Scented Geraniums (Perlargonium) truly add another level of enjoyment to gardens. With scented geraniums planted along a walkway and near entrances, they generously share their scents with passersby. It's a treat for gardeners, too. Whenever I tended the geranium border in the yard at our last house, our neighbor would cross the street and ask what smelled so lovely.
The thick leaves and smell of scented geranium keep them virtually pest free. Unlike most garden fragrances, scented geraniums share their scents, not through their flowers, but their foliage. Their scents tend to be less floral, and more herbal. White flies are their biggest threat. Sometimes aphids, mealy bugs, or spider mites might attack. Spraying with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil will make your plants less attractive to them.
Once the danger of frost is past (often in late May), start planting scented geraniums in your garden. Normally the foliage ranges from shades of deep gray-green to bright lime-green. The leaves will yellow then brown and drop during a severe drought (watering regularly until the plant bounces back). Also, foliage of some varieties will redden due to frost, adding a touch of color to your autumn garden.
Although similar in name, “true” geraniums, with their showier flowers, are a separate branch of the family. Most scented geraniums have small, even tiny, blooms in late spring or early summer. Some are quite lovely, and some are strong enough to withstand wind and rain.
 |
| Photo: 5/08 Queerbubbles |
Scented Geranium have many highlights:
- many scents, colors, and leaf shapes to choose from.
- easy to grow
- great plants for containers, they will fill out and spill over the edges.
- They will tolerate, but not thrive in full shade.
- Drought tolerant: Scented geraniums have a shallow root structure and like good drainage. Scented geraniums are drought tolerant. When the soil feels dry about an inch below the surface, give them a drink of water.
What they like:
- Plant in full sunlight for more flowers
- Clip fading flower stalks
- Don't crowd plants together.
- Good drainage
- Occasional pinching/pruning helps plants grow fuller.
Many gardeners enjoy collecting scented geraniums to grow, both indoors and out. You can easily move potted scented geraniums inside to enjoy during the winter months.
When grown indoors, scented geraniums will need bright light. Scented geraniums are light feeders and their scent will be stronger if they are grown on the lean side. Potted plants will need more fertilizer than plants in the ground. Potted geraniums can be feed a balanced fertilizer at half the label recommended dilution, in the spring and every 3 to 4 weeks through summer, if they look like they need it. Do not fertilize at all during the winter.
Edible Perennial
Yes, scented geraniums are another edible plant. Use the leaves to scent foods like sugars and jellies.
Scented geraniums are used for aroma therapy, unusual taste treats and for their visual appeal. With a little effort, you can grow these plants to delight your senses year-round. Stems and leaves can be used in arrangements or dried for potpourri.
Cooking with Scented Geraniums: Gently rinse and dry leaves before using in these recipes:
1. Jellies: Finely chop 2 cups of clean fresh scented geranium leaves (rose, mint, or fruit). Add 5 cups sugar, 1 quart of apple juice and fruit pectin make a delicious jelly. Mix leaves and apple juice and simmer in a pan for 10 minutes. Remove the leaves. Add fruit pectin and bring to a full rolling boil. Add the sugar and boil for 1 minute. Pour into jars.
2. Scented Sugars. Layer a seal-able container with an inch of sugar, followed by a layer of your chosen scented geranium leaves, and topped off with another inch of sugar. Seal the container. After a week you can use the scented sugar for tea and baking.
3. Scented Lemonade Bring 2 cups of water, ½ cup sugar and 8 scented geranium leaves to a boil. Remove from heat, cover and steep at least 30 minutes. Add the remaining 4 cups water and freshly squeezed lemon juice to taste. Serve over ice. (1/2 to 3/4 cup).
4. Scented Cake. Line a cake pan with scented geranium leaves--with their tops facing down--before pouring in the batter. Cook as usual. When the cake is done, peel off the leaves from the top. The leaves will leave their wonderful flavors infused in the cake and a beautiful imprint on the top.
5. Scented Ice Cubes. Brighten up beverages with scented geraniums and their flowers. Clip a few small leaves and put them into an ice cube tray full of water. Place the flowers on top. You can also place other edible flowers on the ice, like pansies. Freeze and serve in cold beverages.
6. Scented geranium sorbet. Mix 2 cups sugar, 5 cups water, ¾ cup chopped lime- and lemon-scented geranium leaves in a saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce to simmer until the mixture thickens (about 15 minutes). Freeze. Periodically stir while it is freezing to break up ice crystals. The more you stir and refreeze this mixture, the smoother the final results.
Scented geraniums are categorized by aroma. The scents often mimic other plants like roses, lemons, mint, fruits, spices and other pungent fragrances. When choosing your plants, gently rub a leaf between your fingers to find the right scent for your garden. Some common scents/flavors include lemon, coconut, rose, mint, lime, nutmet, even "Old Spice".
Treat yourself and your senses. Add some scented geraniums to your garden.
Article compiled by Renee C. Brannigan
Sources:
Posts
