How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Scented-Leaved Geraniums

Scented-leaved geraniums are among the widespread and numerous species of Pelargonium that include the colorful common garden geraniums we know and love. Grown for their dynamic foliage, scented-leaved geraniums offer enchanting foliage fragrances, shapes, colors, and interesting textures.

Scented geranium leaves contain essential oils that, when brushed, release the scents of rose, citrus, mint, nutmeg, coconut, apricot, strawberry, apple, and more. They’re exceptional plants in the garden and containers, indoors and out. Plant them near porches, patios, walkways, and borders to enjoy the fragrance. 

Drought-tolerant and low maintenance, these unique geraniums serve many garden situations. They add shape, texture, and color to planting arrangements through unique foliage with diverse characteristics.

What are Scented-Leaved Geraniums?

Scented-leaved geraniums, zonal geraniums, and ivy-leaf geraniums are types of garden geraniums that grow as annuals or tender perennials. Each feature distinct leaves, flowers, and forms. Zonal geraniums form clusters of vibrant blooms above lush, broad foliage. Ivy-leafed geraniums bear trailing stems that spill and cascade.

Numerous species and cultivars of Pelargonium carry unique fragrances in lemon, lime, apple, strawberry, cinnamon, nut, coconut, and rose—the most popular. This diversity of fragrances makes for an intriguing garden addition and a culinary delight. 

In the kitchen, use the edible flowers and leaves of scented-leaved geraniums to embellish beverages and teas, fresh fruits and salads, baked goods, dressings, and vinegar. Add the textured leaves to floral arrangements for pretty and long-lasting filler. The cut stems last two to three weeks.

Scented vs. True Geraniums

Pelargoniums differ from true geraniums of the Geranium genus. Hardy geraniums, or cranesbill, are tough perennials with ample foliage and delicate flowers in rich colors. They include native woodland species.

Pelargonium entered the Western world in the 1700s when botanists, naturalists, and colonists brought them back to England, and later to the United States. They became popular in the Victorian era when the “language of flowers” was a regular study. Plants, including geraniums, symbolized different meanings in bouquets and floral arrangements.

Symbolic Meanings

The American Herb Society delves into the symbolic meanings of Pelargonium in the floral language exchange. Rose-scented geraniums meant “preference,” while lemon-scented represented “expected meeting.” Nutmeg-scented symbolized an “unexpected meeting,” and the list goes on.

Pelargonium geraniums became popular garden additions and were among the first houseplants. They’ve regained popularity in recent years for their exciting foliage and fragrance.

Characteristics

Foliage is the standout feature of the scented-leaf geranium. In addition to fragrance, leaf color, shape, and texture vary among species and cultivars. Leaves range from bright to deep green, purple, silver, or variegated. They’re broadly rounded, palmate, or finely dissected with smooth or fuzzy surfaces.

But the fragrance is the plant’s magic power. Brushing or crushing the leaves releases the aroma by bursting tiny essential oil beads at the base of the leaf.

Scented-leaved geraniums bloom in the summer with clusters of small, five-petaled flowers (two upper petals and three lower petals) in white, lavender, pink, and pale yellow. Some varieties bear double flowers with eight to ten petals.

The aromatic foliage sometimes causes brief contact dermatitis for those allergic to Pelargonium. The plants are toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, so keep them out of reach of curious nibblers.

Native Area

Most Pelargonium species originate in southern Africa. Researchers have found that few species are native to eastern Africa, the Middle East, New Zealand, Australia, Madagascar, and surrounding islands.

South Africa is one of the five Mediterranean climate zones of the globe. Scented-leaved geraniums grow naturally in mild climates with warm, sunny days and cool nights. Hot, arid summers and cool, wet winters mark its normal growing conditions.

These plants naturally thrive in areas with low rainfall and low humidity in a variety of habitats, from rocky slopes and grasslands to woodlands and stream banks. They prefer arid climates, where they dry out between watering. As adaptable plants, they also tolerate hot and humid conditions, given plenty of air circulation.

Planting

Plant scented-leaved geraniums where you’ll enjoy their fragrance. They’re ideal along walkways, in seating areas, and at entrances where a brush of their leaves fills the air. They perform beautifully in containers, windowboxes, and hanging baskets for added color and texture.

In colder climates, grow Pelargonium as a warm-season annual in containers. Then, move it indoors to overwinter as a houseplant near a bright window or to a cool, dark, protected space, like a basement or garage.

Transplanting

Scented-leaved geraniums have few needs except protection from heavy frost and cold temperatures. Bring plants indoors for the cool season when nighttime temperatures fall below 45°F (7°C). In warm climates, they’ll thrive outside year-round. 

Pelargonium species prefer to be somewhat pot-bound. Every two years or so, bump up plants to a pot one inch larger than the existing container. 

These easy-going plants propagate easily through cuttings. If you take cuttings in the fall, overwinter them indoors for a fresh selection to plant in the spring garden.

How to Grow

These fragrant plants are easy-to-grow with low maintenance needs. If you plan to use their flowers and leaves for culinary purposes, grow them organically.

