Scented geraniums – there are around 300 species and varieties of these easy-to-propagate perennials. Therefore there should be something for every taste. They can differ in terms of their shape, growth behavior, flower color and scent, among other things.
Which scented geranium varieties are there?
Scented geraniums are available in around 300 varieties with different scents, such as citrus-like (e.g. B. 'Lemon Fizz'), mint-like (e.g. 'Chocolate Peppermint'), rose-like (e.g. 'Attar of Roses') and special scents (e.g. 'Peach Cream'). In addition to the scent, flower color, shape and leaf design can be interesting.
Varieties with a citrus-like scent
The varieties with a citrus-like scent mostly belong to the species Pelargonium citrodorum and Pelargonium crispum. The following copies are recommended:
- ‘Toronto’ (grapefruit-like)
- ‘Lemon Fizz’ (lemony)
- ‘Orange Fizz’ (orange-like)
- ‘Queen of Lemons’ (lemony)
- ‘Prince of Orange’ (orange-like)
- ‘Charity’ (lemony)
- ‘Citronella’ (lemony)
- ‘Minor’ (lemony)
- ‘Frensham’ (lemony)
- 'Dorcas Brigham Lime' (lime-like)
- ‘Atomic Snowflake’ (orange-like)
Varieties with a minty scent
The varieties of scented pelargonium that smell of mint or methol seem completely different. These primarily include those of the species Pelargonium tomentosum. The following copies are included:
- ‘Chocolate Peppermint’ (mint-chocolaty)
- 'Chocolate Tomentosum' (balsamic-menthol-like)
- ‘Coconut’ (minty-coconut-like)
- ‘Felty Radens’ (balsamic-menthol-like)
Varieties with a rose-like scent
There are fewer representatives of those varieties whose scent is reminiscent of roses. Such varieties belong to the species Pelargonium graveolens. Worth mentioning here are 'Attar of Roses' and 'Rosemarie. These varieties work best on their own.
Particularly special varieties
The following specimens impress above all with their extraordinary scent. Anyone who plants them should - in order to be able to perceive the scent well - not place them near varieties with a different scent:
- ‘Peach cream’ (peach-like)
- 'Double Apricot' (apricot-like)
- ‘Madame Nonin’ (apricot-like)
- ‘Monsieur Nonin’ (fruity-tart)
- ‘Apricot Dieter’ (fruity-tart)
- ‘Apple Mint’ (apple-minty)
- Pelargonium cinamomum (cinnamon-like)
But it's not just the scent that impresses with some scented geraniums. The flower color and shape or the shape of the leaves can also be interesting. How about the following examples:
- ‘Big Brother’: yellow-green variegated leaves, semi-double red flowers
- 'Lady Plymouth': silvery-white-green leaves
- ‘Black Pearl’: heavily double, dark red flowers
- 'Aurore Unique': red flowers with black markings
Tips & Tricks
The citrus-smelling varieties are said to keep mosquitoes away. They are also less attractive to pests. This means less maintenance required.
