Fragrant Geranium: Planting, Care, and Benefits

Description and botany

The scented-leaf pelargonium or Scented Geranium is a beautiful evergreen shrub from the Geraniaceae family, native to South Africa, where it grows in mountainous areas, humid ravines on forest edges, on sandy, rocky or gritty soils, schistose or calcareous. Thriving in hot, humid summers and mild winters, it has low hardiness. Sensitive to frost, it is cultivated in our climates, except by the sea, generally as an annual to be sheltered in winter if you wish to keep it from one year to the next.

The Pelargonium genus includes 300 species and nearly 1,000 varieties. Many cultivars and hybrids have been obtained from about twenty species of this vast family which includes Pelargonium grandiflorum, the florist’s geranium (Pelargonium x domesticum), the ivy-leaved pelargonium, nicknamed the “King of Balconies”, or Pelargonium zonale, for example.

There are about 130 species of scented pelargoniums. Among them, the Pelargonium graveolens or rose-scented geranium, the most fragrant of all, highly prized in perfumery and the origin of many hybrids, the Pelargonium fragrans, with a pine scent, Pelargoium tomentosum with very velvety foliage, the Pelargonium crispum with intensely crisped foliage, Pelargonium odoratissimum, Pelargonium denticulatum Filicifolium or the Pelargonium quercifolium called “oak-leaved geranium”.

Pelargonium graveolens, botanical plate 1897

From a taproot, this perennial forms an airy, highly branched bush whose stems become lignified over time, reaching 35 cm up to 1.50 m in all directions, or even more in the ground in regions with a mild climate. The habit varies according to the species, semi-trailing, erect, or trailing. Protected from frost, it can live for several decades.

This type of geranium is appealing for its remarkable foliage, lush, evergreen in regions spared by winter frosts and highly aromatic as soon as it is touched or crushed. The leaves also differ from one species to another. The lamina is divided, deeply lobed, peltate, undulate, finely chiselled, or conversely crisped, with edges that are all pleated or cornet-shaped in the case of Pelargonium cucullatum. It is sometimes so finely divided that it resembles that of a fern or so lobed that it looks like that of an oak. It can be downy in Pelargonium tomentosum or rough to the touch, slightly sticky or even succulent in Pelargonium gibbosum. The always veined leaves measure from 4 to 10 cm in length and width. They come in all shades of green and are sometimes variegated with yellow, cream or even washed with chocolate brown.

Covered with hairs secreting a very fragrant essential oil, the leaves release a powerful scent at the slightest touch, strong sunlight or a shower. This foliage exudes very varied scents: of rose, lemon, lemongrass, orange peel (Pelargonium (x) citriodorum ‘Prince Of Orange’), mint, spices and even carrot (‘Scarlet Unique’), pepper (‘Endsleigh’), cinnamon, maritime pine (Pelargonium (x) fragrans), green apple, hazelnut (pelargonium ‘Concolor Lace’) or even bitter almond. The pelargonium x graveolens and pelargonium rosat (P. capitatum), with their rose scent, are highly prized in perfumery. Varieties with a particularly lemony scent are said to be even more effective at repelling mosquitoes. Edible, the leaves flavour fruit salads or oils. Dried, they enhance potpourris.

Pelargonium cucullatum, Pelargonium tomentosum, Pelargonium graveolens, Pelargonium crispum and Pelargonium quercifolium (© Keith Edkins)

The scented-leaf pelargonium offers a profuse flowering from June to October. Submerging the foliage, the single or semi-double flowers appear grouped in small umbels. They are quite large, sometimes measuring more than 4 cm in diameter. Each flower is composed of two upper petals and three lower petals. They bloom in pastel and delicate shades displaying various tones of pink, lavender, and purple and are often veined with small contrasting spots. Some varieties stand out with a delightfully bicolour or tricolour flowering, while others display macules of a very strong colour. The Pelargonium gibbosum stands out with an astonishing yellow flowering rarely observed in pelargoniums.

The flowers are also edible and the English use them to flavour their jellies.

This flowering attracts very many pollinating insects and turns into long-beaked fruits, “Pelargos” meaning “stork’s beak”.

