Gardening Edible Gardening Herbs How to Plant and Grow Scented Geranium Beloved for their strong aroma, these plants come in a variety of fragrances. By Hollyanna McCollom Hollyanna McCollom Hollyanna McCollom is a writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. As a freelance writer, she specializes in food, pop culture, wellness, DIY craft, and sustainable living. She is the author of the Moon Portland travel guide (now in its 4th edition) and previously served as editor-in-chief of PDX Magazine, as well as the editorial lead for several other small publications and projects. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on April 27, 2024 In This Article View All In This Article Where to Plant Planting Tips Care Pests and Problems Propagation Types Companion Plants FAQ Trending Videos Close this video player Scented geraniums have long been burdened with a case of mistaken identity. The annual plants we call “scented geraniums” or “scented-leaf geraniums” are not geraniums at all but actually pelargoniums. They are often confused with perennial geraniums but scented geraniums are not cold-hardy and can only be grown as a perennial in zones 10 and 11. Although most varieties of pelargonium feature small clusters of pale pink or white flowers in summer, the blooms are not the star of the show. Scented geraniums are typically grown for their aromatic leaves. The foliage delights the senses with fragrances of fruits, flowers, spices, or even chocolate. As such, scented geraniums have been a favorite in herb and indoor gardens since Victorian times. Just brush against their tactile leaves (which can be fuzzy or smooth) to release their strong aroma. Whether you are growing your scented geranium in a container or in your garden, be aware that many cultivars of pelargonium are considered toxic to most pets—particularly small pets like cats and rabbits. Also, the leaves (which contain geraniol and linalool, both major constituents of essential oils) are mildly toxic to humans. Scented Geranium Overview Genus Name Pelargonium Common Name Scented Geranium Plant Type Annual Light Part Sun, Sun Height 1 to 3 feet Width 1 to 2 feet Flower Color Pink, White Foliage Color Blue/Green Season Features Summer Bloom Special Features Fragrance, Good for Containers Zones 10, 11 Propagation Division, Stem Cuttings Where to Plant Scented Geraniums Scented geraniums can be grown in containers (inside or outside) or in the ground. In zones 10 and 11, they can be grown as perennials but are typically treated as annuals elsewhere. They prefer sunny spots with rich, well-draining soil but can tolerate a little shade from time to time. Choose a planting place where you're sure to brush against the leaves occasionally to enjoy the scented geraniums' aroma. Add them to colorful container plantings or integrate them near walkways in herb gardens or perennial beds. 7 Fragrant Annuals to Fill Your Garden With Sweet Scents How and When to Plant Scented Geranium Plant pelargoniums in early to mid-spring after all threat of frost has passed. In warmer regions, where they can be grown as perennials, you can also plant them in the fall. Indoor-grown pelargoniums can be planted at any time as long as they are kept in an area with lots ofsunlight. If you are planting a nursery that starts in the ground, dig a hole approximately the same size as your root ball. Wiggle the plant out of its nursery pot and gently tease apart the roots. Place the plant in the prepared spot and fill the hole while tamping the soil down to eliminate air pockets. Space your plants about 8 to 12 inches apart to provide ample air circulation. If planting your scented geraniums in a container, choose a container that is at least 12 inches in diameter or larger and has excellent drainage. Clay pots are an excellent choice as they allow the soil to dry more thoroughly than plastic pots. Fill your chosen pot with a good-quality, well-draining potting mix and follow the same procedure for ground planting. Add Flair to Your Garden with These Low-Maintenance Tropical Landscape Plants Scented Geranium Care Tips Scented geraniums thrive in full sun or part shade and moist, well-drained soil. These easy-to-grow plants easily tolerate sandy soil and dry conditions but languish in wet, clay soil. Container-grown scented geraniums require little extra care as long as they are grown in a pot with adequate drainage and high-quality potting soil. Light Scented geraniums like full sun (at least 4 to 6 hours each day). They