Allow plenty of air circulation around scented-leaved geraniums by not crowding plants. In mulched beds, keep mulch off of stems. These arid-loving plants benefit from improved circulation to thrive in humid environments.

Light

Sun-loving scented leaved geraniums grow best with at least four to six hours of sunlight. In climates with intense summer sun, offer afternoon shade protection. 

They grow in part shade, but too much shade yields leggier plants with weaker forms than those with adequate sunlight.

Indoors, place these flowers in a bright window or sunny windowsill.

Water

Scented-leaved geraniums are drought-tolerant and grow well in dry areas. When the soil surface feels dry, water deeply rather than frequently to stave off fungal diseases and pests. Containers dry out more quickly than in-ground plantings, so check water needs regularly.

These plants don’t tolerate waterlogged conditions, and good drainage is essential. Avoid overhead watering to prevent foliar diseases or water in the morning so droplets dry in the sun. 

If storing the plants in a cool, sheltered place for the winter, water them well before bringing them indoors for the season. Check the soil every couple of weeks and water if it is dry. The plant will be dormant and not actively growing, so it won’t require as much regular water.

Soil

Scented-leaved geraniums need fast-draining soils for the best vigor. Ideal soils are slightly acidic with a pH near 6.5. They prefer sandy and loamy soils and tolerate a range of soil conditions as long as they don’t stay overly wet.

In containers, use a potting-specific mix to promote aeration and good drainage. These mixes contain less heavy soil than those for in-ground plantings. Alternatively, amend the soil with bark mix for the same effect.

Temperature and Humidity

Cool nights and warm days are best for these plants to grow and flower. On average, 50-60°F (10-16°C) night-time temperatures and 65-75°F (18-24°C) daytime are ideal.

Scented-leaved geraniums tolerate hot, dry conditions or moderate humidity with ample air circulation. Bring plants indoors when nighttime temperatures reach the low 40s°F (~4°C). They’ll grow well as houseplants in average temperatures.

While most varieties are hardy in zones 9-11, they may survive in colder climates (even down to zone 6) when heavily mulched and sheltered in the winter. In hot southern climates, opt for varieties with larger leaves, as the smaller-leaved cultivars are more sensitive to intense heat.

Fertilizing

Geraniums grow in lean soils without fertilizer. If you want to give them a boost during the growing season, especially in containers, use a liquid all-purpose organic fertilizer at planting with monthly applications at half-dilution from April through October. A balanced fertilizer (like 10-10-10) boosts vigor in the growing season.

Pelargonium feeds heavily on magnesium. Check your soil test before planting. To increase the magnesium in deficient soils, add a teaspoon of Epsom salts to the surrounding mix at planting.

Maintenance

While scented-leaved geraniums are low maintenance, they benefit from pinching and pruning to keep a full, attractive form. Prune plants in late winter or early spring by cutting back leggy stems. Pinch or cut stems at a lower leaf node to encourage new shoots.

Begin pruning young plants when they reach six inches tall or have four to five leaf nodes. Snipping off the tip of the stem promotes shoots from the nodes, flushing in about two to three weeks.

Give plants a shape-up pruning in the fall before overwintering indoors.

Propagation

Pelargonium species propagate easily through cuttings. Many varieties are hybrids and do not come true from seed, so they’re best multiplied by taking cuttings in the spring or fall. 

Some species grow true from seed, but with so much cross-pollination between varieties, it may be challenging to know precisely what you’re growing.

Cuttings

With a few steps, it’s easy to propagate scented-leaved geraniums from cuttings. Cuttings grow quickly with success. Here are steps for best practices in taking cuttings:

1. Cut a four-to-six-inch piece of stem from a healthy branch.
2. Cut the stem at a 45-degree angle to ensure water and rooting hormone coverage.
3. Remove the foliage from the bottom ⅔ of the cutting (leaving at least two leaves).
4. Keep cuttings moist until ready to pot.
5. Moisten the cutting and dip the lower stem in rooting hormone, coating generously.
6. Tap off any excess rooting powder.
7. Plant the cutting in at least two inches of moist, well-draining potting mix.
8. Place the pot in a bright, warm location, avoiding direct sunlight
9. Water as needed, keeping the soil evenly moist.
10. When the cutting resists a gentle tug, roots are in place and ready to be repotted.

Plant the cuttings in four-inch pots and keep them indoors in a bright spot (like a sunny windowsill). Move outside in mild conditions. New plants will be tender.

Growing From Seed

If you opt to try seeding, here are a few recommendations for the process:

• Start seeds indoors in late winter or early spring.
• Plant seeds about ¼ inch beneath the soil surface.
• Mist the soil and keep it moist throughout the growing process.
• Cover the seeds with glass or plastic (or use a growing tray with a lid).
• Place the tray in a warm, bright spot (ideal temperatures are 70°F/21°C).
• Keep seeds covered until germination.
• When seedlings appear, remove the lid and allow plants to strengthen before transplanting to pots or into the garden.

