The Rose Geranium
Pelargonium graveolens, commonly known as Rose Geranium, is a fragrant perennial widely loved for its aromatic foliage and ornamental pink flowers. This plant is grown for both garden beauty and its essential oils, prized in perfumery and aromatherapy. It thrives in pots, borders, and pathways, offering season-long color and fragrance.
This is a favorite geranium plant used in cottage gardens where it is grown near pathways as well as in pots and containers near doorways. Upright in growth habit, it branches freely to reach a height of over 1m.
Flowers are pink to rosy mauve, 5 petals on a flower all margined with a deep crimson. Flowering time is from late winter through to summer, most prolific in spring, and sometime flowering through into autumn.
Another species from South Africa, the oil is said to also have a calming effect as well as a lovely rosy fragrance.
In the garden it will reach around 1m with a similar spread, however it is easily kept in shape by pinching back or pruning.
Long flowering, from early spring to late summer. We grow a couple of plants in the garden border where they seem to take very little care.
Quick Care Summary for Pelargonium graveolens
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Pelargonium graveolens |
| Common Name | Rose Geranium, Sweet Scented Geranium |
| Position | Full sun to part shade |
| Height & Spread | Up to 1m x 1m |
| Watering | Moderate; reduce in cooler months |
| Uses | Essential oil, ornamental, aromatherapy |
| Climate Zones | Australia (temperate/subtropical), Zone 9+ |
| Frost Sensitivity | Frost-tender; protect below 0°C |
Growing Conditions & Seasonal Care
Best grown in full sun to a little afternoon shade in warmer climates. Once established this is an easy care plant.
Before planting dig in some well rotted compost and manure, water in well with some seaweed fertiliser. Pelargonium graveolens can be grown in pots, containers or hanging baskets but keep the water up to them in warmer months.
Watering is generally not required during the cooler months of the year except in very dry periods.
- Best grown in full sun to a little afternoon shade in warmer climates.
- Prefers well-drained soil enriched with compost and manure.
- Water moderately in warmer months; reduce watering in cooler, dry periods.
- Susceptible to frost; protect from temperatures below 0°C (32°F) by mulching or bringing indoors in colder zones.
- Suitable for temperate to subtropical regions including parts of Australia, the UK (Zone 9), and the USA (Zones 9+).
Climate Zones and Temperature Range
- Suited to temperate to subtropical zones in Australia. Protection from frosts is essential.
- In the UK it is regarded as hardy to Zone 9; overwinter indoors in colder areas.
- In the USA Zones 9 and above depending on the variety.
Optimal temperatures range from 18°C to 24°C (65°F to 75°F). It is frost-tender and should be protected from temperatures below 0°C (32°F)
Propagation: How to Grow More Rose Geraniums
Propagate Pelargonium graveolens by tip cuttings taken in late summer. Insert healthy cuttings into moist compost and keep in indirect light. Cuttings root easily within a few weeks, ready for transplanting. Regular pruning helps maintain shape and encourages bushy growth.
Essential Oil & Aromatic Benefits
The leaves of Pelargonium graveolens yield a sweet rose-like oil used in perfumery, aromatherapy, and herbal blends. Gardeners can harvest fresh leaves to create potpourri or sachets, harnessing the calming floral fragrance.
For a detailed, hands-on demonstration of how to extract geranium essential oil at home using steam distillation, watch this informative video on homemade geranium oil extraction by Jason Lye. This video complements the information here and offers practical insights into the process.
Common Issues & Troubleshooting
- Watch for aphids or fungal issues, especially in poorly drained soils.
- Prune regularly to prevent legginess and encourage flowering.
- Improve air circulation and use organic pest controls if needed.
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