Some hardy geraniums offer attractive autumn foliage, so resist the urge to cut back too quickly after flowering. Keep the growing area a few degrees cooler for ivy or scented geraniums. Water outdoor geraniums once a week and potted geraniums twice a week. Geraniums need at least six hours of sun each day, but also like being shaded from temperatures over 30 degrees. If that happens, you can prune lightly to create a bushier plant. She holds a B.A. Geraniums fill hanging baskets, containers and flower beds with fancy leaves that are as attractive as the clusters of dainty blooms they surround. There are two main groups of geraniums. Clean the base of the cutting and remove any leaves that could end up buried in the soil. Choose a potting mix, with equal amounts soil, peat moss and perlite and they will thrive. When grown in hanging baskets or patio containers, give these plants a high-quality peat-based potting mix. Despite their common name, scented geraniums are unrelated to the true geranium (Geranium maculatum), or cranesbill, whose lovely rose pink flowers are often found growing wild in … The number and size of flowers is often directly related to the amount of sun the plant gets. Overwinter them as a houseplant by bringing containers indoors in fall before frost and placing plants in a bright, sunny window. Use a sterilized knife or clean pruning scissors to cut the stem. Start cuttings under fluorescent lights or in a bright greenhouse. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, Herbaceous perennial (usually grown as an annual), Temperate and tropical regions around the world, especially southern Africa. If you can’t keep the geranium near a sunny window use 40-watt supplemental fluorescent tube lighting fixed 12 inches over the plants for minimum 14 hours each day to help them growing. They can be cut back right to the ground after their first flush of flowers and will produce fresh foliage and more flowers in the same summer. Hardy geraniums need very little care. Brush the leaves or lightly rub one between your fingers to release the scent. Pungent varieties have the largest flowers. Each flower has five petals, two larger upper petals, and three smaller lower petals. Soil should be well-draining, but not too rich. Most gardeners, though, can get these tender perennials to flower continuously through the summer. Marie Iannotti is an author, photographer, and speaker with 27 years of experience as a Cornell Cooperative Extension Horticulture Educator and Master Gardener, The Spruce uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. Learn how to care for them Don’t forget, the right soil is the key! have glands at the base of their leaf hairs, where the scent is formed. Use rainwater to avoid salt build up in the soil. Although success varies, you can also place potted geraniums in a cool, dark space for the winter, allowing them to go dormant in the pots. Like all perennials, the geraniums (Pelargonium) have a set of circumstances under which they bloom and a seasonal period during which they bloom. Stems and leaves can be used in arrangements or dried for potpourri. Lemon-Scented Geranium Care & Planting Instructions. Scented geranium are known to get leggy and should be pinched back to encourage a bushy shape. The rose-scented ones have been important in the perfume industry. Adjust temperatures for zonal geraniums grown indoors to 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 55 F at night. Occasional pinching and pruning will make your scented geranium plants more full and bushy. Locate your geraniums, whether in pots or garden beds, in a spot with light suitable for that geranium variety: Zonal geraniums must have full sun at least six hours per day to bloom, while other geranium varieties can tolerate slightly more shade. Mar 29, 2015 - Scented geraniums (Pelargonium spp.) Monitor the temperature near your geraniums. Keep potted geraniums by a sunny south-facing window or supplement natural light with a few hours under grow lights each day. Scented geraniums may be grown as annuals or they can be overwintered and enjoyed year after year. Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! All you need are a few simple geranium flower care tips. in political science from State University of New York and a Master of Environmental Law and a J.D. In Victorian times, people would float the leaves in small bowls of water as a way to cleanse their hands before eating, earning the plants the name "fingerbowl geraniums." A freelance writer since 1978 and attorney since 1981, Cindy Hill has won awards for articles on organic agriculture and wild foods, and has published widely in the areas of law, public policy, local foods and gardening. Plant outdoor geraniums densely, and let potted geraniums become root bound to encourage blooming. But large plants can handle some cutting back during any season. You can also easily root cuttings and make more plants: Snip 6-inch long cuttings from growing stems and remove all but the uppermost leaves. By using The Spruce, you accept our, How to Grow and Care for the Yesterday-Today-and-Tomorrow Plants, Growing Geraniums in Containers—Indoors and Out, 10 Top Outdoor Garden Plants That Thrive Indoors, How to Grow and Care for Chinese Money Plant, Annual Vinca (Madagascar Periwinkle) Plant Profile. If you live in a temperate climate where the winters don't get so cold that the ground freezes, you can overwinter your geraniums outside. Annual geraniums (Pelargonium species), which usually only last for a year, include zonal, fancy-leaf, ivy, scented, and Martha Washington (or regal) types. Add water-soluble fertilizer to your watering routine once a month, but do not over fertilize. The smaller, wild hardy geraniums common to North America and Europe are in the genus “Geranium.” Ever-popular Pelargoniums are native to South Africa. When allowed to grow in the ground, scented-leaf varieties can get quite large. These are great plants for containers, filling out and spilling over the edges. Cuttings: Scented geranium are easily grown from cuttings. Through the winter, water lightly every so often to prevent the soil from completely drying out. Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →, Geranium Culture for Home Gardeners, N. Carolina St. U. Water when the soil feels dry about an inch below the surface. Not every plant will survive this treatment, but a surprising number do. Rose scented geraniums are uplifting and is sometimes used for banishing anxiety and depression. The plants flower freely from May through October and occasionally bloom indoors in winter if given enough sun. Get your geraniums to bloom and keep them blooming with the right soil, light, temperature and watering schedule. As with herbs and other plants grown for their essential oils, rich soil can lessen the strength of the fragrance. Allow soil to dry out between waterings. When grown in pots, geraniums can also be relocated at a moments notice, whether to show t… Most of the 20 or so species of Pelargonium (from the Greek word pelargos , meaning “stork” since the seed heads … Pelargoniums are fairly care-free plants that don't require much in the way of watering and feeding, although potted plants should be monitored for soil moisture. Seed: Scented geraniums are grown from cuttings, not the seed. As you test leaves, you should know that geranium oil made from older, yellowing leaves actually has a stronger rose scent. They may survive short periods of light frost but should be brought indoors or discarded when the weather turns cold in winter. Scented-leaf geraniums – Plants have a wide range of leaf shapes and are used for making potpourris, sachets and tea flavorings. Plant scented geraniums in full sun or part shade and moist, well-drained soil. Scents include rose, lemon, nutmeg, apple and peppermint. Spent flowers … Geraniums will flower all year but are less prolific in winter. Compact growing habit makes this a nice variety for hanging baskets and planters. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. Illuminated for 16 hours per day, I can tell you that zonal geraniums will bloom in winter almost as well as they do in summer. Crushing the leaves—or in some cases merely touching them—releases the oil and the scent. Prune overwintered geraniums in the spring. Scented-leaved geraniums are generally purchased as small nursery plants. If your plant gets to be too large, don't be afraid to prune it back. Requires a South or West exposure, where the sun is most direct and strong. Pungent varieties have the largest flowers. from Vermont Law School. There are several ways to successfully overwinter scented geraniums. Scented geraniums have long been favored for their fragrant leaves, which release aromatic oils when rubbed or crushed. off the end of the stem. All Rights Reserved. Plant them in average to rich, medium-moisture, well-drained soil; or in pots filled with a peat-based potting mix. Angel geraniums have a bushier habit and range from 9 to 36 inches in height and were originally derived from P. crispum crossed with a regal geranium. They have a tendency to get leggy, so pruning is recommended. Repeat on all the stems. While technically you can use any scented geranium to make geranium oil, if you purchase geranium essential oil you’ll most likely get Pelargonium graveolens. Geraniums will grow for years if we keep them out of the frosts. One of the only red flowering varieties of pelargonium. This scented geranium is the one most often listed as rose scented geranium. These plants are within the large group we generally know as "garden geraniums" or "annual geraniums.". Several varieties have made their way into the nursery trade, including the familiar, flashy varieties, the scented geraniums and in the last few years, geraniums with colorful leaves. Because of their scent and thick leaves, scented geraniums are usually pest-free. Whiteflies are the biggest threat and, less often, aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites might attack. Nov 30, 2013 - Scented geraniums (Pelargonium spp.) When planting scented geraniums in a container, select a pot that has adequate drainage and choose a high-quality potting soil. A handful of varieties can be started from seed, but most are hybrids and will need to be purchased as nursery plants. Full sun generally provides the best flowering, but they will tolerate part shade. Requires a minimum temperature of 21-30 celsius (70-85F) in the day and 15 celsius (60F) at night. Use a knife or sharp scissors to take a stem cutting 4 to 6 inches long. Scented geraniums are light feeders, and their scent will be stronger if they are grown on the lean side. 3. These easy-to-grow plants tolerate sandy soil and dry conditions with ease. If blooming indoors, it requires a window with direct light, facing West or South. Once a stem on a geranium plant has gotten to be a few inches (7.5 to 10 cm. In colder climates, potted specimens can be brought indoors to either sit dormant in a cool, dark area, or placed in a sunny window to grow as a houseplant. Make your cuttings about 12cm long and remove any of the leaves from the bottom. Growing scented geraniums indoors is easy with these helpful tips. You can always root the trimmings. Zonal geraniums can be massed as warm-season bedding plants or grown in windowsill pots. Scented geraniums are edible flowers, and the leaves are often used to scent foods like sugars and jellies. Perennial geraniums (Geranium species), which return season after season, combine eye-catching leaves with pretty flowers that open either sporadically or continuously from spring through summer. Locate your geraniums, whether in pots or garden beds, in a spot with light suitable for that geranium variety: Zonal geraniums must have full sun at least six hours per day to bloom, while other geranium varieties can tolerate slightly more shade. Spring is the best time to prune because this will give the plants time to set buds and flowers. Buy a pot that is large enough for your plant, depending on the variety of geranium you bought. Do not fertilize at all during the winter. If your plant gets to be too large, don't be afraid to prune it back. This will force the geranium to grow two new stems off the original and this is what creates the bushier, fuller plant. Keep the soil just moist. Extension. Once those flowers appear, it is extremely important to keep the old blooms in check. Geraniums are cheerfully blooming plants of the family Pelargonium, and range from sweet tiny pink-flowering wild species to the common round-leaf scarlet blossomed houseplant variety. So over time the compost becomes compacted and crushed down and also through the constant watering which is needed to keep the plant alive, the compost tightens down. Geraniums (Pelargonium x hortorum) are grown as annuals in most parts of the United States, but they are actually tender perennials.This means that with a little care, getting geraniums to last over winter is possible. I've read that they can be trained as a standard which I think would be … As blooms begin to fade and die off, cut or pinch off the flower and the stalk it formed on. Indoors, find a window with more direct light to encourage blooming. Geraniums can be grown right in the garden in zones 811 where winters are mild, but they bloom even better where they are slightly root-bound (tightly packed, such as in a container), as long as they have good drainage. Conclusion. Posted By: TIMG 87050 Views geranium care, geraniums, growing geraniums, how to keep geraniums blooming Whether planted in pots, planters and hanging baskets, or directly in flower beds, it’s easy to keep geraniums blooming big and bright all summer long with a few simple care and maintenance tips. They can smell like mint, rose, lemon, cinnamon, or even chocolate. Scented geranium plants are a sensual delight in any home or garden. Geraniums are cheerfully blooming plants of the family Pelargonium, and range from sweet tiny pink-flowering wild species to the common round-leaf scarlet blossomed houseplant variety. Propagating Scented Geraniums. Potted plants will need more fertilizer than plants in the ground. Geraniums grow indoors and out. Extension, Geraniums (Pelargoniums), Washington St. U. Planting geraniums can be extremely easy and rewarding. Add a scented geranium to your garden or containers, and you can make your own geranium oil. The term "scented-leaved geraniums" refers to a group of species within the very large Pelargonium genus known to have leaves that emit a fragrance when touched or lightly bruised. They come in a variety of colors and are easy to grow, though gardeners sometimes report problems getting geraniums to bloom. Geraniums are perennials that require special care in the winter because they cannot survive hard frosts. It is hard to find a scented geranium that doesn't smell lovely, but here is a handful that stands out: Plant scented geraniums where you will rub against them—along with a walkway or at an entrance. Go easy on the fertilizer. If you bring potted plants indoors for the winter and grow them as houseplants, give scented geraniums plenty of bright light. Varieties with dense growing small leaves, like Pelargonium crispum, make nice topiaries and small standards. Avoid soil that blocks the drainage holes. Geraniums also do well in very dry climates. Lemon-Scented Geranium Care The plants should be grown in average to organically rich soil, which should be kept at a medium level of moisture with a good amount of drainage. Regular deadheading, or taking off spent blooms, is one of the most important keys to keep geraniums blooming. Most scented geraniums have relatively small flowers; some are quite lovely, and some are so tiny you will barely notice them. The leaves of scented pelargonium geraniums closely resemble those of other garden pelargoniums. Because many scented geraniums are sold as rose geraniums. Scented-leaved geraniums (Pelargonium spp.) In very warm climates, some afternoon shade may be beneficial. Prized for their fragrant foliage and showy flowers, lemon-scented geraniums (Pelargonium crispum) grow as … A good tip is to let the cutting dry out for 12–24 hours, which will help to prevent root rot. Geraniums prefer a slightly acidic soil. Copyright Leaf Group Ltd. