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Scented geraniums are members of the genus pelargonium, a plant in the family Geraniaceae. They are often used for cooking or aromatherapy purposes because of their pleasant smell. There are actually over 200 varieties of scented geraniums, although not all have a discernible scent.
This article will explore the various ways scented geraniums can be grown and cared for. Let’s get started.
Image Credit: http://gardeningknowhow.com
What Are Scented Geraniums And Why Do They Smell So Good?
Scented geraniums produce flowers, which may be single or double. These flowers are often brightly colored and some varieties produce no trace of scent while some have a very strong odor.
The flavors of scented geraniums can be quite diverse depending on the variety, but most are described as fruity, nutty, spicy, or sweet. Some varieties include apple, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and orange among others. They are also highly aromatic when bruised or crushed with leaves that feel silky to the touch.
Gently rubbing the leaves of this plant between your fingers will cause them to release their fragrance more intensely than just sniffing it from the pot.
Why You Should Grow These Plants In Your Garden
Scented geraniums are easy to grow and can be grown in pots or they can be planted into the ground. They will often bloom all summer long until the first frost, but most varieties of scented geraniums need cool temperatures during winter months to help them flower heavily the following season.
Scented geraniums don’t like it if you over-water them, so make sure to give them only enough water as is necessary for their soil to dry out between each watering. You should also avoid fertilizing too much because this may damage the plant.
Since your scented geranium will stop blooming shortly after it is brought indoors, you can prolong its life by ensuring that they get plenty of sunlight while they are blooming and placing them in a cool draft-free location when it’s finished. Scented geraniums can help control indoor air humidity and purify the atmosphere of stale odors.
The leaves and flowers of scented geraniums go well with other plants in dish gardens, which allow you to mix various types of plants in one container for cost savings purposes. They also look great on shelves or mantles if you prefer not to plant them into the ground. Finally, I should add that scented geraniums make excellent houseplants because few things smell better than their fragrance.
Caring For These Plants Requires Little Effort
To care for your scented geranium, make sure that the container they are in is wide enough for their roots to spread out and that their soil is moist but not too wet. They also need average room temperature, so avoid putting them in drafty areas and be sure to water them when the soil feels dry.
Scented geraniums can be placed outdoors during the summer months if you live where summers aren’t extremely hot because this will help them produce more flowers each year. Also, don’t forget to bring your scented geranium indoors before the first frost of winter arrives. This prolongs its blooming season so you can enjoy its lovely fragrance throughout autumn and winter.
Which Varieties Of Scented Geraniums Are Best Suited For Your climate?
Since scented geranium plants usually don’t bloom heavily in places that have long, cold winters, you will probably want to choose varieties that are hardy enough to survive your winter weather conditions. Some scented geraniums can even survive light frost.
Scented geraniums thrive best in full sun exposure or partial shade exposure during the day and enjoy lots of natural light when grown indoors as houseplants. They also need average room temperature so they are well-suited for growing inside homes year-round where heating is always available.
They are not particularly picky about soil type, but it should be well-draining because this helps prevent root rot from forming during extended wet periods or heavy rains. Also, make sure to fertilize them lightly if at all during the growing season.
Scented geraniums come in a wide range of leaf colors and shapes that are good for mixing in your garden or planting into the ground as ornamentals. Some of their common leaf colors include green, dark purple-red, silver-gray, white, yellow with red veins, oak-leaf shaped with long tips on each lobe, and round lobes with no pointy tips. Some scented geraniums have purple flowers while others have pinkish flowers so they can be mixed to create interesting flower color combinations within the same garden bed.
Topiary Plants To Consider
Growing topiary plants in your garden or placing them indoors in a planter can add flair to the exterior or interior design of your home. They also make a great gift for a friend, family member, or neighbor who enjoys gardening and/or decorating their home.
One topiary plant that works well as an indoor focal point is the scented geranium plant because it’s easy to grow and offers a lovely scent that makes people feel relaxed or uplifted when they smell its fragrance. You will love how this hardy little plant brings out the creativity in you while being so simple to tend.
Scented Geranium Cutting
Alternatively, you can grow a topiary from a scented geranium cutting if you don’t have the time or patience to plant seeds and wait for them to grow.
All you need is a potted scented geranium that has been growing in your garden long enough so its roots have become established without getting damaged, some wire mesh material of an appropriate size with holes large enough for stem growth, but not too big around so they will hold the shape of the topiary, a pair of scissors to cut through wire mesh materials and potting soil. Once you’ve gathered these tools and materials together, follow these steps:
1) Cut two pieces from wire mesh that measure 30 inches long by five inches wide each. You will want the wire mesh pieces to overlap about one inch on top of each other.
2) Twist both pairs together until they are firmly attached against each other without slipping. You can use pliers to squeeze wire ends together or twist it around itself for a tighter hold to keep your topiary intact once you plant it into the ground.
3) Place your scented geranium cutting across these wires so that one edge rests securely at the center point where the two pieces intersect with each other, but not so close to the intersection point that it smashes or bends down onto itself. The bottom stem area should be secure against the upper wires along its entire length. If you need more material, simply cut another piece of wire mesh long enough to accommodate your stem growth and overlap the upper area onto the lower one.
4) Wrap wire mesh tightly around scented geranium cutting until it holds securely against itself to form a ball shape that will hold its shape well even if you brush up against it or touch it by accident. If you’re making two for planting into separate planter pots, you’ll want to bend them at the intersection point about four inches down so they can stand upright on their own without requiring support.
Image Credit: http://bhg.com
Final Thoughts On Growing And Caring For Scented Geraniums
In conclusion, scented geranium plants make nice additions to outdoor and indoor landscaping as well as topiary planter plants. They produce a lovely fragrance that can be used for aromatherapy or simply enjoyed because of the smell it brings into your home or garden environment. Scents from these plants can lift your spirits, relax you and even help with memory recall.
The post Growing And Caring For Scented Geraniums appeared first on Kitchen Infinity.
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