Rose geranium, scientifically known as Pelargonium graveolens, is a perennial evergreen shrub with velvety leaves with a rose fragrance. Within the leaf hair of scented geraniums, tiny glands play the key role of spreading the scent and oil when these leaves are crushed. These plants come with different types of leaf colors like green, blue-green, etc. The ideal temperature for this plant’s optimal growth ranges between 12°C to 21°C.
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Rose Geranium: Key facts
| Botanical name | Pelargonium graveolens |
| Common name | Rose Geranium, Scented Geranium |
| Family | Geraniaceae |
| Native area | South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique |
| Plant size | 1 – 3 feet |
| Sun exposure | Partial or Full Exposure |
| Soil type | Well- Drained |
| Soil pH | Neutral |
| Flower colour | Pink, White |
| Toxic | Toxic to animals, Non-Toxic |
Rose Geranium: Types
- ‘French Lace’ scented geranium – The ‘French Lace’ scented geranium (Pelargonium crispum ‘French Lace’) emerges as an upright sport of the ‘Prince Rupert’ variant. Characterised by deeply lobed leaves with a strong lemon scent and variegated creamy yellow margins, it achieves dimensions of 12-18 inches in height and width.
- Apricot-scented geranium – The Apricot-scented geranium, scientifically known as Pelargonium scabrum, is a shrubby plant distinguished by its hairy lobed leaves emitting a sweet, fruity fragrance.
- ‘Mabel Grey’ lemon-scented geranium – ‘Mabel Grey,’ a lemon-scented geranium under Pelargonium citronellum, garners claimed to be one of the finest within its category. Their characteristics include sharply lobed Characterised by sharply lobed hairy leaves and pink flowers adorned with darker reddish-purple veins, it stands tall at up to 4 feet, making it an ideal choice for topiary standards.
- ‘Angel Eyes Light’ scented geranium – In contrast, the ‘Angel Eyes Light’ scented geranium, a specific Pelargonium variant, presents as a bushy trailing plant reaching dimensions of 10-15 inches tall and wide. It is a bicolor flower that is deep pink during the winter season and light pink during the summer season.
- Coconut-scented geranium – The Coconut-scented geranium, or Pelargonium grossularioides, is identified for its scalloped leaves. Functioning as a spreading groundcover, it modestly reaches 6-12 inches in height and 12-18 inches in width, occasionally escaping cultivation in California and gaining status as a weed.
- Fernleaf scented geranium – A variant known by several names, the Fernleaf scented geranium (Pelargonium denticulatum, ‘Filicifolium’) boasts finely divided leaves with toothed edges, exuding a strong piney fragrance. Its slender, pinkish-purple flowers adorn the plant, which attains a stature of 18-36 inches in height and 12-24 inches in width.
- Lemon-scented geranium – Lemon-scented geranium, another member of the Pelargonium crispum family, often referred to as ‘French Lace,’ features wavy-margined leaves closely stacked on stems, creating a frilly appearance. Emitting a strong lemon fragrance, the plant sporadically produces pale pink flowers, spanning heights of 12-36 inches and widths of 6-15 inches.
- ‘Sweet Mimosa’ rose-scented geranium – ‘Sweet Mimosa’ rose-scented geranium (Pelargonium graveolens ‘Sweet Mimosa’) presents deeply lobed hairy leaves with a sweet, rosy fragrance. Accompanied by pink flowers, it attains a substantial size, ranging from 12-36 inches in height and width.
- ‘Mini Karmine’ scented geranium – ‘Mini Karmine’ scented geranium, a Pelargonium cultivar, achieves its aesthetic zenith when situated in hanging baskets or window boxes. Displaying bright magenta flowers and finely cut foliage, it adds a vibrant touch to its surroundings.
- ‘Old Spice’ scented geranium – Among the nutmeg-scented geraniums, ‘Old Spice’ (Pelargonium fragrans) has gray-green rounded and lobed leaves emitting a spicy aroma. They have a height of 12-18 inches with small white flowers.
- ‘Snowflake’ scented geranium – ‘Snowflake’ scented geranium, a variety of Pelargonium capitatum, showcases rounded leaves covered with white flecks, releasing a fragrance combining citrus and rose. With a height and width ranging from 12-18 inches, it occasionally assumes the classification of a rose-scented geranium.
- Spanish lavender-scented geranium – Pelargonium cucullatum, or Spanish lavender-scented geranium, appears as a shrubby plant, capable of wild growth up to 6 feet in height. However, under cultivation, it typically maintains more modest dimensions of 12-24 inches in height and width.
