, are larger than the three lower petals. The plant is fertile and produces some fruits, unlike the Rosat hybrid group, which is mostly sterile.

With a simple touch, Pelargonium graveolens releases a delicate fragrance and repels mosquitoes. Therefore, plant it in a pot indoors or in the ground in a location where you can touch it, along a pathway or in a pot on the terrace or veranda. We were captivated one day after the rain by a bed of fragrant geraniums and spent time immersing ourselves in a symphony of delicate scents. In mild and humid climates, the plant will grow larger, forming a beautiful bush that requires very little maintenance.

Its leaves are sometimes used in perfumery to extract a rose essence, and the English pick its flowers to flavor their jellies. Try flavouring a recipe with fragrant pelargonium flowers, it works! The edible leaves are used in fruit salads and potpourri.

Note: Attention, our plug plants are professional products intended for experienced gardeners: upon receipt, repot and store them under shelter (veranda, greenhouse, cold frame) at a temperature above 14°C (57.2°F) for a few weeks before planting them outdoors once the risk of frost has definitively passed.