Popular Varieties

With so many unique fragrances and forms of scented-leaved varieties (over 200 in the genus), you’re bound to find an exciting cultivar in your local nursery or garden plant sale. Let’s explore a few favorite varieties in diverse fragrances and leaf textures. 

Pelargonium ‘Attar of Roses’

This popular and widely cultivated variety boasts a classic, rich rose scent. It’s even been used in perfumes as an alternative to the expensive damask and gallica rose essential oils (the origin of its name).

Delicate, pale pink flowers feature deep pink markings on upper petals. Bright green leaves are soft to the touch. Plants reach three feet tall by one foot wide. Grow ‘Attar of Roses’ in containers and along walkways to enjoy its fresh foliage and wonderful old rose scent. 

Pelargonium tomentosum ‘Chocolate Peppermint’

‘Chocolate Peppermint’ is exciting in all the high points: fragrance, form, color, and texture. Its aromatic fragrance is true peppermint, and the leaves feature deep burgundy chocolate blotches edged in dark green. The distinct leaves are large and velvety. 

This spreading and trailing Pelargonium reaches two feet high by four to six feet wide. It grows best in full sun to retain its rich coloration. Flowers emerge in spring and summer in pale lavender with deeper pink markings.

Pelargonium x fragrans ‘Nutmeg’

This heirloom hybrid features a particularly robust sweet and spicy scent like culinary nutmeg. It’s also named ‘Old Spice’ as it carries notes of the men’s fragrance. 

Plants are compact at one foot high and wide with a bushy habit. Soft, gray-green leaves are lobed for a ruffly look. White flowers feature red venation on the upper two petals.

Pelargonium x scarboroviae ‘Strawberry’

Strawberry-scented geraniums are as delightful as they sound. Their leaves emit a sweet, fruity strawberry scent; even the flowers are pale pink with deeper pink markings.

This old hybrid came to England before 1820. Its small, bright green leaves and compact habit (plants reach one foot high) make it ideal for pots and hanging baskets.

Pelargonium citronellum ‘Mabel Gray’

‘Mabel Gray’ boasts a strong, lemony fragrance on tall plants with sharply pointed leaves. Large lavender flowers are showy among scented geraniums. Leaves are finely lobed, rough, and hairy in pale to light green.

‘Mabel Gray’ reaches six to eight feet high. It grows naturally along streambanks in South Africa in sandy soils. 

Common Problems

Fortunately, scented-leaved geraniums resist pests and diseases in the garden. Occasional problems include stem and root rot in damp environments or pests like spider mites and aphids, which are more prevalent in indoor or greenhouse plants.

Plant in full sun with plenty of air circulation and avoid overwatering to stave off pests and diseases. Remove dropped or yellowing leaves to promote overall health.

Pests

The best way to control insects is to spot them early. You’ll likely see the insects themselves or notice their sticky waste on plants, nibble damage, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth.

Aphids and thrips are common garden insects usually treated with non-chemical means. Often, they cause little plant damage, but severe infestations cause plant stress. Signs of stress include curled leaves and stunted growth.

Whiteflies feed on sap and cause plant weakness, where leaves yellow and drop. Whiteflies flutter around plants when disturbed.

Spider mites live on the undersides of leaves, indicated by webbing and light yellowing of leaf surfaces. Beneficial predatory insects like ladybugs and predatory mites help control populations.

Japanese beetles feed on leaves. They cause leaves to skeletonize or turn yellow and drop.

In pest outbreaks, spray the plant with a strong stream of water to deter and knock insects off the stems. Do this in the morning so leaves dry in the early sun.

A horticultural soap or oil can rid the plant of insects if an infestation occurs, but be sure to follow label directions, as these affect beneficial insects as well. 

Diseases

As with pests, the best disease control is prevention through cultural conditions. In general, problem plants should be removed from the garden to minimize chemical treatments and promote the health of surrounding plants. Here are a few potential problems for scented geraniums that also apply to cuttings:

Botrytis is a fungal disease especially prevalent in high-humidity conditions with limited air circulation. Brown spots and “fluffy mold” are indicators of botrytis. Take care not to overwater or over-fertilize scented geraniums, which weakens the plant.

Phytophthora is another fungal root rot that causes a slow decline in plants. It impacts feeder roots, preventing them from uptaking water and nutrients. The best control is proper cultural management, especially not overwatering.

Bacterial blight (Xanthomonas campestre pelargonii) causes yellowing, wilting, and stem rot. It’s good practice to sterilize pruners before trimming scented-leaved geraniums or taking cuttings.

Verticillium wilt (caused by the pathogens Verticillium dahliae and V. albo-atrum) is a serious disease that affects some Pelargonium species. It starts at the base of the plant and moves upward, wilting and yellowing plant parts. Throw away affected plants. The soil in containers and areas where you grew them should be solarized to kill the disease. Do not plant in the affected soil for at least 2 months.

Remove and destroy affected plant parts and any dropped leaves if your geraniums show signs of disease. Horticultural oils like neem can treat fungal diseases early on (but again, these impact beneficial insects, so be sure to follow application requirements). It’s best to remove plants with severe infestations.

Frequently Asked Questions