   A Scentsory Experience: Pelargoniums: Part II - August 4, 1999 Georgene Lockwood, Yavapai County Master Gardener The ease of growing scented Pelargoniums is a large part of their popularity and charm. They're tender perennials, so can't withstand frost, but bringing them indoors is actually a pleasure. What other houseplant gives you back a breath of perfume every time you brush against it? An added bonus is being able to use the scented leaves all winter long in baking, brewing teas, fragrance products and crafts. According to Jim Becker and Faye Brawner, authors of the excellent book Scented Geraniums: Knowing, Growing and Enjoying Scented Pelargoniums , the ideal temperature for scenteds is 65 to 70 degrees during the day and 50 to 60 degrees at night, but I've found mine to be extremely forgiving. Scenteds can take full sun, except for the mint varieties, which need considerably more shade. These work beautifully around a shady tree. During the summer, I just keep mine in containers on the front porch in semi-shade. They get the morning sun and seem to do just fine. Although scenteds don't need a lot of watering, in the peak summer months you'll need to water more often. The tendency is to over-water, and this is the most common reason for failure when growing Pelargoniums. When you do water, make sure to give them a deep watering, not just a spritzing at the surface, since they have very few small feeder roots. Scenteds don't need a lot of fertilizer, either. Use commercial plant foods or fertilizers half the strength recommended for house plants. Fertilize when they're growing actively, and refrain during winter months. Pelargoniums like well-drained soil. Cut them back in the winter to prevent them from becoming "leggy." In fact, regular pruning just makes them grow better and you can use cuttings to start new ones, since they root easily. Make sure to bring your scenteds indoors before the first frost or, if you're planning to use them in the landscape as an annual, take cuttings to start indoors for the next season. Just make sure to keep them where you can touch them often, since this is at least half the fun. For clear, detailed instructions on how to grow and propagate scented Pelargoniums, I recommend Becker and Brawner's book highly. Although I haven't tried it yet, their step-by-step guide to rooting cuttings makes me confident I'll be successful. If you're wondering what to do with the leaves from your scenteds, you need look no further than any number of crafts, cooking or herbal body books available. In fact, a simple search on the Internet's World Wide Web garnered a wealth of recipes and ideas. So tousle, brush, rub and pinch. Release the magic of the scented Pelargonium, and discover a soothing, subtle, world of beauty and fragrance. Resources: Scented Geraniums: Knowing, Growing and Enjoying Scented Pelargoniums by Jim Becker and Faye Brawner (Interweave Press, 1996) Growing & Using Scented Geraniums by Mary Peddie, Judy Lewis and John Lewis (Storey Communications, Inc., 1991). Web Site: International Geranium Society http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/2822/ Organizations: The International Geranium Society, P.O. Box 92734, Pasadena, CA 91109-2734, publishes Geraniums Around the World, a magazine devoted exclusively to the Geranium family. The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension has publications and information on perennials and indoor plant care. If you have other gardening questions, call the Master Gardener line in the Cottonwood office at 646-9113 or E-mail us at mgardener@kachina.net and be sure to include your address and phone number. |