Flowerings of Pelargonium graveolens ‘Lady Plymouth’, ‘Concolor Lace’, and Pelargonium capitatum ‘Pink Capricorn’

What Are the Most Beautiful Scented Geraniums: Our Favourite Varieties

Most Popular

Our Favourites

Pelargonium fragrans

Its leaves are fragrant with a pine scent. Perfect in the garden or in pots on the terrace or in the conservatory.

• Flowering time July to October
• Height at maturity 60 cm

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Pelargonium graveolens

A highly fragrant botanical species, much prized in perfumery for its lemony rose scent.

• Flowering time July to October
• Height at maturity 60 cm

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Pelargonium Concolour Lace

Its leaves are fragrant with a hazelnut scent! Plant it in pots or in the ground.

• Flowering time July to October
• Height at maturity 50 cm

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Pelargonium Mosquitaway Lizzy

Its fragrance evokes lemongrass – it's the ultimate anti-mosquito plant! A delightful and easy-to-grow pelargonium!

• Flowering time July to October
• Height at maturity 35 cm

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Pelargonium quercifolium Royal Oak

The entire plant releases a balsamic fragrance with notes of bitter almond at the slightest touch. A marvellous plant, as beautiful to behold as it is delightful to smell.

• Flowering time July to October
• Height at maturity 60 cm

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Pelargonium citriodorum

Its foliage exudes a lemony fragrance at the slightest touch – ideal for repelling mosquitoes! In the ground, it can grow into a proper bush up to 1.50m tall.

• Flowering time July to October
• Height at maturity 60 cm

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Pelargonium Angel's Perfume - Regal Geranium

This lovely new variety charms with its pretty flowering and its astonishing crinkled lemon-scented foliage. Ideal for flowering pots, providing year-round decoration outdoors or in the conservatory.

• Flowering time July to October
• Height at maturity 35 cm

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Pelargonium Attar of Roses

A scented geranium with a delicate rose fragrance.

• Flowering time July to October
• Height at maturity 60 cm

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Pelargonium tomentosum

Its leaves release a surprising peppermint fragrance when crushed. A very interesting pelargonium, best planted near a pathway.

• Flowering time August to October
• Height at maturity 50 cm

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Planting Scented Geraniums

Where to Plant a Scented Geranium?

Pelargonium is a non-hardy perennial plant that cannot tolerate frost. This is why, in our climate, it is generally grown as an annual in the ground or planted in pots to be brought indoors during winter and placed back outside in May. It can survive outdoors in mild climates if winter temperatures do not drop below -4°C. This tender plant, native to South Africa, loves sun and dry soils. It requires a minimum of 4 hours of sunlight per day. In the south of the country, it will tolerate partial shade. It is an undemanding plant that thrives in very well-drained soil, even chalky and occasionally dry in summer.

It tolerates summer drought well and fits perfectly in dry gardens or coastal areas. It quickly adds a floral and fragrant touch throughout the growing season. Plant it in flower beds, along pathways, in pots on the terrace, under a window where it will repel mosquitoes, or even in a conservatory. Scented geraniums also work wonderfully as a low hedge, always close enough to the house to enjoy their fragrance.

Pelargonium crispum

When to Plant a Pelargonium?

Plant your scented geraniums in the ground after the last frosts, usually in May in most regions. For container planting, wait until the risk of frost has passed before placing your pots outside.

How to Plant It?

Planting in the Ground

You can plant them in groups of 4 or 5, spacing them 20 to 30 cm apart. Easy to grow, pelargoniums are content with soil that isn’t necessarily rich but is well-drained. In heavy or clay soil, add gravel or coarse sand to garden soil to prevent waterlogging around the roots.

• Dig a hole three times wider than the root ball
• Add a layer of gravel for proper drainage
• Place the plant in the centre of the hole without burying the collar too deeply
• Fill with the excavated soil mixed with leaf compost
• Firm gently
• Water after planting, then moderately without soaking the roots

Container Planting

All scented geraniums are suitable for container growing. They can be placed outside during the warmer months and brought indoors at the first sign of frost or grown year-round in a conservatory. Space plants 15-20 cm apart.

