Geranium, vanilla, rose, touch, fragrant

Scientific name: Pelargonium graveolens

Common names: Rose geranium, Vanilla geranium, Touch grass

Family and genus: Geraniaceae, Geranium

Origin:

Native to the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. It is widely cultivated in greenhouses across China.

Plant form:

A perennial herb with fleshy stems that become woody at the base and are highly branched. All parts have fine hairs that emit a distinctive scent. Leaves are alternate, round to kidney-shaped, with a heart-shaped base. The surface often features horseshoe-shaped dark markings, and the edges are wavy with tooth-like patterns. Petioles vary in length. Flowers are arranged in umbels at the top, with long flower stalks that often droop, except during hot summer months. Flowering occurs throughout most of the year. Fruits develop after flowering.

Growing habits:

This plant is not cold-tolerant. In temperate regions, it must be grown in greenhouses during winter. It dislikes high temperatures in summer and prefers bright but indirect light. It thrives in well-drained, fertile soil.

Propagation methods:

Geranium can be propagated by both sowing and cuttings. Cuttings can be taken from July to August, but this period is less ideal due to high temperatures. Cut strong, healthy stems about 10 cm long. After drying for a few hours (leaving only one or two leaves), insert them into clean river sand about 3 cm deep. Place them in a shaded area and keep the soil moist. Roots usually appear within a month. Seed propagation is also common and relatively easy, with good germination rates.

Cultivation and care:

Geranium doesn’t require overly strict soil conditions, but well-drained sandy loam is ideal. It loves sunlight but should be protected from direct sun exposure, especially in summer, when it may enter a semi-dormant state. During this time, fertilization should be paused. Use mainly phosphorus and potassium-based fertilizers, preferably organic liquid ones, to avoid long-term effects on flowering. To maintain a compact and neat shape, regularly pinch back the growing tips to encourage new branches. Remove yellow or oversized leaves, as well as overgrown or weak branches to improve air circulation inside the plant. Before bringing the plant indoors for winter, ensure it is placed in a sunny, well-ventilated area with temperatures above 5°C to prevent frost damage. Watering should be strictly limited during this time. Geranium grows quickly, so repotting once a year is recommended, removing old roots as needed. Repotting should be done before and after the plant is moved outdoors, typically every 3 to 4 months.

Garden use:

Geranium is commonly used in potted plants and can be arranged in flower beds for special events like May Day and National Day. The entire plant has medicinal value, and some varieties are used for extracting essential oils.

Applications:

In outdoor gardens, it’s perfect for rock gardens, flower beds, and floral arrangements. Potted geraniums are great for decorating living rooms, offices, and public spaces. They are also popular for cut flower production.

Other common cultivars include:

- Horseshoe geranium (P. zonale): Features distinct horseshoe patterns on the leaves, with smaller flowers that grow in axillary clusters.

- Scented geranium (P. graveolens): Known for its fragrant leaves, which release a pleasant aroma when touched. It is small and easy to grow from seed.

- Domestic geranium (P. domesticum): Has sharp-edged leaves and large, showy flowers.

- Invasive geranium (P. peltatum): Also known as "ivy geranium," it has drooping or climbing stems, making it ideal for hanging baskets or ground cover.

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