Rose geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)

Also known as: Sweet scented geranium

The rose geranium (*Pelargonium graveolens*) is a shrub indigenous to regions in South Africa. It's highly valued for its ornamental qualities, featuring appealing clusters of white to pink flowers and distinctive stork-beak-like fruits. Its leaves are notable for producing a rose-scented essential oil, which is a key ingredient in the perfume industry.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Rose geranium

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

50 cm to 1.5 m

Spread

80 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

2-3 centimeters (0.8-1.2 inches)

Flower Color

Pink

Images of Rose geranium

Quickly Identify Rose geranium

Identify Pelargonium graveolens by its lobed leaves with a strong rose fragrance, pink or lavender flowers, and a bushy, shrubby growth habit.

Scientific Classification of Rose geranium

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Geraniums, bridal wreaths, and allies

Family

Geranium

Genus

Pelargoniums

Species

Rose geranium

Planting and Growing of Rose geranium

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 3 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

4-8 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Terracotta

How to Water Rose geranium?

For Pelargonium graveolens, it's important to water until the soil is thoroughly moist, ensuring water drains out of the pot's bottom. This plant prefers slightly dry conditions, so make sure the top inch of soil is dry before re-watering.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Rose geranium? ›

What should I do if my Rose geranium is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Rose geranium? ›

How to save an overwatered Rose geranium? ›

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What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Rose geranium?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 4 to 6 hours

Pelargonium graveolens prefers full sun to partial sun, ideally receiving 4 to 6 hours of sunlight daily. Such lighting encourages strong blooming and dense foliage, enabling aromatic oil production in leaves.

How much sun does Pelargonium graveolens need? ›

What are some solutions to achieve the ideal lighting? ›

What are the benefits of proper lighting for this plant? ›

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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Rose geranium?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

The ideal temperature range for growing Pelargonium graveolens is between 60°F and 75°F. This range provides an optimal environment for healthy growth and avoids stress on the plant. Maintaining these temperatures ensures that the plant can adequately perform photosynthesis and other metabolic processes.

What Soil is Best for Rose geranium?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Pelargonium graveolens thrives in well-draining soils, which prevent water-logging and root rot, ensuring healthy root growth and vibrant foliage. This plant requires soil with moderate nutrient content, as overly rich soil can lead to excessive foliage at the expense of blooming. Balanced nutrients support optimal plant performance. Although well-draining, the soil should retain some moisture to sustain the plant between waterings, maintaining the roots’ health and promoting sturdy growth. More About Soil→

How to Fertilize Rose geranium?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Pelargonium graveolens, apply a balanced liquid fertilizer at a rate of one tablespoon per gallon of water. This ensures that the plant receives adequate nutrients without risking over-fertilization. Adjust the amount based on the plant's growth stage and environmental conditions. More About Fertilizing Techniques→

How to Prune Rose geranium?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Start by examining your Pelargonium graveolens for any dead, damaged, or diseased leaves and stems. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to remove these immediately, cutting close to the base. Next, to encourage bushier growth, trim back the stems by about one-third. This will help promote branching and lead to a fuller plant. For a neat and compact appearance, regularly pinch the growing tips, especially those that are long and spindly. By doing so, you redirect the plant's energy towards lateral growth, resulting in a fuller and more aesthetically pleasing shape. This technique also enhances sunlight exposure and air circulation within the plant's interior. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Rose geranium plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early summer

Choose a healthy Pelargonium graveolens plant from which to take cuttings. Ensure it shows no signs of disease or stress, as healthy cuttings increase the chance of successful propagation.

Use sharp pruning shears to cut 4 to 6-inch sections from the parent plant. Make sure each cutting includes at least two leaf nodes, as they are crucial for new growth.

Dip the cut end of each stem in rooting hormone. This step helps to increase the likelihood of root development and can significantly improve the overall success rate of the propagation process.

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How to Repot Rose geranium plant?

Repotting frequency: Every two years

Pelargonium graveolens typically needs repotting when you see roots protruding from the drainage holes or when water sits on the surface for too long. These signs indicate that the roots are bound and need more space to grow, ensuring a healthy and thriving plant.

Select a pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one. This ensures enough room for root growth without overwhelming the plant and risking root rot. A pot with adequate drainage holes prevents waterlogging and keeps the roots healthy.

Opt for a well-draining soil mix rich in organic matter, like peat or compost. This type of soil provides essential nutrients and prevents water-logged conditions, supporting robust growth. Avoid heavy soils that retain too much moisture, leading to root rot.

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Toxicity of Rose geranium

Is Rose geranium toxic to cat?

The rose geranium presents a mildly toxic hazard to cats, particularly when consumed in substantial amounts. Any part of the plant may pose a threat to a feline friend, and the dangers escalate with the volume ingested. Following ingestion, a cat might display signs of distress, which could include physical discomfort or illness. To reduce these risks, it is vital for cat owners to supervise their pets and restrict their access to the rose geranium. Furthermore, if there is suspicion that a cat has ingested rose geranium, seeking immediate veterinary care is essential for timely intervention and treatment.

Is Rose geranium toxic to dog?

Rose geranium is regarded as having a low level of toxicity for dogs. Although the plant is not severely toxic, consuming it in substantial amounts can lead to negative effects. Dogs can be adversely affected by ingesting any portion of the rose geranium, as every part of the plant carries potential risks. If a dog consumes a considerable amount of rose geranium, it might show symptoms such as gastrointestinal distress, drowsiness, or skin reactions. It is vital for dog owners to keep a close eye on their pets and prevent them from wandering into areas where rose geranium plants are present to mitigate the risk of poisoning. Should a dog consume rose geranium and demonstrate signs of poisoning, it is imperative to seek prompt veterinary assistance to guarantee appropriate care and recovery.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

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