Scented Geranium

What is a scented geranium?

Scented geraniums are Pelargonium cultivars grown for aromatic leaves that release fragrance when touched, rubbed, or brushed. The scents span rose, lemon, lime, peppermint, cinnamon, coconut, and nutmeg, depending on cultivar. They are tender perennials grown as summer annuals across most of the US.

Scented geraniums are not true geraniums. The plants sold as “scented geraniums” belong to the genus Pelargonium, which was historically grouped with Geranium before botanists separated them in the 1700s. True Geranium species (hardy geraniums, cranesbills) are cold-hardy perennials with no significant leaf fragrance. Pelargonium species are tender, frost-sensitive, and produce fragrant oils in leaf glands. See our guide to perennial geranium for the cold-hardy types.

The fragrance comes from volatile oils stored in microscopic glands on the leaf surface. Brushing the leaf breaks these glands and releases the scent. Full sun and slightly dry soil conditions increase oil concentration — plants in shade or consistently wet soil produce weaker fragrance. This is why the same rose geranium grown on a hot, sunny patio smells noticeably stronger than one grown in dappled light.

The citronella geranium is a related Pelargonium that is often marketed for mosquito control, though its effectiveness at repelling insects is limited. Scented geraniums in general are not proven insect repellents, but the fragrance does deter deer and rabbits effectively.

Varieties of scented geranium

Over 200 named scented geranium cultivars are sold in the US, but most fall into a handful of fragrance groups. The table below covers the most widely available types at US garden centers and online nurseries.

Rose geranium (P. graveolens) is the most commercially important scented geranium in the US. Its essential oil is widely used in the fragrance industry and sold by multiple American suppliers. It is also the most useful culinary scented geranium — the leaves flavor cakes, shortbread, jelly, and simple syrup. A single leaf pressed into the bottom of a butter cake pan before baking transfers a delicate rose flavor that is distinctly different from rosewater.

Lemon geranium (P. crispum) has a sharp, clean citrus scent and is the most popular for teas. Drop two leaves into a pot of green tea and let them steep for three minutes. The flavor is subtle but real.

Peppermint geranium (P. tomentosum) is the largest-growing type and the most dramatically fragrant. Its broad, velvety leaves release a strong peppermint smell at the lightest touch. It is less commonly used in cooking but is a striking container or specimen plant.

Growing conditions

Sun requirements

Grow scented geraniums in full sun — 6 or more hours of direct sunlight per day. Full sun produces the highest fragrance oil concentration in the leaves.

Partial shade (3–5 hours) is acceptable and still produces fragrant, healthy plants. Fewer than 3 hours of direct sun results in leggy growth, reduced fragrance, and fewer flowers. Unlike shade-tolerant annuals, scented geraniums do not thrive in low-light conditions.

In the Deep South and Southwest (Zones 8–10), afternoon shade protects plants from heat stress during the hottest weeks of summer. Morning sun with afternoon shade is the ideal placement in climates where afternoon temperatures regularly exceed 95°F.

Soil

Scented geraniums require fast-draining, moderately fertile soil. They do not tolerate wet feet — poorly drained soil causes root rot within days.

In containers, use a standard well-draining potting mix. Add 15–20% perlite by volume for additional drainage. Do not use garden soil in containers — it compacts and creates the waterlogged conditions that kill these plants.

In garden beds, sandy loam or loamy soil amended with compost drains well enough. Heavy clay soil must be amended with coarse sand and compost before planting, or raised beds used. Soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is ideal.

Watering

Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Scented geraniums are drought-tolerant once established and far more likely to be killed by overwatering than underwatering.

Container plants dry out much faster than in-ground plantings. In July and August heat, check containers daily. Water thoroughly until water drains from the bottom holes, then let the soil dry before watering again.

Signs of overwatering: yellowing lower leaves, mushy stems at the soil line, wilting despite wet soil.

Signs of underwatering: dry, crispy leaf edges, afternoon wilt that recovers overnight, very dry soil pulling from pot edges.

Fertilizing

Feed scented geraniums monthly with a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10 or similar) at half the label rate during the growing season. Avoid high-nitrogen formulas — they push leafy growth and reduce flowering without improving fragrance intensity.

Slow-release granular fertilizer applied once in spring works well for in-ground beds. Container plants need more frequent light feeding because watering flushes nutrients from potting mix.

Growing in containers

Container growing is the standard US approach for scented geraniums because it allows easy overwintering. A 10–12 inch container is the right size for most varieties; peppermint geranium needs at least a 14-inch pot due to its spreading habit.

Best containers: Terracotta pots work well because they are porous and help prevent overwatering. Plastic pots retain moisture longer and may need less frequent watering. Either works — the critical factor is drainage holes, not container material.

Potting mix: Commercial potting mix with added perlite (15–20% by volume). Avoid moisture-retaining mixes formulated for tropical plants or vegetables.

Placement: South- or west-facing patios and decks receive the most sun and maximize fragrance. Near doorways and pathways where people brush past the leaves is a classic placement — the contact releases scent without any effort.

Overwintering containers: Before the first frost date for your zone, bring containers inside. Place in the sunniest available window (south-facing). Reduce watering significantly — once every 10–14 days rather than daily. Do not fertilize through winter. The plant may drop some leaves and look a bit ragged; it will push new growth in late winter as days lengthen. Resume watering and fertilizing when new growth appears and move back outdoors after last frost.

