17 Scented Geraniums to Grow for Fragrant Foliage
Leafy herbs offering notes from rose to mint ideal for teas, potpourri, and home accents.
Introduction to Scented Geraniums
Scented geraniums, belonging mostly to the genus Pelargonium, are prized not only for their vigorous growth and attractive foliage but also for their aromatic leaves, which exude a wide range of captivating scents. From rose and lemon to mint and nutmeg, these plants offer gardeners a unique sensory experience. While not always the showiest in flower, the versatility and charm of scented geraniums earn them a special place in gardens, containers, and even as culinary and household accents.
This article delves into 17 scented geranium varieties, highlighting their distinctive fragrances, cultural needs, and creative uses—inviting you to find the perfect variety to invigorate your own garden or windowsill.
What are Scented Geraniums?
Despite commonly being called “geraniums,” the plants described here are botanically Pelargonium species and hybrids, cultivated primarily for their aromatic foliage.
Over time, breeders have selected and hybridized about 1,000 cultivars from just 20 original species, with scents reminiscent of rose, lemon, mint, nutmeg, chocolate, strawberry, coconut, apple, and even pine.
- Scented geraniums are considered herbaceous perennials in their native climates but may be grown as annuals or overwintered indoors in cold regions.
- Their notable fragrances are due to essential oils manufactured in their leaves, just like other aromatic herbs.
Why Grow Scented Geraniums?
- Add aroma and texture to gardens, containers, and indoor spaces.
- Flowers may be subtle but foliage offers the main ornamental and sensory appeal.
- Useful in companion planting, bouquets, culinary uses, and even homemade household products.
- Drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and generally low-maintenance once established.
- Some species have medicinal and commercial uses, notably in the perfume industry (Pelargonium graveolens – rose geranium).
How Do Scented Geraniums Get Their Scents?
Scented geraniums produce essential oils in specialized cells within their leaves, creating their remarkable array of fragrances. These are natural compounds, not the result of artificial breeding or genetic modification, though selective breeding has amplified desirable scents over time.
Top 17 Scented Geranium Varieties
Here’s a curated selection of 17 distinctive scented geranium cultivars, highlighting their unique fragrances and garden value:
- ‘Attar of Roses’ (P. capitatum)
Perhaps the most popular rose-scented geranium, this variety has soft, bright green leaves and pink flowers. Its rich, rosy fragrance led to its historical use as a cost-effective substitute for Attar of Roses in perfumery.
Uses: Bouquets, perfumery, flavoring teas and jellies. - Coconut-Scented Geranium (P. grossularioides)
Unique as an annual, this species tolerates both extreme heat (up to 120°F) and shade. Its small, round, deep green leaves emit a scent described as coconut with hints of rose, mint, lemon, or clove. It grows as a low, spreading plant with pink to lavender blooms.
Uses: Bedding plant, shade groundcover, culinary uses. - Nutmeg (Pelargonium x fragrans ‘Nutmeg’)
Compact, bushy, and only around one foot tall and wide. The soft, gray-green, ruffled leaves emit a sweet and spicy nutmeg or “Old Spice”-like aroma. Tiny white flowers with red veins complete its ornamental value.
Uses: Containers, edging, flavoring desserts or beverages. - Strawberry (Pelargonium x scarboroviae ‘Strawberry’)
As delightful as it sounds, this variety’s leaves offer a fruity strawberry scent and it blooms with pale pink flowers marked with deeper pink.
Uses: Edible leaves for jellies, teas, or salads. - Lemon-Scented Geranium (P. crispum and hybrids)
One of the sharpest lemon scents available from foliage plants. Fine-textured, curly leaves and pale flowers.
Uses: Repelling insects, flavoring drinks, and adding freshness to rooms. - Orange (P. citrosum ‘Orange Fizz’)
Emits a sweet, citrusy orange aroma from its lush leaves. - Apple (P. odoratissimum)
Compact plants with crinkled, velvety leaves and a crisp apple scent. - Almond
Offers a gentle almond-like fragrance, popular for subtlety. - Ginger
Ginger-scented varieties produce spicy, warming notes. - Chocolate
Combine hints of cocoa with delicate sweetness, a novelty for chocolate lovers. - Mint
Highly invigorating, often doubled as a fragrant groundcover or border. - Pine
Pine-scented types add a resinous, forest-like aroma to plantings. - Citronella (Pelargonium x citrosum)
Promoted as a natural mosquito repellant, though its effectiveness is debatable. - Rose (P. graveolens)
Used in perfumery for its sweet, intense rose fragrance and even in pharmaceuticals (e.g., P. sidoides for coughs). - Lime
Fresh, zesty notes of lime; striking for culinary purposes. - Lemon Balm
Milder citrus aroma similar to the herb lemon balm (Melissa officinalis). - Cedar
Woody, relaxing cedary aroma.
Comparison Table: Scented Geranium Varieties & Their Scents
| Variety | Botanical Name | Fragrance | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attar of Roses | P. capitatum | Rich rose | Bouquets, perfumery |
| Coconut | P. grossularioides | Coconut, mint, clove | Groundcover, culinary |
| Nutmeg | Pelargonium x fragrans | Nutmeg, spice | Containers, desserts |
| Strawberry | Pelargonium x scarboroviae | Strawberry, fruity | Jellies, teas |
| Lemon | P. crispum | Lemon zest | Insect repellent, tea |
| Chocolate | – | Chocolate, sweet | Novelty, desserts |
| Citronella | P. x citrosum | Citrus-mint (mosquito repellent) | Patios, candles |
| Rose | P. graveolens | Rose | Perfume, flavoring |
| Apple | P. odoratissimum | Green apple | Sweetener, drinks |
| Pine | – | Pine, foresty | Bouquets, rooms |
| Mint | – | Mint, fresh | Groundcover, culinary |
How to Grow Scented Geraniums
Scented geraniums are forgiving, rewarding, and suitable for both experienced and novice gardeners.