can tolerate partial shade but may grow leggier in such conditions. If you live in a very hot climate, consider sheltering your scented geranium from the harsh afternoon sun. Soil and Water Pelargoniums prefer neutral to slightly alkaline soil instead of acidic soil (as their close relative, the true geranium prefers). During their growing season, plan to water your scented geraniums every few days, more frequently during hot weather. Water them thoroughly and deeply using a soaker hose or trickle system that will allow the water to gently filter through the soil. Between waterings, allow the soil to dry out to prevent root rot. For container-grown plants, water until the excess drains from the pot, discarding the drained water to prevent the plant from becoming soggy. Water the plant only when the top 2 inches of the soil is dry. Temperature and Humidity Since scented geraniums are often grown indoors, they are well-adapted to indoor temperatures (60 to 75 degrees) and humidity levels (around 40%). They are at their best when temperatures remain above 50 degrees Fahrenheit and may go dormant if the thermometer dips below 50 degrees. Pelargoniums are not cold-hardy and will likely perish when exposed to freezing temperatures for longer than a few hours. Fertilizer Scented geraniums need little (if any) fertilization, but young plants may benefit from a little boost. If you want to gently fertilize your plant, choose a water-soluble 20-20-20 fertilizer and feed your plants with a small (diluted to half-strength) amount every 2 to 3 weeks during the growing season. Do not fertilize your pelargonium plants in the winter. Pruning Annually-grown scented geraniums do not need pruning, but you can deadhead spent blooms and remove dried leaves from the plant to help discourage rot and disease. Overwintered scented geraniums can be pruned in early spring before they are returned to outdoor temperatures. Those grown in the ground or kept outdoors can be pruned in late fall. In either case, remove dead foliage and trim away any unhealthy or woody stems. Indoor-grown plants can get leggy and may need occasional pinching at the growing points to encourage bushier growth. Using your fingers, pinch about 1/4 to 1/2 inch off the end of the stems. This will force the plant to send out new stems. 7 of the Worst Mistakes to Avoid When Pruning Plants Potting and Repotting Scented geraniums like to be a little root-bound, so repot yours only when it has officially outgrown its container. When you do, choose one only slightly larger than the old pot. The best time to repot pelargoniums is in the spring. Before transplanting yours, water the plant until the soil is moist. Prepare a larger container by filling it halfway with fresh potting mix. Prune back any rogue stems or branches and gently remove the scented geranium from its old pot. Add the plant to the new container and cover the root ball with more potting mix, tamping down the soil around the roots as you hold the plant in place. Water until the excess runs out, and then discard the drained water. Overwintering Container-grown scented geraniums may be grown as annuals, or they can be overwintered and enjoyed year after year. There are several ways to overwinter scented geraniums successfully. Overwinter them as a houseplant by bringing your containers indoors in the fall before frosty temperatures arrive. Once inside, place your plants in a bright, sunny window and reduce watering to allow the soil around the roots to dry between waterings. You can overwinter scented geraniums as dormant plants by bringing container plants indoors before the first frost and storing them in a dark corner of a basement or a frost-free garage. Allow the plants to go dormant by not watering them during winter months. Once the last chance of frost passes in spring, you can bring your scented geraniums back outside. Pests and Problems Scented geraniums are not bothered by many pests, but keep an eye out for aphids, mites, whiteflies, cabbage loopers, and fall cankerworms. Scented geraniums can also fall prey to root rot and fungal problems like rust and botrytis blight as well as bacterial diseases like leaf spot, blackleg, and verticillium wilt. Space your plants out to provide good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and allow the soil to dry out between waterings. How to Get Rid of Whiteflies for Good on All Your Plants How to Propagate Scented Geranium Growing scented geraniums from seed is possible, but since most cultivars are