• In a large container (at least 50 cm in diameter), add a generous layer of drainage (gravel or clay pebbles)
• Plant in a well-draining mix of half ‘geranium’ compost, half horticultural sand
• Water
• Place in full sun

Maintenance, pruning and care

The scented geranium requires very little maintenance, only fearing frost. In overly wet soil, it risks root rot. Water during the first two summers after planting, then only during prolonged dry spells and always moderately. Too much moisture would kill the plant, which does not appreciate excess water at all.

In pots, ensure less spaced-out watering and water as soon as the soil surface dries: once or twice a week. It’s a hungry plant: in summer, provide regular doses of geranium fertiliser to support the flowering of pot-grown plants.

Regularly remove faded flowers and yellowed foliage to encourage new blooms and extend the flowering period.

When to prune scented geraniums?

Pruning helps balance or reduce the branches, rejuvenate stems, and promote growth and flowering. Scented geraniums should be pruned in September:

1. During the season, you can trim overly long stems
2. Before overwintering, use pruning shears to cut back still-green stems by about one-third of their height, without touching the old wood

How to preserve a scented geranium?

Scented geraniums can only remain in the ground in mild climates, such as coastal gardens, southern France, and regions spared from heavy frosts. As winter approaches, move pots to a very bright, frost-free spot—a greenhouse, conservatory, or winter garden at 12–15°C. Return them outdoors after the last frosts. You can preserve ground-grown scented geraniums year after year by lifting the plants and temporarily replanting them in containers to store in a frost-free, unheated space. Replant them in the garden in spring. Throughout winter: one watering per month should suffice. Also stop all fertiliser applications. In spring, remove dry leaves and repot in fresh compost.

To learn all about overwintering, visit our advice page: Successfully Overwintering Pelargoniums

A healthy scented Geranium stored in a bright room for the winter months

Diseases and potential pests

Scented geraniums are hardy. Plants grown in greenhouses year-round may be more sensitive. Cold and excess water are responsible for grey mould on the roots and base of the stems (blackleg), which is why well-drained soil is essential. To eliminate any whiteflies, you can spray a solution based on black soap and vegetable oil.

Against red spider mites, common indoors, spray a nettle infusion.

If necessary, naturally deter slugs with our advice.

Pelargonium graveolens

Propagation

Scented geraniums propagate easily from cuttings in late summer. Sowing under cover in late winter with seeds from the previous year is possible but more delicate and unpredictable. We recommend propagation by cuttings instead.

How to take cuttings of scented geranium using the closed-case method?

• From August to September, use pruning shears to take 10-15 cm long lignified stems without flowers, cutting just below a node
• Remove the leaves at the base of the stems
• Cut the base at an angle and make an incision with a sharp knife
• Insert the cuttings into a tray filled with a well-draining mix of river sand and turf or special cutting compost, burying them halfway
• Water
• Place in a warm frame (15-20°C) under a closed environment, such as a mini greenhouse or plastic cover
• Keep the substrate moist until rooting occurs
• Store in shade or indoors
• After 8 to 10 days, transplant into individual buckets
• Protect your young plants from frost all winter in a bright room
• Plant out the following spring, in May when the soil has warmed sufficiently

Pairing

Scented geraniums adapt to all garden styles, from the most romantic to the most naturalistic, pairing easily with many summer flowers, whether annuals or perennials. Scented geraniums appreciate warmth and light.

In a scented garden, English roses like the strongly floral-scented ‘Boscobel’ will keep them company, along with peonies, lavender, butterfly bushes or honeysuckles. With lavender and roses, they harmonise in softly coloured arrangements.

Rose-scented geranium surrounded by roses, ‘Munstead’ lavender, honeysuckle and Buddleia ‘Ice Chip’

Because their leaves are edible, you can also pair them with aromatic plants like rosemary, thyme, oregano, Salvia officinalis, and helichrysum. Combine them with drought-resistant perennials like lavender cotton.

In containers or pots, accompany your Pelargoniums with coleus, lobelias, diascias and petunias. In a summer border, they’ll pair well with Verbena bonariensis, mealy cup sage, alliums, and sweet Williams.

They’ll punctuate a summer flowering bed alongside ceanothus, dahlias, begonias and rudbeckias. Their delicate flowering also pairs beautifully with airy plants like catmints, flowering tobaccos or cosmos. To complement their mauve or pink flowers, place them near grey-foliaged plants like artemisias.