How to Grow and Care for Scented-Leaved Geraniums

The term "scented-leaved geraniums" refers to a group of species within the Pelargonium genus that have leaves that emit a fragrance when touched or lightly bruised. These plants are within the large group we generally know as "garden geraniums" or "annual geraniums," which also includes ivy geraniums, zonal geraniums, and Martha Washington geraniums.

Common name notwithstanding, it's important to note that this entire group is different than the various cranesbill geraniums, or "true geraniums"—the plants that have the rightful claim to the name Geranium. The plants we know as garden geraniums were once part of that genus, but after they were separated into their own Pelargonium genus in 1789, the use of the common name persisted, right up to this day.

Pelargoniums are fairly carefree plants that don't require much in the way of watering and feeding, although potted plants should be monitored for soil moisture. Scented-leaved geraniums (Pelargonium spp.) have glands at the base of their leaf hairs where the scented oil is formed. Crushing the leaves—or in some cases merely touching them—releases the oil and the scent. However, the leaves of scented geraniums closely resemble those of other garden pelargoniums, so you can't always tell the type of geranium just by looking. These plants have many leaf shapes, from round to finely cut and lacy, and leaf colors from gray-green to lime green.

Unlike most other types of pelargoniums, which are named for the color of their blooms, scented-leaf geraniums are typically named for their scent. There are dozens of varieties of these fragrant plants, but some of the most popular include chocolate, rose, cinnamon, mint, apple, and lemon. Although scented-leaved geraniums are technically tender perennials in USDA zones 10-11, they are most often grown as annuals.

Note that some people can develop contact dermatitis from handling scented-leaf geraniums, and the plants are toxic to cats, dogs, and horses.

Scented-Leaved Geranium Care

Here are the main care requirements for growing scented-leaved geraniums:

• Plant in well-draining soil with full sun exposure. They can also tolerate shade.
• Drought-tolerant and do not enjoy moist soil, so monitor the soil frequently.
• Thrive in hot, humid climates.
• Do not require a lot of fertilizer to feed.
  

Light

Like 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.

Soil

Soil should be well-draining, but not too rich. As with herbs and other plants grown for their essential oils, rich soil can lessen the strength of the fragrance. Scented geraniums will tolerate most soil pH, but a slightly acidic pH of about 5.8 to 6.3 is ideal.

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. Prolonged periods of dry soil will cause the leaves to turn yellow, then brown and fall off, but the plant will come back again with regular water.

Temperature and Humidity

These plants are perennial in tropical climates, so are well-suited for hot, humid conditions. Geraniums also do well in very dry climates. They may survive short periods of light frost but should be brought indoors or discarded when the weather turns cold in winter.

Fertilizer

Go easy on the fertilizer. Scented geraniums are light feeders, and their scent will be stronger if they are grown on the lean side. Potted plants will need more fertilizer than plants in the ground, however. You can feed potted geraniums every three to four weeks through the spring and summer with an all-purpose fertilizer at half the label's recommended dilution. Do not fertilize at all during the winter.

Types of Scented-Leaved Geraniums

It is hard to find a scented geranium that doesn't smell lovely, but here are a few that stand out:

• Pelargonium odoratissimum 'Apple-scented': Crisp apple scent and small white flowers; grows to 3 feet tall
• Pelargonium tomentosum 'Chocolate mint':Yummy scent; round leaves have a dark center ring; grows 2 feet tall
• Pelargonium citrosa 'Mosquito plant': A strong citronella scent, though not very effective as a mosquito deterrent; grows about 2 feet tall
• Pelargonium graveolens 'Variegata': This variegated rose geranium is silver-edged, lacy leaves with a rose scent

With around 200 varieties of scented-leaved geranium available, you might have a hard time narrowing down your choices and end up leaving the nursery with an armload of these fragrant plants.

Pruning

Occasional pinching and light pruning will make your scented geranium plants more full and bushy. If your plant gets to be too large, don't be afraid to prune it back to maintain its shape. 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. Spent flowers should be deadheaded to stimulate new flower buds.

Propagating Scented-Leaved Geraniums

A handful of varieties can be started from seed, but most scented-leaf geraniums are hybrids and will need to be purchased as nursery plants. Small plants are often available in the herb section of nurseries and are usually affordable. You can also easily take root cuttings and make more plants. Here's how:

1. Snip 6-inch long cuttings from growing stems and remove all but the uppermost leaves.
2. Dip the cut end of the cutting in rooting hormone, then plant in a small container filled with moist vermiculite.
3. Keep the vermiculite moist until a good network of roots develops, then transplant into the garden or into a pot filled with peat-based potting mix.