hybrids, the resulting plants will likely not be the same. The best way to propagate scented geranium is via cuttings. To do so, prepare a grow pot for your cutting with a moist potting mix or seed starter. You can plant one cutting in a 3- to 4-inch pot or several in a larger pot. Choose a sturdy, healthy stem from a plant flush with new growth. Cut the stem (about 3 to 4 inches long) and remove all the leaves from the bottom inch of the sprig. Press the base of the stem into the prepared soil and keep the soil evenly moist while the cutting takes root. Once rooted, you can transplant your cutting to a more permanent pot (no larger than 6 inches) or plant it outdoors. If need be, you can repot your plant to a larger pot in the spring. Types of Scented Geranium Apricot-scented geranium Dean Schoeppner Pelargonium scabrum is a shrubby plant with hairy lobed leaves that has a sweet, fruity scent. It bears pink to white flowers from early spring to summer and grows 12-24 inches tall and wide. Zones 9–11 'Angel Eyes Light' scented geranium Denny Schrock Pelargonium is a bushy trailing plant that grows 10-15 inches tall and wide. It bears profuse bicolor flowers in shades of pink. The flower is deeper pink during cool seasons, fading to lighter pink in summer. Zones 9-11 'Chocolate Mint' scented geranium Marty Baldwin This Pelargonium tomentosum variety is named for the maroon splotches along leaf veins rather than the scent of the plant, which is minty, not chocolaty. As leaves mature, the brownish coloration fades. The plant develops pale lavender flowers and grows 1-3 feet tall and wide. Zones 9-11 Coconut-scented geranium Dean Schoeppner Pelargonium grossularioides is also known as gooseberry geranium or gooseberry-leaved scented geranium for the shape of its scalloped leaves. The plant grows as a spreading groundcover, reaching 6-12 inches tall and 12-18 inches wide. In California, it's escaped cultivation to become a weed. Zones 9-11 Fernleaf scented geranium Dean Schoeppner This cultivar of Pelargonium denticulatum ('Filicifolium') is known by several common names, including fernleaf, toothleaf, and pine-scented geranium. It has finely divided leaves with toothed edges and a pungent piney fragrance. Small pinkish-purple flowers develop above the lacy foliage. It grows 18-36 inches tall and 12-24 inches wide. Zones 9-11 'French Lace' scented geranium Denny Schrock Pelargonium crispum 'French Lace' is an upright sport of 'Prince Rupert' scented geranium. The pale pink flowers stand out against the plant's deeply lobed leaves, which have a noticeable lemon scent and variegated creamy yellow margins. The plant grows 12-18 inches tall and wide. Zones 9-11 Lemon-scented geranium Dean Schoeppner This variety of Pelargonium crispum is also known as 'French Lace' geranium because its leaves have wavy margins and are closely stacked on the stems, giving the plant a frilly appearance. The foliage has a strong lemon fragrance. Pale pink flowers appear sporadically. The plant grows 12-36 inches tall and 6-15 inches wide. Zones 9-11 'Mabel Grey' lemon-scented geranium Dean Schoeppner Pelargonium citronellum 'Mabel Grey' is often considered the best of the lemon-scented geraniums. It has sharply lobed hairy leaves and bears pink flowers with darker reddish-purple veins. It can grow up to 4 feet tall, making it a good choice for topiary standards. Zones 9-11 'Mini Karmine' scented geranium Denny Schrock This Pelargonium cultivar looks its best in hanging baskets or window boxes, where you can enjoy the plant as it trails over the edges. It features bright magenta flowers and finely cut foliage. Zones 9-11 How to Make a Burlap Hanging Planter 'Old Spice' scented geranium Dean Schoeppner This type of Pelargonium fragrans is a selection of nutmeg-scented geranium. It has gray-green rounded and lobed leaves with a spicy aroma. Another common name is sweet-leaved geranium. The plant grows 12-18 inches tall and wide and bears small white flowers. Zones 9-11 Peppermint-scented geranium Peter Krumhardt Pelargonium tomentosum is a spreading subshrub with fuzzy silvery-gray leaves. True to its name, the plant emits a strong, minty aroma. It bears tiny white flowers with purple splashes on the throat. It grows 1-2 feet tall and spreads up to 4 feet wide. Other names include peppermint geranium and pennyroyal geranium. Zones 9-11 Rose-scented geranium John Noltner Pelargonium graveolens is also called velvet rose and sweet-scented geranium. The lobed hairy leaves have a strong scent