The Sweet Scented Geranium graveolens makes an excellent patio plant. Choose a pot with holes in the base and cover the bottom with a layer of potsherds or hydrograins. Put in some potting soil mixed with sharp sand or special Geranium compost. Plant the Pelargonium graceolens root balls at the appropriate depth. Fill with soil and press firmly. Water immediately after planting. Place the pot in a sunny spot. Line a porous pot with plastic, or use a pot liner. This prevents evaporation of the water and the compost will dry put less quickly.

Sweet Scented Geranium makes a great companion plant

The ideal spot for your Pelargonium graveolens is on a patio table or beside a sun bed where you can then enjoy the delicious smell of these delicate flowers. The fragrance can be enjoyed even more when combined with mimosa (Acacia dealbata) and the chocolate flower (Cosmos atrosanguineus).

Water your Sweet Scented Geraniums in small amounts every morning, preferably avoid getting water on the leaves. The compost must not dry out, nor should it be too wet. A constant wetness could lead to root rot, so make sure it has adequate drainage. Pelargoniums are quite drought resistant. Remove the faded flowers regularly and you can then look forward to a second flowering. In addition, it is recommended to add plant food along with water on a weekly basis during the summer for a healthy growth.

The Sweet Scented Geranium can be overwintered

The Sweet Scented Geranium is not a hardy plant, but you can preserve it during the winter. Slightly cut back the stems and remove old foliage. Before the first frost, place the pot in a cool, light room (7-10˚ C). Water it in small amounts (preferably in the dish below the pot), so that the compost does not dry out. In April plant your Sweet Scented Geranium in a slightly larger pot with fresh potting compost. Prune all stems to approximately half their length, just above a young shoot. As the weather gets warmer, the Sweet Scented Geranium can be given more food and water. In mid-May, the Sweet Scented Geranium will be ready to head back outdoors to enhance your patio once again. Beware of late night frosts. As this plant can be overwintered you can grow very large plants. The Sweet Scented Geranium can also make a great houseplant or kept as a greenhouse plant.

The Sweet Scented Geranium does not only have scented flowers, but it also has scented leaves. Its leaves contain many volatile oils which give off a lemon fragrance. Lightly rub its leaves between your fingers to experience its fragrance. In fact, its fragrance even has a deterrent effect on mosquitoes!