- Light: Provide full sun to part shade. Brighter light conditions yield more abundant oils and thus stronger fragrance and flower production. In hot regions, some afternoon shade is beneficial.
- Soil: Well-draining, sandy, or loamy soil. Avoid heavy, waterlogged ground.
- Water: They are drought-tolerant once established—water when the top inch of soil is dry. Avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot.
- Fertilizer: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer lightly in the growing season. Avoid heavy feeding, which encourages excessive, floppy growth with fewer oils.
- Temperature: Most are hardy in USDA Zones 10–11. Grow as annuals or overwinter indoors elsewhere.
- Maintenance: Pinch tips for bushier growth; prune to shape. Remove faded flowers and yellowing leaves regularly.
- Pests/Diseases: Generally robust, may attract whiteflies, aphids, or get mildews if kept too wet.
Creative Uses for Scented Geraniums
- Fragrant Bouquets: Mix leafy stems with fresh flowers in vases. Their scent lingers for up to a week.
- Culinary: Add leaves to flavor teas, lemonades, fruit jellies, syrups, or desserts. Certain varieties (rose, lemon, nutmeg) are especially prized for culinary use. Always verify edibility and use sparingly, as oils can be potent.
- Home Perfume: Place dried leaves in drawers, sachets, or even in your car for a natural, refreshing fragrance.
- Herbal Baths and Potpourri: Include leaves in bath sachets or homemade potpourri blends.
- Companion Plants: Grow near vegetable gardens, borders, or along walkways to deter pests and enhance sensory delight.
- Commercial Use: P. graveolens (rose geranium) is distilled for rose-scented essential oil, crucial in the perfume industry. P. x citrosum is used (often misleadingly) in mosquito-repelling products.
Tips for Success: Scented Geranium Cheat Sheet
- Use well-draining soil and don’t overwater.
- Pinch and prune regularly for fullness and bushiness.
- Enjoy in containers for easy movement indoors come winter.
- Gather fresh, fragrant stems for vases or culinary projects—in the morning for the most potent aroma.
- Position along patios or walkways for brush-by fragrance enjoyment.
Scented Geraniums Through the Seasons
- Spring & Summer: Peak foliage and bloom; prime time for outdoor display, cutting, and harvesting leaves.
- Fall: Prune and take cuttings for indoor overwintering. Many will survive as houseplants in bright, cool locations.
- Winter: Reduce watering; provide maximum sunlight available indoors. Watch for drafts and overwatering.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are all scented geraniums edible?
A: Most scented geraniums are edible in small quantities; their leaves may be used to flavor dishes or beverages. However, always confirm the variety and start with minimal amounts, as the essential oils can be powerful.
Q: Do scented geraniums really repel mosquitoes?
A: The citronella-scented geranium (Pelargonium x citrosum) is often marketed as a mosquito repellant. While it contains lemony aromatic oils, its efficacy in repelling mosquitoes on its own in garden settings is inconsistent and limited.
Q: Can I grow scented geraniums indoors?
A: Yes! Provide bright light and well-draining soil. Regular pinching and moderate watering are key. They thrive in containers near sunny windows.
Q: How do I propagate scented geraniums?
A: Stem cuttings root readily in water or moist soil. Take 4-6 inch cuttings from healthy, non-flowering shoots; remove lower leaves, and place in water or potting mix until roots develop.
Q: What’s the difference between scented geraniums and typical garden geraniums?
A: “Garden geranium” usually refers to Pelargonium hybrids with showy flowers; scented geraniums are grown primarily for aromatic foliage, with less conspicuous flowers.
Botanically, both groups are Pelargonium species, but only some produce notable scents.
Summary & Final Tips
- Choose scented geraniums for their variety of fragrances and adaptability in garden or containers.
- Place them along walkways or patios for daily aromatic enjoyment.
- Take advantage of their leaves in the kitchen, craft room, and home cleaning projects.
- Grow several varieties to explore the full spectrum of scents, from fruity and floral to spicy and woody.
- Remember: well-drained soil, light feeding, and regular pruning are the keys to success.
Explore, Experiment, and Enjoy
Scented geraniums are a living invitation to slow down and savor the scents of the garden. Whether you’re gathering a bouquet, brewing a cup of herbal tea, or brushing past a fragrant border, these plants offer a delightful multi-sensory experience. Explore different varieties, experiment with uses, and enjoy the lush, delicious atmosphere they bring to your outdoor and indoor spaces.
References
- https://www.epicgardening.com/scented-geraniums/
- https://www.epicgardening.com/scented-leaved-geraniums/
- https://ucanr.edu/blog/fresno-gardening-green/article/see-and-smell-scented-geraniums-master-gardeners-garden-sun
- https://www.ashlandsource.com/2024/11/17/a-stroll-through-the-garden-the-mystery-of-scented-geraniums/
- https://www.gardenista.com/posts/gardening-101-scented-geranium/
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