of roses. They are sometimes used for commercial production of geranium oil, a substitute for attar of roses in perfume production. The flowers are small and pinkish-white. Plants may grow 1-3 feet tall and wide. Zones 9-11 'Snowflake' scented geranium Dean Schoeppner This variety of Pelargonium capitatum has rounded leaves flecked with white. The scent combines citrus and rose; the plant is sometimes listed as a rose-scented geranium. Plants grow 12-18 inches tall and wide. Zones 9-11 Spanish lavender-scented geranium Dean Schoeppner Pelargonium cucullatum is a shrubby plant that can grow up to 6 feet tall in the wild, but it is more likely to grow 12-24 inches tall and wide in cultivation. It is also known as hooded-leaf geranium because its hairy leaves are cupped upward, resembling a hooded cloak. It is one of the parents of regal geraniums and, like the regal types, requires cool nights for its pinkish-purple flowers to develop. Zones 9-11 'Sweet Mimosa' rose-scented geranium Dean Schoeppner Pelargonium graveolens 'Sweet Mimosa' is also called 'Sweet Miriam' rose-scented geranium. The plant has deeply lobed hairy leaves with a sweet, rosy fragrance. The flowers are pink. It grows 12-36 inches tall and wide. Zones 9-11 Companion Plants for Scented Geranium Scented geraniums repel certain pests, making them great companion plants for those sensitive to attacks from mosquitos, leafhoppers, cabbage worms, and beetles. They are also hugely popular in containers, window boxes, and hanging baskets and can be mixed with a wide array of plants to create a showy display. The 11 Best Window Boxes of 2024 Calibrachoa BHG / Evgeniya Vlasova If you are looking for a low-growing splash of color to add to a garden bed or box with scented geranium, try calibrachoa. The sun-loving annual only grows to about 6 inches in height and comes in colors like blue, orange, pink, purple, red, yellow, and white. It is hardy in zones 9-11. Dichondra Dan Piassick The trailing foliage of dichondra makes a good accent for scented geranium in garden spots where you want to create a lush backdrop of green. It grows easily in full or partial sun and thrives in zones 10 and 11. Marigolds Doug Hetherington Marigolds make excellent companion plants for scented geraniums because they also prefer sunny spots with well-drained soil. Like scented geraniums, marigolds are also good at repelling insects, which makes both plants a good inclusion for containers that line an outdoor gathering space. Frequently Asked Questions Do all scented geraniums smell nice? Aromas are a difficult thing to judge, but some cultivars of scented geraniums are definitively pungent (whether you love or hate the scent is subjective). P. denticulatum “Filicifolium”, for example, smells strongly of balsam. The foliage of the “Variegated Oak Leaf” scented geranium has a musky, spicy aroma and P. trifidum is said to smell like dead fish. Fortunately—for those not familiar with the numerous cultivars—the trend for naming scented geraniums seems to involve naming the plant for the scent it most closely resembles. What is the difference between geraniums and pelargoniums? Geraniums and pelargoniums (including scented geraniums) fall under the family name Geraniaceae. Both plants feature narrow, beak-like seed capsules that spring open to cast out seeds. However, only true geraniums are part of the genus Geranium. They are low-growing perennials that are primarily grown for their late spring to midsummer blooms. They are more shade tolerant than their annual cousins and can be grown in hardiness zones 3-9. Pelargoniums, on the other hand, are not cold-hardy. They are annual plants with varied growth habits from upright to trailing. Many pelargonium cultivars are grown for their foliage, not their blooms (which are usually asymmetrical). Which scented geranium has the strongest fragrance? Many gardeners choose Attar of Roses if they're looking for a delightful, strongly-scented plant for their garden. Additional scents to try include 'Orange Fizz' and 'Apple' varieties. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit Sources Better Homes & Gardens is committed to using high-quality, reputable sources—including peer-reviewed studies—to support the facts in our articles. Read about our editorial policies and standards to learn more about how we fact check our content for accuracy. Geranium. Pelargonium species. ASPCA Pelargonium. Pelargonium (Geranium, Scented Geranium) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox.