Most geraniums originate from the Cape of Good Hope in Africa, and although they were introduced to the British in 1632, they remained relatively unknown until 1847, when the French perfumeries realized their aromatic potential. From the leaf of the rose-scented geranium (P. graveolens), the French distilled the oil, with its delightful light rose scent and a fresh green note. Geranium oil is popular in cosmetics and important in aromatherapy. In winter, the Victorians would bring pot-grown geraniums indoors and position them so that the ladies' long skirts brushed the plants, thus, scenting the room. In summer, they were positioned in a similar fashion on out door paths and walkways.

Scented geraniums are delightfully easy to grow in indoor pots in the winter. They grow luxuriantly in the garden in the summer months and provide aromatic leaves for potpourri and refreshing nosegays. Wildly popular in the Victorian Era, they have made a great comeback.

Geraniums are a tender evergreen perennial with a height of 1-3 feet. Geraniums like sunny, well-ventilated areas and well draining potting compost. If grown in pots, geraniums can be moved indoors and propegated to produce more plants. Take cuttings in early spring from indoor wintered plants and trim, in late summer, outdoor grown plants. Geraniums root well in sand. Pinch out growing tips once the plant has reached 6 inches in height. Cut back about one third of the growth before bringing plant indoors.

Culinary Uses:
Use the flowers in salads, leaves can be finely chopped and infused in a liquid (discard leaves after infusion) and used to flavor sauces, custards, jellies, buns, water, ices, butter, sugar, syrups, wine, oils and vinegars. Crystallize flowers and leaves to decorate cakes.

Cosmetic Uses:
Leaf: add its essential oil to scent creams and lotions. Infusion of Geranium will act as mild astringent for skin and aid circulation, relieving pale complexions. Also good to add to bath water.

Aromatic Uses:
Leaves may be picked just before flowers open. Dried leaves smell wonderful in potpourri and pillow sachets. Oil may be added to bath liquids and lotions, unfortunately, it is an easy oil to adulterate, so purchase it from a reputable supplier.

Medicinal Uses:
Leaf- essential oil used in aromatherapy massages to help relieve stress. Aids in relief of pre-menstrual tension and fluid retention. Helpful in treating dermatitis, eczema, herpes and dry skin.

Scented Varieties We Offer -

Chocolate Peppermint (Pelargonium ):
Plant large and creeping with softly hairy leaves up to 15 cm across, with a dark central area of chocolate-brown, spreading up the veins. Scent of peppermint mixed with spice. Flowers small, pinkish with dark lines near the base of petals, showing the influence of P. tomentosum. The other parent possibly P.quercifolium or one of its hybrids.

Citronella (Pelargonium citronellum):
Scented geranium with a citrus scent, repels mosquitoes.

Ginger Scented Geraniums (Pelargonium torento):
Intense, aromatic, spicy-sweet fragrance, evoking the tropics. Leaves are small and lobed. Flowers for 1 ½ lavender clusters. Grows to 2 feet.

Rose Scented Geraniums (Pelargonium graveolens):
The oldest variety, with a wonderfully nostalgic fragrance that is pure essence of roses. Deeply cut leaves and tiny, clear pink flower clusters are sure to delight. 2 feet.

Strawberry Scented Geraniums (Pelargonium scarboroviae "Countess of Scarborough"):
Delightful berry fragrance, light green, lobed leaves and many clusters of ¾ inch lavender-pink blooms. 2 ½ feet.