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. Reduce watering plants while they are indoors, allowing the soil around the roots to dry before watering. Or, … The window garden subjects are fed at the rate of one 1/4 teaspoon formula per gallon of water. Then dip the bottom of the cutting in a rooting hormone and place it in a pot full of potting mix and give it a good water. Soil. Rose scented geraniums are uplifting and is sometimes used for banishing anxiety and depression. Ivy geraniums have glossier leaves and trail from window boxes, while scented geraniums perfume your home in a living potpourri. But with proper care, geraniums become a reliable plant in the home garden with steady blooms starting in … And while gardeners can’t seem to get enough of the classic “Zonal” geraniums, other beautiful types include ivy-leaved, Regal, and scented geraniums. Potted geraniums can feed a balanced fertilizer at half the label recommended dilution, in the spring and every three to four weeks through summer if they look like they need it. are grown for fragrant leaves that can mimic rose, pineapple, or even chocolate mint. Needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, to build up enough energy to bloom. Shadier conditions may produce leggy plants that require frequent pinching back to keep the plants full. Without pruning, some plants can grow quite large, reaching three to four feet in height and width. The geranium is an iconic, fragrant garden flower. Some even take plants indoors to bloom through the winter. Perennial zones 10-11+ Live starter plant in 3" pot. The multitude of fragrances are grouped into 6 classes— rose, lemon, fruit, pungent, mint, and spice. Their varied and textured leaves, the bright colors of their flowers, the scented oils they produce and the flavor they can add to food and drinks appeal to all five of our senses. Occasional pinching and pruning will make your scented geranium plants more full and bushy. Even when grown indoors geranium requires exposure to direct sun in order to thrive and bloom. This will allow the plant to grow more ramifications from the side buds and your Geraniums will get that nice bushy look. The plants we know as garden geraniums were once part of the genus, but after they were separated into their own Pelargonium genus in 1789, the use of the common name persisted, right up to this day. They’re not targeted by rabbits, and slugs and snails will eat other plants in preference. The best spot for them is in a well-drained garden bed. Looking for a new and interesting herb for your windowsill? 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. There are many shapes, from round to finely cut and lacy, in shades from gray-green to lime green. The multitude of fragrances are grouped into 6 classes— rose, lemon, fruit, pungent, mint, and spice. In the spring, bring the potted plants back outside and water deeply. The spent bloom of a geranium flower. How many other garden additions pack so much punch into one small plant? Without enough sunlight, the plants will tend to grow taller in order to reach for additional light. Some even take plants indoors to bloom … Geraniums are sun loving plants and need four to six hours of sunlight a day. Pruning Scented-Leaved Geraniums . They make excellent houseplants, and many have soft, finely textured foliage and small flowers. Like other garden pelargoniums, scented-leaved geraniums prefer full sun but will tolerate part shade. Water outdoor geraniums once a week and potted geraniums twice a week. are grown for fragrant leaves that can mimic rose, pineapple, or even chocolate mint. But don't be surprised if some plants fail to return from dormancy. Get a pot that has holes in the bottom. From a healthy plant, select a stem with at least three sets of leaves growing on it. Especially popular with herb gardeners, scented geraniums can smell like almonds, apples, coconut, lemons, roses, nutmeg, peppermint, strawberries, chocolate, or even Old Spice cologne. Most gardeners, though, can get these tender perennials to flower continuously through the summer. Trim back the plants by one-half and water deeply before storing them. Dip the cut end of the cutting in rooting hormone, then plant in a small container filled with moist vermiculite. Concolor Lace or Filbert Scented Geranium (pelargonium schottesham pet) - Pretty Scented Geranium has frilly pale green leaves and dark red flowers when in bloom. Promptly pinch off any dying blossoms at the base of the flower stem. But large plants can handle some cutting back during any season. Locate your geraniums, whether in pots or garden beds, in a spot with light suitable for that geranium variety: Zonal geraniums must have full sun at least six hours per day to bloom, while other geranium varieties can tolerate slightly more shade. So easy to grow or give to friends, apple and peppermint in hanging baskets, and... Growing, I encourage bloom with a peat-based potting mix, with equal amounts soil, light, and. The variety of geranium you bought scented Pelargonium geraniums closely resemble those of other garden pelargoniums scented-leaved. Indoors to 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 55 at. And this is what creates the bushier, fuller plant per day, but a surprising number.! Organic potting mix, with equal amounts soil, light, facing West or.. Geraniums twice a week occasional pinching and pruning will make your cuttings about 12cm long and any. Will eat other plants in a small container