Pelargonium graveolens

None of the fragrant "geraniums", or pelargoniums, can boast of such a lush flowering, which is characteristic of other species of the genus Pelargonium (Pelargonium). But the fragrant pelargonium has beautiful leaves, sometimes variegated, with various aromas. Many types are used in the cosmetics industry, in perfumery and aromatherapy (a method based on the stimulation of the sense of smell). The flowers of these plants are simple, usually small and inconspicuous. The green parts are very lush and decorative. Unlike other pelargoniums, scented ones are characterized by increased resistance, they grow successfully even in the winter. on very poor soils and tolerate long dry periods. Fragrant pelargoniums are characterized by pinnately cut lobed leaves, characterized by a strong smell. The flowers and leaves of Pelargonium capitatum emit the smell of rose. Pelargonium crispum has rose-scented flowers and lemon - scented leaves. Leaves of scented pelargonium (P. odoratissimum) smell of apples, felt (R. tomentosum) - mint. Numerous hybrids and varieties with different aromas due to the presence of ether-bearing glands have been bred from these species. Other scented pelargoniums include scented pelargonium (p. x fragrans), scalloped pelargonium (p. denticulatum), oak-leaved pelargonium (p. quercifolium), and grape-leaved pelargonium (p. vitifolium). Pelargoniums are often confused and called geraniums and vice versa, although these plants represent two different genera.

None of the fragrant "geraniums", or pelargoniums, can boast of such a lush flowering, which is characteristic of other species of the genus Pelargonium (Pelargonium). But the fragrant pelargonium has beautiful leaves, sometimes variegated, with various aromas. Many types are used in the cosmetics industry, in perfumery and aromatherapy (a method based on the stimulation of the sense of smell). The flowers of these plants are simple, usually small and inconspicuous. The green parts are very lush and decorative. Unlike other pelargoniums, scented ones are characterized by increased resistance, they grow successfully even in the winter. on very poor soils and tolerate long dry periods. Fragrant pelargoniums are characterized by pinnately cut lobed leaves, characterized by a strong smell. The flowers and leaves of Pelargonium capitatum emit the smell of rose. Pelargonium crispum has rose-scented flowers and lemon - scented leaves. Leaves of scented pelargonium (P. odoratissimum) smell of apples, felt (R. tomentosum) - mint. Numerous hybrids and varieties with different aromas due to the presence of ether-bearing glands have been bred from these species. Other scented pelargoniums include scented pelargonium (p. x fragrans), scalloped pelargonium (p. denticulatum), oak-leaved pelargonium (p. quercifolium), and grape-leaved pelargonium (p. vitifolium).

Pelargoniums are often confused and called geraniums and vice versa, although these plants represent two different genera.

Cultivation

Fragrant "geraniums" are grown both indoors and outdoors. The ideal place for planting is in a pot on the balcony and terrace, or in the open ground on a flower bed or in borders. In a mild climate, the plant can be kept outdoors even in winter. In more severe climatic conditions, pelargoniums are carried away for the winter in a protected, cool and dry room. After removing the plants from the soil, you can always put them in a wooden box with a lump of earth, removing the dry flowers and leaves. In March-April, when vegetation resumes, the branches are strongly pinched. Plant in a pot and under the open sky in May, in a well-drained soil, which is a mixture of 2 parts of garden land and 1 part of peat or rotten foliage, filled with a full mineral fertilizer-30 g per bucket of substrate. In the future, once a week, the plants are fed with liquid fertilizer, adding it to irrigation water for 10 ml per bucket.

Fragrant "geraniums" are grown both indoors and outdoors.

The ideal place for planting is in a pot on the balcony and terrace, or in the open ground on a flower bed or in borders. In a mild climate, the plant can be kept outdoors even in winter. In more severe climatic conditions, pelargoniums are carried away for the winter in a protected, cool and dry room. After removing the plants from the soil, you can always put them in a wooden box with a lump of earth, removing the dry flowers and leaves.

In March-April, when vegetation resumes, the branches are strongly pinched. Plant in a pot and under the open sky in May, in a well-drained soil, which is a mixture of 2 parts of garden land and 1 part of peat or rotten foliage, filled with a full mineral fertilizer-30 g per bucket of substrate. In the future, once a week, the plants are fed with liquid fertilizer, adding it to irrigation water for 10 ml per bucket.

Location

Scented pelargoniums require a lot of light; they tolerate open sun well, especially in dry and well-ventilated environments. Plants are very elongated when there is a lack of light.

Temperature

Plants are resistant to high temperatures and tolerate low, but not sub-zero temperatures. If the climate is humid, the plant can be damaged by cold, even if the temperature is not critical for these species.

Watering

In summer, plants are often watered, otherwise the leaves turn yellow or get burned. In winter, watering is gradually reduced, keeping the soil slightly moist.

Transplant

Transplanted from one pot to another usually in May, using a suitable soil.

Care

Remove dry or damaged leaves and wilted inflorescences.

Reproduction

Fragrant "geraniums" are easily grown from cuttings. In the period from July to September, apical cuttings 8-10 cm long are cut; in conditions of indoor culture, such an operation is performed from plants that have survived the winter in March. Cuttings are rooted in pots filled with a mixture of sand and peat (1:1), constantly maintained in a moist state. When the roots appear, they are transplanted to another pot and fed to promote the growth of side shoots. After rooting, young specimens are pinched. Another 3-4 months - and the plants will bloom.

Fragrant "geraniums" are easily grown from cuttings. In the period from July to September, apical cuttings 8-10 cm long are cut; in conditions of indoor culture, such an operation is performed from plants that have survived the winter in March. Cuttings are rooted in pots filled with a mixture of sand and peat (1:1), constantly maintained in a moist state. When the roots appear, they are transplanted to another pot and fed to promote the growth of side shoots.

After rooting, young specimens are pinched. Another 3-4 months - and the plants will bloom.

Diseases

Excessive watering of scented pelargonium leads to the development of fungal infections, which causes rotting of roots and stems. Plants are susceptible to the disease of gray rot, rust. Temporarily stop watering and carry out treatment with fungicides. There are pests that carry viral diseases from one plant to another (which leads to plant death), such as aphids and mites; whitefly damage causes a lot of trouble. In such situations, chemical treatment is used.

Excessive watering of scented pelargonium leads to the development of fungal infections, which causes rotting of roots and stems.

Plants are susceptible to the disease of gray rot, rust. Temporarily stop watering and carry out treatment with fungicides. There are pests that carry viral diseases from one plant to another (which leads to plant death), such as aphids and mites; whitefly damage causes a lot of trouble. In such situations, chemical treatment is used.

Acquisition

Fragrant "geraniums" can be bought at any time in the spring in gardening centers and specialized nurseries, focusing on the smell you like when choosing a plant.