PELARGONIUM

FAMILY: GERANIACEAE
SCENTED GERANIUMS: Scented geraniums are a varied group of perennial herbs or shrubs coming from South Africa, mostly during the Victorian era. They all have curiously scented leaves of various forms and most have small (under 1″) pink or white flowers. They are hardy down to the mid-to-high 20ºs f. Weather, time of day, time of year and growing conditions all influence the sometimes elusive perfumes of these plants. The following varieties are offered:

• ATTAR OF ROSE: A hybrid with compact growth used in the perfume fields of France.
• GINGER, (P. torento): Large lavender flowers and 1″ rounded leaves. Scent of fresh-cut ginger.
• LEMON, (P. crispum): Tiny crinkled leaves and pure lemon scent. The “finger bowl” geranium.
• LIME, (P. x-nervosum): Strong lime fragrance and large (1-2″) white, pink and red flowers.
• NUTMEG, (P. fragrans): Strong spice scent, small light gray leaves and small white flowers. Nice.
• PEPPERMINT, (P. tomentosum): Large velvety leaves and small white flowers. Large plant for part shade. Very strong peppermint scent.
• ROSE, (P. graveolens): A very old, traditional variety with a heavy rose scent.