The Sweet Scented Geranium: A Fragrant Addition to Your Garden

Are you looking for a plant that not only adds beauty to your garden but also fills your space with an amazing fragrance? Look no further than the sweet scented geranium! This delightful plant not only looks beautiful, but it also has a unique and pleasant aroma that can be enjoyed all year round. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the sweet scented geranium and explore its many benefits.

What is a Sweet Scented Geranium?

The sweet scented geranium, also known as Pelargonium Graveolens, is a species of flowering plant in the Pelargonium family. It is native to South Africa, but is now widely grown around the world. This plant is often cultivated for its essential oil, which has a sweet, floral scent that is used in perfumes, soaps, and other cosmetic products.

Characteristics of Sweet Scented Geranium

The sweet scented geranium is a perennial plant that can grow up to 3 feet tall. It has green, serrated leaves that are slightly hairy to the touch. The flowers of the plant are pink, red, or white, and bloom in clusters throughout the growing season. One of the most striking features of this plant is its fragrance, which is released when the leaves are brushed or crushed.

How to Grow a Sweet Scented Geranium

If you're interested in growing a sweet scented geranium, here are some tips to help you get ed:

Soil Requirements

Sweet scented geraniums prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. They can grow in a range of soil types, but do best in slightly acidic to neutral soil.

Light Requirements

These plants require full sun to partial shade in order to thrive. They can be grown indoors or outdoors, but need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.

Watering Requirements

Sweet scented geraniums should be watered regularly during the growing season, but not over-watered. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again.

Fertilizer Requirements

These plants benefit from regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer. Apply every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.

Uses of Sweet Scented Geranium

The sweet scented geranium has a wide range of uses beyond just adding fragrance to your garden. Here are some of the most common uses of this plant:

Culinary Uses

The leaves of the sweet scented geranium can be used to flavor desserts, teas, and other food items. They have a floral, slightly citrusy flavor that pairs well with fruit-based dishes.

Medicinal Uses

Sweet scented geranium essential oil is believed to have a number of health benefits, including reducing inflammation, improving skin health, and relieving stress and anxiety.

Insect Repellent

The strong scent of the sweet scented geranium is known to repel certain insects, including mosquitoes and flies. This makes it a popular choice for use in natural insect repellents.

Sweet Scented Geranium Varieties

There are several different varieties of sweet scented geranium, each with its own unique characteristics. Here are some of the most popular varieties:

Rose-Scented Geranium

This variety has a strong, rose-like fragrance that is often used in perfumes and cosmetics. It also has pink flowers and serrated leaves.

Peppermint-Scented Geranium

As the name suggests, this variety has a minty scent that is refreshing and invigorating. It has green leaves with white margins and small pink or white flowers.

Lemon-Scented Geranium

This variety has a bright, citrusy aroma that is reminiscent of lemon. It has green leaves with a slightly fuzzy texture and pale pink or white flowers.

Caring for Sweet Scented Geraniums

Sweet scented geraniums are relatively easy to care for, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

Pruning

Regular pruning can help keep sweet scented geraniums healthy and promote bushier growth. Prune back any leggy or unhealthy branches as needed.

Overwintering

If you live in a climate with cold winters, you may need to bring your sweet scented geranium indoors during the colder months. Place it in a sunny window and water sparingly until spring.

Pest Control

Sweet scented geraniums are generally resistant to pests, but they can occasionally be affected by spider mites or aphids. Treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil.


The sweet scented geranium is a beautiful and fragrant addition to any garden. With its unique aroma and versatile uses, it's no wonder why this plant is so popular. Whether you're looking to add some flavor to your cooking or simply enjoy the sweet scent of nature, the sweet scented geranium is sure to please.

FAQs

Q: Can sweet scented geraniums be grown indoors?

Yes, sweet scented geraniums can be grown indoors as long as they receive enough sunlight and are planted in well-draining soil.

Q: How often should I water my sweet scented geranium?

Sweet scented geraniums should be watered regularly during the growing season, but not over-watered. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again.

Q: What is the best way to propagate sweet scented geraniums?

Sweet scented geraniums can be propagated by taking stem cuttings and rooting them in moist soil or water. This is best in the spring or early summer.

Q: Can sweet scented geraniums be used in cooking?

Yes, sweet scented geranium leaves can be used to flavor a variety of dishes, including desserts, teas, and salads.

Q: Are sweet scented geraniums toxic to pets?

Sweet scented geraniums are not toxic to cats or dogs, but it's still a good idea to keep them out of reach to prevent accidental ingestion.