Scented geraniums smell intensively of lemon, roses or mint and are the ideal summer plant for balconies and terraces. The decorative lemon-scented geranium (Pelargonium crispum or Pelargonium citrodorum) originally comes from South Africa and impresses with its bushy growth and intense pink or purple flowers. By the way, the plants also smell when they are not in bloom, because it is not the flowers but the leaves that give off the pleasant citrus scent.
How do you properly care for the lemon-scented geranium?
To care for the lemon-scented geranium you need a bright, airy location, permeable substrate, moderate watering, fertilizer every three weeks, regular pruning and a frost-free winter quarters. You can keep annoying wasps away from patios.
Which location does the lemon-scented geranium prefer?
Scented geraniums should be kept as bright and airy as possible - the sunnier their location, the more profusely they bloom. It doesn't even have to be particularly hot, because the plants feel particularly comfortable at temperatures between 18 and 22 degrees Celsius. However, the location should be protected from both rain and wind.
What substrate does the lemon scented geranium need?
The plants prefer a permeable and loose, humus-rich soil. Use commercially available potting soil (€10.00 on Amazon), which you can loosen up with a few handfuls of sand if necessary. Make sure there is good drainage in the pot, as scented geraniums do not tolerate waterlogging.
How should the lemon scented geranium be fertilized and watered?
Water the lemon-scented geranium moderately even in summer and, above all, only when it is really necessary. Short periods of dryness are tolerated well, but too much moisture is damaging. You should fertilize with a liquid flowering plant fertilizer about every three weeks, but never on dry soil.
Do you have to cut the lemon scented geranium?
Since scented geraniums only bloom on new, this year's shoots, you should cut the plants back heavily in spring - to around 10 to 15 centimeters above the ground. Otherwise, dead shoots should be removed regularly so that new flowers continue to form.
How to propagate lemon geranium?
Lemon scented geraniums are best propagated via head cuttings that are cut between July and August. Use only he althy shoots without flowers and/or buds.
Are lemon scented geraniums hardy?
The plants originally come from South Africa and are not hardy in our latitudes. They should not be planted out, but only cultivated in planters.
How are lemon-scented geraniums overwintered?
Put the scented geraniums into their winter quarters before the first frost. They overwinter best in a bright and frost-free place, where temperatures should not fall below 10 °C. In winter, lemon-scented geraniums need very little water and no fertilizer.
Tip
Place pots of lemon-scented geraniums on the terrace or balcony to keep annoying wasps away.