The Secret Scented Pelargonium Grower
Scented Pelargoniums are one of our Head Gardener Paul’s favourite plants to propagate and enjoy year-round in the Secret Garden.
In this blog, Paul shares his secrets on why he’s got a soft spot for these plants, his recommendations for growing and making the most out of your plants, and his favourite varieties too!
Scented Pelargoniums need a warm and sunny position, free from frost
What are you growing at Carey?
At Careys Secret Garden, we specialise in growing aromatic plants. These include; herbs, lavenders, salvias and plants with medicinal properties.
Amongst my favourites are the scented pelargoniums. These were very popular in Victorian times, hence why they are so suited to the space here at Carey. The wall itself is from that very same period.
I’ve been growing scented pelargoniums for over 30 years, and I have recently noticed a resurgence in their popularity.
Why are scented pelargoniums so special?
These plants have some wonderful characteristics. Their incredible range of fragrance is attributed to the oils in the leaves, ranging from peppermint to floral, from citrus to spicy!
The leaves can be used to make fantastic herbal teas, salads, sorbets and ice creams!
The flowers can be used for decoration, or used in salads.
Scented pelargoniums are fantastic container plants. You can happily leave them outside in the Summer months but they will need a frost-free environment in the Winter.
They can also be kept indoors as houseplants, they will need a sunny environment which will enable you to enjoy the fragrant leaves at any time of the year.
Pelargoniums look splendid on a south-facing windowsill, where they will continue flowering all year round with minimal attention apart from the odd feed or two (Paul recommends a high potash/organic seaweed extract feed). They are easy to look after.
They are also fairly easy to propagate; just make sure the leaves are dry before putting the lid on your propagator. Paul recommends using a gritty peat-free compost, 50% compost to 50% sharp sand, and do not over water.
Which pelargoniums are Paul’s favourites?
This was a tricky one! But he’s narrowed it down to just 6 . . .
For a citrus scent, Paul chose ‘Orange Fizz’, ‘Nervosum’ (lime-scented) and ‘Mabel Grey’ (a sharp lemon scent that has to be smelt to be believed!)
In the floral scented category, Paul recommends ‘Vandersea’ for a real strong rose fragrance, it’s very floriferous (word of the day!) and bears bright magenta blooms.
For a peppermint scent, try Pelargonium tomentosum.
Come and immerse yourself amongst the intoxicating aromas of the 15 different varieties of scented pelargoniums we’re growing at Careys. Rub the leaves to release the scent and let your senses take over.
The full range of our home-grown (peat-free) scented pelargoniums are available to purchase in 1ltr biodegradable pots at the garden. Please just ask a member of the team.
Look out for my future blogs on lavenders and salvias!
See you soon!
Paul Scriven
Head Gardener at Careys Secret Garden
Garden Tours with Paul are available to book on the last Friday of the month, or feel free to contact us if you would like to arrange a gardening group visit. We look forward to welcoming you.