How to grow Rose Geranium?
The best time to grow is during the winter season. So, at first, spread the seeds evenly across a tray filled with seed-starting medium, ensuring a uniform distribution. Subsequently, cover them with soil, ensuring a depth of approximately 1/8 inch. Gently mist the soil to fulfil adequate moisture, taking care not to cause sogginess. Position the tray in a warmly illuminated area, and consistently apply a fine mist to sustain the soil’s moisture levels. Typically, germination of the seeds occurs within approximately three weeks.
Maintain the nurturing environment by keeping the seedlings in a well-lit and warm location, while routinely misting them to prevent the soil from drying up. Following the threat of frost is gone, the plant can be transplanted from the hardy seedlings into the garden, whether in a container or directly into the soil.
Rose Geranium: Care tips
- Light: Scented geraniums are best suited for ample sunlight exposure, preferably a solid 4 to 6 hours daily. While they can take partial shade, be mindful that they might stretch out in such conditions.
- Soil and water: Pelargoniums prefer soil that leans toward neutral to slightly alkaline, steering clear of the acidic end. Throughout their growth phase, follow a watering routine every few days, especially in humid weather. Choose for a thorough and deep watering session, using a soaker hose or trickle system to gently filter the soil.
- Temperature and humidity: Given their common indoor cultivation, scented geraniums adapt well to indoor temperatures between 15 to 23 degrees Celsius and humidity levels hovering at approximately 40%. Their prime state is sustained in temperatures exceeding 15 degrees Celsius, and a dip below this mark might induce inactivity.
- Fertiliser: Scented geraniums don’t need that much amount of fertilisers, yet young plants require a modest nutritional boost. If inclined to fertilise, go for a water-soluble 20-20-20 fertiliser, administering a diluted, half-strength dosage every 2 to 3 weeks during the growing season.
Rose Geranium: Common problems
Geraniums face a variety of diseases, such as damping-off, Pythium root rot, Rhizoctonia root and crown rot, Botrytis leaf blight and crown rot and flower blight. Additionally, common pests that pose a threat include aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. In certain regions, there may be concerns about tobacco budworms. The application of neem oil or spinosad through spraying is an effective method to control most pests.
Rose Geranium: Toxicity
Geraniums, an annual floral species predominantly originating from South Africa, show a weakness to frost. It’s critical to recognize their mild toxicity to various pets, including dogs, cats, rabbits and horses. These particular plants denoted as pelargoniums contain poisonous compounds like geraniol and linalool. Interestingly, these substances pose no threat to human health. The leaves of these plants boast essential oils which are highly used in shampoos, soaps and insect repellents.
FAQs
How should one care for a rose geranium?
For optimal growth, provide rose geraniums with fertile, well-drained soil, and ensure they bask in full sunlight. If in a Southern location, shield them from the intense afternoon sun. During hotter periods, extra care should be taken to offer sufficient moisture, as elevated temperatures can stress the plants.
Is it better for geraniums to be placed in full sun or part sun?
Generally, geraniums prefer abundant sunlight, requiring 4-6 hours of full sun daily. In some cases, they may tolerate filtered light for longer durations. Ideally, positions with southern or western exposure tend to be most favourable.
Do geraniums flourish in full sun?
Most annual geraniums indeed thrive in full sun, except ivy geraniums, which prefer light shade. Perennial geraniums, however, display adaptability, flourishing in either sunny or shaded environments based on their specific type.
Are geraniums considered permanent plants?
While the majority of geranium species are annuals originating from South Africa, there are perennial varieties that exhibit distinct characteristics.
What constitutes the best fertiliser for geraniums?
For consistent nourishment, it is generally recommended to use a fertiliser with 200 to 250 parts per million (ppm) of nitrogen. Successful results have been observed with fertilisers such as 15-15-15 (Geranium Special), 15-16-17 Peat-lite, and 20-10-20 Peat-lite.
How can one accelerate the blooming of geraniums?
Pruning is a key method to prompt more rapid blooming in geraniums. Remove faded, rain-damaged, or yellowing sections by breaking or cutting each stem at a leaf node. This process stimulates flowering, particularly in upright geranium varieties, facilitating the quick production of new flowers.
Are geraniums more suitable for pots or beds?
Geraniums exhibit their best qualities when placed in beds and borders. Traditional bedding geraniums, resilient in hot weather and drought conditions, also make striking focal points in container arrangements and window boxes.
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