Scented pelargoniums

I am totally obsessed with scented Pelargoniums, or scented Geraniums as they are sometimes known. They are so tactile, and every time I walk by one of my many plants I can’t resist giving a leaf a gentle squeeze to release the delicious scent. But don’t ask me which is my favourite because I really can’t decide. The fragrance isn’t the only reason I love these plants; they have beautiful textured leaves in all shapes and sizes, variegated or plain and often with delicate small pale pink or white flowers throughout the summer. If you need any other excuses to go out and buy one, both the leaves and the flowers are edible and can be used in drinks, cakes and puddings!

Pelargoniums are tender evergreen sub-shrubs, so are best grown in pots which can be moved inside to a sunny windowsill or conservatory over winter. This makes them ideal for positioning on a table or near doors and steps where you can often enjoy their perfume as you pass by.

Probably the most famous variety is P.‘Attar of Roses’, whose heady floral perfume is a popular ingredient for soaps and aromatherapy products as it helps to relieve stress and anxiety. The leaves are great for making into a relaxing tea. I love how, as the plant fills out, the stems become slightly twisted and the leaves and pale pink flowers spill over the pot.

Another popular variety is P.‘Sweet Mimosa’, which has a more citrusy rose scent. Like the ‘Attar of Roses’ it has mid green leaves, but the flowers are slightly darker reminding me of clouds of Candyfloss. Remember to deadhead regularly to keep it flowering all summer.

New to me this year is P.‘Grandeur Oderata Peppermint’. I couldn’t resist the pretty variegated leaves which are markedly dissected palmate shapes and stretch out like a welcoming hand, while the clean mint scent is so refreshing. There is also a ‘Coco-Cola’ variety in this series which is popular with both children and adults!

Also new to my collection is ‘ P. ‘Fragrens Varigatum’, a smaller leaf variety. The tiny, variegated lime green and darker green leaves have a strong peppery nutmeg and pine aroma and they form in clusters around the base of pale pink flowers. Although the leaves may be small, the plant will grow to 30cm wide and high, making it perfect for a container.

An additional bonus to Pelargoniums is that they are really easy to propagate as semi-ripe or soft wood cuttings, so once you have one plant you can have many more. I take cuttings in September and if I lose any over the winter, I will still have new plants the next year. It is also lovely to be able to give some to friends, particularly my non-gardening ones; when they see and smell such an amazing plant there is every chance they will begin to get the gardening bug too!