Learn about scented geraniums whose foliage is the star of the show. There are many different varieties and many grow well indoors during the winter.
Did you know that there are more than 100 varieties of scented geraniums in with interesting varieties such as mint, rose, apple, apricot, nutmeg, lemon, orange, lime, ginger, cinnamon and coconut? These are not the mass produced geraniums you see in every garden center in the spring.
Those geraniums also known as zonal geraniums display a beautiful array of flowers in many colors, but they are not fragrant. Though both are called geraniums they are actually from the family called Pelargonium. A true geranium, though related, is a hardy perennial and a totally different plant. You can read more about hardy perennial geraniums here.
Scented Geranium Cake
Scented geraniums are prized more for their leaves and produce small delicate flowers. Both the flowers and leaves are edible. A common use in cooking is making a scented geranium pound cake lining the pan with scented geranium leaves. Another is making scented geranium sugar by layering the leaves in a jar of sugar. After a week or so you will have scented sugar to use as you wish.
You may be familiar with a scented geranium known as the mosquito plant or Pelargonium citrosum. This plant can usually be found at most big box stores and nurseries in the summer. Some claim it wards off pests but in reality, it does not contain citronella oil; it just has a citronella-like scent.
Scented geraniums are native to South Africa and are considered tender perennials hardy only to zones 9-11. This means you need to bring them in during the winter if you live in a colder climate. Just put them in a sunny window and water well once a week. In late spring start acclimating them to the outdoors again by gradually leaving them outside for a few hours during the day and bring them back inside at night. Increase the amount of time daily until the nighttime temperature reach over 50 degrees.
Scented geranium are known to get leggy and should be pinched back to encourage a bushy shape. Take the cutting and root them in water for new plants to grow or give to friends.
I’ve read that they can be trained as a standard which I think would be beautiful and may even try training one myself. In the meantime I enjoy rubbing the leaves as I walk by and enjoying their wonderful scent.
Denise says
I’ve just moved to Oregon from Santa Barbara. I had a garden full of scented geraniums! Where do I get them up here?
Patti Estep says
Hi Denise,
Many nurseries carry them. You can also buy them online. Here are two options.
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=scented+geranium+plants
http://www.logees.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=scented+geraniums
Hope that helps,
Patti
Karen says
I always love learning new things when I visit you! Scented geraniums are a plant I’ve never had experience with, and I love the idea of strong-scented plants. Gardenias are our most popular here. I’d love to add something a little different – I’m going to check these out!
Thanks for the great tips and information you always share.
Patti Estep says
Thanks Karen, you will start to love them and they can easily be ordered online if you can’t find any nearby.
They may last outside all year long in your neck of the woods.
Patti
Lisa says
I forgot all about these sweet delicate flowers! These would be a great plant to introduce to my daughter’s Girl Scout troop. …might plant a “gardening seed” in their pretty little heads! Thanks for the idea.
Dorothy says
Could you explain how to pinch back geraniums. My seem to ramble all over the place.
Patti says
Hi Dorothy,
Sure. All I do is pinch with my fingers or cut with scissors etc.. just above the area where a leaf stem is growing. The plant should branch out from there. So if you have a large plant you cut back as much as you want, maybe one third, making your cut above that leaf node. Then if you want you root the cuttings in water or in a soilless mix and then you’ll have more to grow or give away.
Let me know if that answers your question or you need more information and have a great day.
Patti
Jill says
Happy Almost Spring! Thanks for helping me think about my porch pots with the scented geraniums. I just saw an article on the perils of gardening. Maybe you could do something that shows the health benefits and how to be safe. Maybe a great way to go viral! Have a great day!
Patti says
Hi Jill,
Happy Spring to you! The warmer weather is finally here!!
I love your health and safety idea.
I’ll add it to my schedule.
Have a great day and thanks, as always for your lovely comments!
Patti