Scented geraniums: how to succeed

Where to plant your scented geraniums?

Scented geraniums are Mediterranean plants that thrive in warmth and light. To provide them with the best growth conditions, place them in a sheltered spot from the wind and in full sun. A sunny exposure ensures abundant flowering and aromatic foliage.

However, these plants can also adapt to a semi-shaded situation, especially in regions where the summer sun can be intense. Light afternoon shade can even be beneficial to prevent thermal stress.

If you live in a region with a mild climate, where the risk of frost is low, you can plant your scented geraniums directly in the garden, in well-drained soil. They do not like excess moisture, so a light soil enriched with compost and possibly amended with a bit of sand will suit them perfectly.

For cooler climates or if you wish to grow them on a terrace or balcony, scented geraniums also thrive very well in pots or containers. Ensure a container of at least 15 to 20 cm in depth and diameter for each plant. The pot should have drainage holes to prevent any risk of root rot. Use a light potting mix, ideally specific for Mediterranean plants or geraniums, and add a layer of drainage (gravel or clay balls) at the bottom of the pot.

Plant them, in pots or in the ground, in a place where you can touch and crush their fragrant leaves

How to plant?

In open ground:

• Work the soil to a depth of about 20 cm to allow for good rooting. Ensure that the soil is well-drained, as scented geraniums do not like excess moisture. If necessary, add a bit of sand to lighten the soil.
• Mix the soil with a natural base fertiliser, such as ground horn or manure, to provide long-term nutrients.
• Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball, water the bottom thoroughly, then install the plant ensuring that the base of the stem is level with the soil.
• Mix the planting soil with a suitable potting mix (for Mediterranean plants) and backfill the hole. Lightly firm the soil around the plant.
• Maintain a distance of 20 to 30 cm between each plant to allow them to develop well and avoid excessive competition for water and light.
• Water generously immediately after planting, then monitor the soil moisture during the first month to encourage establishment.

Tip: If you live in a hot region, mulch the soil around the plants to retain moisture and reduce watering.

In pot or in planter:

• Choose a pot at least 15 to 20 cm deep and in diameter per plant. Ensure that the pot has drainage holes to prevent water stagnation.
• Place a layer of drainage (gravel, broken pot pieces, or clay balls) at the bottom of the pot to promote water flow.
• Fill the pot with a light and well-drained potting mix, ideally specific for Mediterranean plants or geraniums.
• Place the root ball of the geranium in the centre of the pot, then fill in with potting mix, leaving about 2 to 3 cm below the rim of the pot to facilitate watering.
• After planting, water generously to thoroughly moisten the entire substrate.
• In planters, plant your scented geraniums about 15 cm apart for a well-filled effect, but without crowding them too much.

As pots dry out faster than open ground, plan for at least weekly watering in summer, or more during heatwaves.

How to care for them?

Remember to water them regularly: in open ground, weekly watering is sufficient in summer, while in pots, the substrate dries out more quickly, requiring watering every three to four days. Be sure to water in the morning or late afternoon to avoid evaporation. To support their growth, apply a liquid fertiliser rich in potash every two weeks in spring and summer, especially for young plants in pots where the soil depletes more quickly.

Regularly remove faded flowers and dead leaves to stimulate new shoots and the appearance of new flowers, and lightly prune in spring if the stems become too long.

Finally, keep an eye out for aphids and red spider mites, as well as excess moisture that can cause fungal diseases. By following these simple tips, your scented geraniums will remain in great shape and enhance your space.

How to winter scented geraniums?

To winter your geraniums, start by cutting back the stems by about one third of their height in October, just before the first frosts arrive. This pruning helps to limit their bulk and encourages a good recovery in spring. Then bring your geraniums indoors to a bright, unheated but frost-free place, such as a garage, shed, conservatory, or even a cool room.

During the dormant period, water lightly about once a month, just enough to keep the root ball barely moist. Avoid excess water, as the roots could rot. In spring, as soon as the risk of frost has passed, you can take your geraniums back outside to enjoy the light and warmth.

If your scented geraniums are grown in the ground, you will need to dig them up in autumn. Place them in suitable pots or containers, then follow the same guidelines for their wintering. This step may seem tedious, but it is essential in regions where winters are harsh.

Keeping scented geraniums outside in winter is only feasible in mild and sheltered climates, such as by the sea or in the south of France. Even in these conditions, they only tolerate light and short-lived frosts. To maximise their chances of survival, protect the plants with a thick mulch and possibly cover them with a fleece if the cold becomes more intense.

In regions with harsh winters, you will need to winter your geraniums