Growing in garden beds

Scented geraniums grow well in sunny, well-drained garden beds and work effectively as fragrant border plants. Spacing depends on the variety:

• Rose geranium, lemon geranium: 18–24 inches apart
• Peppermint geranium: 24–36 inches apart
• Apple geranium: 12–18 inches apart

In beds, plant after your last frost date. The plants establish quickly in warm soil and begin their fragrant display within a few weeks of planting.

Scented geraniums pair well with other sun-loving plants. They work in herb gardens alongside rosemary, lavender, and thyme. They also fit into companion planting schemes near vegetables since their fragrance may discourage some garden pests.

Because of their deer and rabbit-deterring fragrance, scented geraniums make practical border plants in suburban gardens. The deer resistant flowers guide covers additional options for landscapes where deer pressure is high.

Propagation by cuttings

Scented geraniums propagate easily from stem cuttings — this is the primary way to multiply plants and overwinter them year to year.

Step-by-step:

1. Take a 4–6 inch stem cutting in late summer, just below a leaf node
2. Remove the lower 2–3 leaves, leaving 2–3 leaves at the tip
3. Allow the cut end to callous for 1–2 hours in dry air (this reduces the chance of rot)
4. Place in a glass of water at room temperature, or insert directly into moist potting mix
5. Water method: roots appear in 2–3 weeks; pot up when roots are 1–2 inches long
6. Soil method: keep moist but not wet; roots form in 3–4 weeks
7. Grow indoors through winter; transplant outdoors after last frost

One established plant typically produces 6–10 cuttings in late summer. This means a single purchased plant can supply the following year’s garden with multiple specimens at no additional cost.

Common problems

Overwatering and root rot — By far the most common cause of scented geranium death in US gardens. Prevention is the only reliable cure: fast-draining soil, drainage holes, and restraint in watering. A plant with root rot should be removed from its pot, rotted roots trimmed cleanly with sterilized scissors, and replanted in fresh, dry mix. Success is not guaranteed, but prompt action saves roughly half of affected plants in my experience.

Botrytis (gray mold) — A gray, fuzzy mold that appears on stems and leaves in cool, humid conditions. Common in greenhouses and in humid climates in spring. Remove affected plant parts. Improve air circulation. Avoid overhead watering. In severe cases, apply a copper-based fungicide labeled for ornamentals.

Edema (corky growths on leaves) — Small, water-soaked bumps on leaves that turn brown and corky. Caused by irregular watering and poor drainage. Not a disease — reduce watering and improve drainage. The affected leaves do not recover but new leaves emerge clean.

Aphids and whiteflies — Scented geraniums attract aphids on tender new growth. Small infestations can be removed with a strong jet of water. Larger infestations respond to insecticidal soap spray (2 tablespoons per gallon of water) applied to undersides of leaves. Repeat weekly for 3 weeks.

Using scented geranium leaves

Scented geraniums are one of the few ornamental plants with genuine culinary value. The leaves do not develop flavor through cooking the way herbs do — instead, they transfer their volatile oils through contact.

Cake and shortbread: Press 3–5 large rose geranium leaves into the bottom of a greased cake pan, add batter, bake, then invert. The leaves leave a faint rose fragrance in the crumb. Remove leaves before serving.

Simple syrup: Simmer equal parts sugar and water with 8–10 rose or lemon geranium leaves for 5 minutes. Cool, strain, and refrigerate. Use in iced tea, lemonade, and cocktails.

Herbal tea: Add 2–3 fresh lemon geranium leaves to a pot of green or white tea. Steep for 3–4 minutes. The flavor is subtle and fragrant.

Sachets and potpourri: Dry leaves flat on a screen in a warm, airy location for 1–2 weeks. Place in fabric sachets in drawers or closets. The fragrance remains strong for 6–12 months.

Essential oil: Commercial rose geranium oil (sold as geranium oil) is steam-distilled from P. graveolens. Home extraction is impractical without specialized equipment, but the fresh leaves can be used directly in DIY skin care and aromatherapy applications.

Where to buy scented geraniums

Most US garden centers stock rose geranium and occasionally peppermint geranium as spring annuals. Specialty nurseries and online sources (Logee’s, Richters, Mountain Valley Growers) carry a broader range of 50–100 cultivars, including rarely seen types like nutmeg, coconut, and spice rose.

Plants arrive by mail reliably in spring and early fall. Seeds are available for some species but germination is slow and variable — cuttings are the preferred propagation method.

Because scented geraniums multiply easily from cuttings, purchasing one plant of each desired fragrance type is enough to produce a full collection within two seasons.

Scented geraniums in the US garden

Scented geraniums fill a specific niche: they deliver fragrance that requires interaction (touching, brushing) rather than wafting fragrance from flowers. Placed near seating areas, along pathways, or in containers by doors, they reward close attention.

Their container gardening adaptability makes them practical for patios, balconies, and small urban gardens where in-ground space is limited. In larger gardens, they function as informal aromatherapy — a practical reminder to slow down and interact with the garden.

For US gardeners who enjoy annuals that bloom all summer and want something beyond color, scented geraniums offer an olfactory dimension that few other annuals can match.

The NC State Extension Pelargonium profile provides species-level detail on fragrance chemistry and growing requirements across US climate zones.