There is no escaping the divisive scent of Pelargonium graveolens, the rose-scented geranium. People either fall into the ‘what a beautiful aroma!’ or the ‘wow, they really make perfume from this?’ ... What is Geranium (Pelargonium)?

Understanding the Context

Pelargoniums is a genus of flowering plants that belongs to the Geraniaceae family and is often referred to as geranium. There are over geranium species and countless cultivars, each with its unique features and characteristics. The common geranium (part of the Pelargonium genus) is a flowering plant grown as an annual in North America. Use this guidance to properly grow and care for geraniums.

Key Insights

While your plant tag may say “geranium,” chances are it’s a pelargonium—a colorful, sun-loving superstar that blooms nonstop from summer till frost. These beauties aren’t just pretty faces either—they’re tough, drought-tolerant, and perfect for pots, beds, and hanging baskets. Pelargonium, a warm-weather flowering plant from South Africa, gets confused with its cousin because its ivy-shaped leaves are similar. But Pelargonium, with as many as 300 species, plays more roles: as shrub, scented herb, container plant, and cheerful window box companion. The Pelargonium genus belongs to the Geraniaceae family and includes a wide variety of plants commonly known as geraniums.

Final Thoughts

They are famed for their vibrant blooms and often aromatic foliage, making them popular in gardens worldwide. Spent flowers should be removed (deadheaded) to promote continuous blooming throughout the summer. This particular Pelargonium has beautiful dense variegated foliage of green and orange/bronze. I grow this plant in hanging baskets and I love the bold textured foliage even more than the flowers. Geraniums (also known as pelargoniums) are popular bedding plants, providing a burst of colour or fragrance throughout summer. They're easy to grow and thrive in terracotta pots as well as traditional bedding displays.

They work well planted or their own or combined with other plants such as lavender and nemesia. How to Grow and Care for Pelargonium - World of Flowering Plants