   A Scentsory Experience: Pelargoniums: Part I - July 28, 1999 Georgene Lockwood, Yavapai County Master Gardener If you're looking for a plant that's easy to grow, drought-resistant, animal-resistant, can bring glory to your outdoor garden and delight you all winter, plus generate a world of scent wherever it resides, the plant for you is obvious -- the scented geranium. More accurately called scented Pelargonium, these favorites of Victorian households and public gardens have become the darlings of modern gardeners. This column is the first of a series on Pelargoniums. To some, scented geraniums are an herb. Their leaves can be used in cooking, crafts and fragrance products like many common herbs, but they really aren't. Their scientific name is Pelargonium of the family Geraniaceae, which divided into five genera: true Geraniums, Erodiums, Monsonia, Sarcocaulon, and Pelargoniums. Not all Pelargoniums are scented, however, thus the distinguishing term "scented" Pelargoniums, or to those of us intimately acquainted with these romantic collectible plants, simply "scenteds." It's believed there are nearly 300 varieties of scenteds, although no one's completely sure, since they hybridize so easily. Unlike their siblings, the true Geranium, Pelargoniums have relatively small flowers, which vary from white, pink, purple, to red or variegated. The flowers themselves usually have no scent. Blooms are usually five-petaled and seem to be most numerous when the plant is kept slightly pot-bound. But it's the leaves that, to me, make scented Pelargoniums so fascinating and enjoyable to cultivate. The variations in shape, color, size and texture are myriad. Some leaves are shiny, some are fuzzy. Leaf colors vary from green to almost gray. Some are variegated, and patterns are graceful and intricate, making them favorites for using in pressed flower crafts. Leaf shape categories include fern leaf, oak leaf, narrow leaf, and round leaf. Some Pelargoniums have a trailing type of growing habit, making them naturals for hanging baskets. Leaf sizes vary from 1/2 to over 6 inches. Most scented Pelargoniums are semi-woody shrubs, but some of the smaller types come from central rosettes. Plants vary in height from 1 to 3 feet. Depending on what you are going to use them for, as a container plant or in the landscape, you'll want to know your particular variety's growing habits and plan accordingly. As if all these variations aren't enough to intrigue you, the number of fragrances attributed to "scenteds" gives us an even wider array to choose from. So many scenteds exist, in fact, that the "smells" have been divided into categories: Rose, Mint, Fruit, Spice, and Pungent. Some enthusiasts add a Miscellaneous or "Other" category, too, for those scents that, well, just can't quite be categorized! I currently have several rose variations, including a rose mint combination, several citrus scents, a nutmeg, a clove, an almond and a peach. And I'm just beginning to collect. Of course, not everybody agrees that an apricot smells like an apricot. The nose knows. Part of what attracts me, and others, I suspect, is the history of these delightful plants. What we now call Scented Geraniums were well known to our ancestors throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, but were simply called Rose Geraniums or Lemon Geraniums, since these were the common varieties. But their origins in Europe and America actually go back to the 17th century, when they were brought from southern Africa by sailing ships, first to Holland, then to England and America. But it was the Victorians that truly embraced the scented Pelargoniums, with their devotion to lush and lavish houseplants and their love of scent. The rose Pelargonium, specifically P. graveolens, is used to produce "geranium" essential oil, and in many fine perfumes and beauty products. The oil is said to be both calming and refreshing. 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. |