Scented leaf pelargoniums
also known by some as scented leaf geraniums

Pelargoniums, or some of plants known as geraniums, can to be found in many  different forms or classes than available at the Nursery or Garden Centre. The most commonly seen are the Zonal or bedding "geranium" and the one growing in a hanging baskets is likely to be an Ivy-leaf . The dramatic large flowered form usually only seen at specialist shows is the Regal, along with the newer smaller flower and leaved Angel. For the botanically minded there are the originals from which all cultivars come, the species. Many rarer and unusual groups exist, but most fall within these sections. Miniature & dwarf usually applies to Zonal, but there are miniature Angels and Ivy-leaf. The Coloured leaf or Fancy leaf forms also usually mean Zonal, more so if it is a Tri-colour or Bronze, but there are also Bi-colour or Gold leaf Regals, Ivy-leaf and Angels. Stellar forms are Zonal with green, bronze, gold or coloured leaf. Cactus flowered and Tulip flowered are all Zonal. Carnation flowered can be Zonal or Ivy-leaf. Rosebud flowered are Zonal and not to be confused with Rosette flowered which are Ivy-leaf. Then there are the Unique forms, which are some of the oldest cultivars still existing, most of which are scented and also associated with the next group..

So eventually we come to the section known to as many herb growers as Pelargonium folk, and known as the Scented, or scented-leaf. They are the most variable group in form. The flowers never achieve the size of a Regal flowerhead, the profusion of an Angel plant or the interest of a Rosebud flowered Zonal. It is the scented leaf that is the focus of the enthusiasts and there are many to choose from : rose, lemon, lime, peppermint, balsam, absinthe, filbert, and a lot which cannot be described with reference to other plants. You may not like all or them, as we all differ in our perception of scent, but there are plenty to pick from. To find out about scented pelargoniums have a look at the "Pelargoniums with scented leaves" book, dedicated to all scented species & cultivars. Find out more at the pwsl.info website.

Links
pelargoniums and geraniums
for information and links, worldwide.

IGSRobin.info
webpage to tell you how to join the Email discussion group for pelargoniums and geraniums

If you want someone to talk scenteds email me here

Background picture is Pelargonium crispum 'Variegatum'

For anything to do with this page email  here
Copyright © David Barrett