Note, however, that if your plant is a trademarked variety (and many are), it is not legal to propagate the plant by any method.

How to Grow Scented-Leaved Geraniums From Seed

If you'd like to grow your own scented-leaved geraniums from seed, it's best to start indoors in December.

1. Spread the seeds across a tray filled with seed-starting medium, and then cover them with soil to a depth of 1/8 inch.
2. Mist the soil to moisten it, but take care not to leave it soggy.
3. Place the tray in a warm, light spot, and mist regularly to keep the soil moist. The seeds typically germinate in around 3 weeks.

Continue to keep the seedlings in a light, warm location, and mist them regularly to prevent the soil from drying out. If necessary, thin the seedlings so each has a clear area around it. Once the danger of frost is past, you can plant the seedlings outside in your garden, either in a pot or in the ground.

Potting and Repotting Scented-Leaved Geraniums

To best enjoy their fragrance, plant scented geraniums where you will rub against them—along with a walkway or at an entrance. 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 can 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.

These plants like to be slightly rootbound, so if moving your scented-leaf geranium to a larger pot, only increase the pot size by one inch across and deep. As a general rule, an 8-inch pot is a good size for an average-sized scented-leaf geranium.

Overwintering

While many gardeners treat these tender perennials as annuals, disposing of them once the chill of winter kills them off, some people have success in maintaining their potted scented-leaved geraniums over the winter, generally by bringing them indoors and treating them like a houseplant until the following spring. If you try this, be sure the plant gets plenty of bright light. It may get leggy in too much shade. If that happens, you can prune lightly to create a bushier plant.

Although success varies, you can also place potted geraniums in a cool, dark space for the winter, allowing them to go dormant in the pots. 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.

How to Get Scented-Leaved Geraniums to Bloom

Generally, as long as your plant is receiving enough sunlight and water, you'll be rewarded with a flush of small blossoms. 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?

Most scented geraniums have relatively small flowers; some are quite lovely, and some are so tiny you will barely notice them. Each flower has five petals, two larger upper petals, and three smaller lower petals, often in pink, white, or red, depending on the variety. Perhaps surprisingly, the flowers don't have a fragrance; these plants are only scented by the oils in their leaves.

How to Encourage More Blooms

To keep the flowers coming, deadhead spent blooms by pinching or snipping them off the plant.

Common Pests and Plant Diseases

Scented-leaved geraniums are not plagued by many pests but can encounter whiteflies on the underside of leaves. Simply brush them away or wash them away with water or insecticidal soap.

The plant's leaves may be the source of its scent, but it is also the source of diseases such as alternaria leaf spot, which causes brown, yellow, or white spots on the leaves.Once infected, the geraniums can not be salvaged and must be replaced. Botrytis blight or "gray mold," can also destroy scented-leaved geraniums from the stem up to the flower.

Common Problems With Scented-Leaved Geraniums

Generally, you won't have much trouble with scented-leaved geraniums, but like any plant, they can have their issues.

Leggy Growth

One of the most common issues with scented-leaved geraniums is leggy growth, meaning long spindly stems without a lot of leaves. This is usually caused by insufficient sunlight. If your plant is in a pot, move it to a location where it will receive at least six hours of sunlight each day. In the hottest areas, morning sun is best to prevent scorch.

Leaves Turning Yellow

There are several reasons why your plant might have yellowing leaves, but one of the most common is overwatering. Scented-leaved geraniums are somewhat drought tolerant and prefer to go a bit dry between waterings. If your plant starts yellowing, cut back on the water and be sure that the soil is dry at least an inch down from the top before watering again.

Leaves Falling Off

It's normal for a plant to lose aging leaves, but if your scented-leaved geranium starts dropping even newer leaves—especially if the leaves are yellowed or mushy—then once again, overwatering is the likeliest explanation. Once a plant is actively losing leaves, it is sometimes hard to save it, as the roots are beginning to rot. However, by cutting back on water, replacing some of the soggy soil with fresh soil, and trimming away any blackened or mushy roots, you can sometimes rescue your plant.

From: thespruce