Pelargonium

Name: Pelargonium Spp. (Geraniaceae)

Pelargonium, most often incorrectly refered to as Geranium, is a genus of shrubby plants that come mostly from South Africa. Most have scented leaves and a few a cultivated solely for their scent. The scent comes from tiny oil beads produced at the tips of hairs found on the surface of the leaves. Scented pelargoniums are useful planted beside paths ... anyone walking along the paths will inadvertedly brush against the leaves, releasing the scents.

Click on any picture to enlarge.

Pictures:
Rose Scented Pelargonium
Mint Scented Pelargonium
Zonal Pelargonium

  See also:  Ornamentals

Full Sun Plenty of water during the growing season Half hardy Shrub

Rose Scented Pelargonium 

Name: Pelargonium graveolens
Common Names: Attar of Roses, Rose Scented Pelargonium.


Flower

This pelargonium produces a scent reminiscent of rose petals when the surface of its leaves are gently rubbed. Crushing the leaves produces an entirely different scent that masks the soft rose scent.

Mint Scented Pelargonium 

Name: Pelargonium tomentosum
Common Name: Mint Scented Pelargonium.


Flower

This sprawling pelargonium produces a strong peppermint scent when its leaves are rubbed against.


Flower

Flower

Zonal Pelargonium 

Name: Pelargonium × hortorum
Common Name: Zonal Pelargonium.


Pink

Zonal pelargoniums are bred for their flowers. A large variety of flower forms and colours are available today.


Pink

Red

Red

Red

Dark Pink

Dark Pink