Last updated on April 24th, 2012
Scented geraniums (actually, they are Pelargoniums) will gladly stand and pose in your window garden, but why not put them to work? A few crushed leaves of the rose-scented p. graveolens, for instance, will make the nighttime bathing experience a fragrant, calming one. Float a sprig of p. crispum (I say “sprig” because crispum’s leaves are tiny) in a cup of hot tea to infuse it with a rich, lemony aroma. Crispum will scent a pitcher of iced tea, too. Just boil a good-sized sprig in the water you pour over your tea bags, and chill. Insomniacs will find that a pillow sachet, if filled with the dried leaves of p. ‘Lavender Lad,’ can slow the heart-rate and induce sleep.
My favorite time to use these paragons of perfume is during the “Happy Hour.” The leaves are indispensible for fancy cocktails. Here are two recipes from the Kevin Lee Jacobs School of Mixology:
Rose- or Lemon-Scented Daiquiris
Make a simple sugar syrup from two parts sugar and one part water. Boil until the sugar has completely dissolved, and then add three to five rose- or lemon-scented pelargonium leaves or sprigs. Cool completely before use.
Next, pour into a shaker 1 1/2 oz light rum, 3/4 oz lime juice, and 1/4 oz of your scented sugar syrup. Add ice cubes, shake well, strain and enjoy in a martini glass.
‘Lavender Lad’ Martini
Make the sugar syrup described earlier, using three to five leaves of ‘Lavender Lad.’ Combine 1 1/2 oz vodka, 1/2 oz Cointreau and 1/4 oz (or more) scented sugar syrup. Add ice cubes, shake, strain and pour into a chilled martini glass.
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Culture. Scented pelargoniums are extremely easy to grow. Give them clay pots, full sun, and any all-purpose plant food. They are not fussy about soil; mine grow in equal parts leaf mold, garden soil and sand (or perite). Frequent pruning is required to keep them house-sized — they are rapid growers.
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Have a question concerning scented geraniums? Post a comment.
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Katreader says
I just discovered your blog and love it. When I lived in Texas I had a collection of scented geraniums. I returned to Western NY a few years ago and I’d like to start again. My mom just gave me a citronella today. I have trouble finding them here. Can you recommend a local source for scented geraniums?
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Nice to meet you, Katreader. I don’t know of any local sources for the scented-leaveds. Most of mine have come from Logee’s in CT (www.logees.com). Hope this helps. Stop by again!
William says
Redenta’s Garden in Arlington and Dallas, Texas carries scented geraniums. As of today they have citronella, sweet carrot, toento, ginger and hazelnut. The smell is just amazing!
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
William & Stephanie: Thanks for stopping by. Do you know if Redenta's Garden ships their plants?
Yolanda R. says
What a great idea! I'm going to invite friends over this summer for a geranium-themed cocktail party! Thanks for the mixing-proportions.
Melanie D'Silva says
Latin names are so important when choosing edibles, thank you for including them! My children already love eating the herbs, roses and bee balm in our garden. These will make a wonderful addition!