Do scented geraniums come back every year?
While many gardeners treat these tender perennials as annuals, disposing of them once the chill of winter kills them off, some people have success in maintaining their potted scented-leaved geraniums over the winter, generally by bringing them indoors and treating them like a houseplant until the following spring. Geraniums are appreciated for their long blooming season that starts in spring and can last into fall. If plants are kept above 45 to 50 degrees, they may also bloom in winter to early spring.Grow in containers Water well and keep in a cool, bright location. Geraniums grown inside during the winter will often become “leggy”, and may be a paler green color than in summer. Don’t worry, once you’ve babied them through the winter, they’ll regain their vigor next spring.Potted geraniums (Pelargonium species) are excellent indoor plants and can be grown indoors throughout the year. They are typically available from March through June, and will flower continuously if provided with enough light in the home. Many new types are available, including vining and hanging basket cultivars.Hardy geraniums also need adequate sun exposure, moist, well-draining soil, and a light shearing. These perennials flower best in full sun, at least 4-6 hours a day. Your plant may not bloom at all in soggy, waterlogged soil.
How do you take care of scented geraniums in the winter?
The first method is to just bring them indoors and maintain them as a houseplant. If they are in a garden bed, carefully dig them up before a hard freeze and place them in a properly sized pot. For geraniums already in a container, just move them indoors. Always check for any unwanted hitchhikers. Scented geraniums can be grown in containers (inside or outside) or in the ground. In zones 10 and 11, they can be grown as perennials but are typically treated as annuals elsewhere. They prefer sunny spots with rich, well-draining soil but can tolerate a little shade from time to time.Although most geraniums are grown as annuals, they are perennials in Zones 10-11. Bring them indoors to overwinter, if you like, and then replant them outdoors in spring, or they can bloom indoors all year long if they get enough light.Rule 1: The ideal location for geraniums is warm and sunny Geraniums originate in South Africa. That’s why they like it warm and bright. If you give them a sunny spot, they will thank you with lots of flowers. No need to worry about blazing midday sun, as geraniums can even tolerate this intense heat.Like their flowering cousins, scented geraniums can be grown outdoors in containers, and just like regular geraniums, they struggle in summer’s heat and will need to be protected from frost.
What is scented geranium good for?
Their leaves are used medicinally, in cooking, for potpourri, aromatherapy, & in perfumery. Scented geranium leaves can be used to flavor teas, jellies, syrups, liqueurs, sorbets, & baked goods, & are quite delicious. Geraniums are popular flowers that are often planted in our gardens. However, it’s important to know that it’s a poisonous plant to dogs. This includes all parts of the plant – from the petals to the stem so it’s important that your dog stays away from them.Geraniums benefit from regular feeding to promote healthy growth and plenty of vibrant blooms. Use a quality all-purpose feed like Miracle-Gro’s All Purpose Concentrated Plant Food every 2 weeks or so. Be sure to dilute as the packaging directs.To bloom abundantly and continuously, geraniums need watering regularly. Use your finger to find out whether you need to give them a drink. If the soil feels dry and warm to a depth of 2cm, your plants need more water.Geraniums are likely to become tall and lanky by late winter. In March, prune back the plants. Cut the geraniums back by one-half to two-thirds. The geraniums will begin to grow again within a few days and should develop into attractive specimens by May.
Can you grow scented geraniums indoors?
Scented geraniums provide heavenly aromas when grown either outdoors in your garden or indoors on your windowsill. Scented geraniums generally are categorized by aroma. They come in rose, mint, fruit, spice and other pungent fragrances. Perennial geraniums are easy to grow. Most perform best in full sun to partial shade and prefer average, well-drained soil. If the location is too shady, plants will become taller, more open, less compact and they’ll bloom less.Like other garden pelargoniums, scented-leaved geraniums prefer full sun but will tolerate part shade. In very warm climates, some afternoon shade may be beneficial. Shadier conditions may produce leggy plants that require frequent pinching back to keep the plants full. Soil should be well-draining, but not too rich.The two most common reasons for geraniums not blooming prolifically are too little light or too much fertilizer. Geraniums are a sun loving plant that need 4-6 hours of full sun a day, or perhaps longer in somewhat filtered light. South and west exposures are usually best.Occasional pinching and light pruning will make your scented geranium plants more full and bushy. If your plant gets to be too large, don’t be afraid to prune it back to maintain its shape. Spring is the best time to prune because this will give the plants time to set buds and flowers.
Do scented geraniums like sun or shade?
Like other garden pelargoniums, scented-leaved geraniums prefer full sun but will tolerate part shade. In very warm climates, some afternoon shade may be beneficial. Shadier conditions may produce leggy plants that require frequent pinching back to keep the plants full. Water. Scented geraniums are drought tolerant and don’t like sitting in wet soil. Water when the soil feels dry about an inch below the surface. Prolonged periods of dry soil will cause the leaves to turn yellow, then brown and fall off, but the plant will come back again with regular water.According to folklore, having a blooming geranium in your home on Good Friday is believed to bring good luck, health, and prosperity. Get yours today and tomorrow.The water in the soil is not draining out properly and is keeping the soil too wet. It’s not getting enough sun, Geraniums prefer 4 to 6 hours of sunlight. It needs a lot of solar energy to produce its flowers. Temperature also plays a role in its blooming cycle.Overwintering geraniums as potted/house plants Treat potted geraniums like other houseplants and place them in a bright, sunny window or provide supplemental lighting. They will do best when daytime temperatures are around 65°F, with nighttime temperatures slightly cooler.Spiritual and Energetic Attributes Throughout the ages Geraniums have been associated with harmony and protection, often being planted around homes to ward off negative energy and pests.
How to make geranium bushier?
Geraniums can grow leggy over time, so it’s good to prune them as needed to keep them looking full and healthy. Pinch back the stems to promote bushy growth, and remove any dead or damaged branches. Feed monthly with fish emulsion or a good all-purpose fertilizer at the rate and frequency suggested by the manufacturer. In temperate and coastal areas, plant scented geraniums in full sun; in hot-summer climates, put them in partial shade or indirect sun. They are not picky about soil but do require good drainage.Geraniums stop growing during the winter, which also means they need very little water when overwintering. Keep the soil barely moist. If you still need to water from time to time, use just enough to prevent the soil drying out completely. Check first, then water!A common geranium can live for 40 years or longer if it is cared for properly. Over- or under-watering, insects or disease and cold snaps are the most common reasons geraniums die. With time they may become leggy and unattractive and will need to be renewed or removed.Scented geraniums are tender perennials that are typically grown in the St. Louis area as 1-3′ tall rounded herbaceous annuals. Although scented geraniums can have beautiful flowers, they are primarily grown for their aromatic foliage.