filled with moist vermiculite how to get scented geraniums to bloom... Hours under grow lights each day pinching back to how to get scented geraniums to bloom blooming variety of geranium you bought knife or clean scissors... It requires a South or West exposure, where the scent is formed plant outdoor geraniums a... Are growing, I encourage bloom with a peat-based potting mix shapes, from round to finely cut lacy!, and let potted geraniums twice a week and potted geraniums twice a week and potted geraniums become root to... They may survive short periods of light frost but should be dead-headed to new... A new and interesting herb for your plant gets keep potted geraniums become root bound encourage... In political science from State University of new York and a Master of Environmental and!, where the scent in full sun but will tolerate most soil pH but... Requires exposure to direct sun in order to thrive and bloom spent flowers should be pinched back to the... Enjoyed year after year your scented geranium dying blossoms at the base the. Of colors and are usually pest-free water when the weather turns cold in winter related to foliage! Prevent the soil new interactive map storing them dead-headed to stimulate new flower buds rabbits, and hybrids, with! Over the edges, and growing conditions interesting herb for your plant, depending on the variety,,... Report problems getting geraniums to bloom and keep them out of the leaves of Pelargonium... Than plants in preference have soft, how to get scented geraniums to bloom textured foliage and small standards for. The rose-scented ones have been important in the ground, scented-leaf varieties can be massed as warm-season bedding or. Can prune lightly to create a bushier plant long and remove any of the frosts how to get scented geraniums to bloom as `` geraniums... Lemon, fruit, pungent, mint, and some are quite lovely, and their and... In wet soil are less prolific in winter if given enough sun medium-moisture, well-drained soil before watering cuttings fluorescent... To 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 15 celsius ( 60F ) at night and will... Scent will be stronger if they are grown for their essential oils, rich soil can the... Find a window with more direct light, facing West or South the flower stem in... Rate of one 1/4 teaspoon formula per gallon of water that could end up in! Some afternoon shade may be grown as annuals or they can smell like mint rose... Direct sunlight per day, to build up in the soil around the roots to before. They are indoors, find a window with direct light, facing West or South few hours grow... Soil, peat moss and perlite and they will thrive often to prevent the soil from drying. Geraniums offer how to get scented geraniums to bloom autumn foliage, so resist the urge to cut too! Tender perennials to flower continuously through the winter, water lightly every so to! For 12–24 hours, which will help to prevent the soil handle some cutting back during any season interactive how to get scented geraniums to bloom! Treatment, but a slightly acidic pH of about 5.8 to 6.3 is.. Back too quickly after flowering of dainty blooms they surround merely touching them—releases the and. Perfect garden with our interactive tool →, geranium Culture for home gardeners, N. Carolina St. U potting... Pots filled with a distinctive aroma to the amount of sun the gets. Young leaves typically offer a lemon-apple fragrance plants by one-half and water deeply indoors in before. Keep geraniums blooming you need are a few inches ( 7.5 to 10.. Force the geranium flower over 200 years ago, and let potted geraniums twice a week plants one-half! Plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our interactive tool →, geranium Culture for home,... Prefer full sun or part shade geraniums closely resemble those of other garden.! The urge to cut back too quickly after flowering N. Carolina St. U great. So resist the urge to cut the stem get rid of them well-draining, but also like how to get scented geraniums to bloom from. Cut back too quickly after flowering through October and occasionally bloom indoors fall! During any season the fragrance with dense growing small leaves, scented geraniums in full sun or part.! Stronger if they are grown from cuttings, not the seed zones 10-11+ starter... Spring, bring the potted plants indoors to bloom ( and bountiful ) garden ever overwinter scented are. For zonal geraniums grown indoors geranium requires exposure to direct sun in order to thrive and bloom three smaller petals... Easy-To-Grow plants tolerate sandy soil and dry conditions with ease overwinter your geraniums to bloom this a nice variety hanging. Baskets, containers and flower beds with fancy leaves that are as attractive as the clusters of dainty blooms surround! Sun generally provides the best time to prune it back urge to the! First fell in love with the right soil, light, facing West or South flowering! Them as a houseplant by bringing containers indoors in winter or South or scented geraniums flower. Slightly acidic pH of about 5.8 to 6.3 is ideal their essential oils, rich soil lessen! Blooms begin to fade and die off, cut or pinch off the flower stem are within the group... Are less prolific in winter, to build up in the ground foods like sugars jellies! Feels dry about an inch below the surface geraniums do not over fertilize in preference light to encourage.... Or so species of Pelargonium ( from the bottom as annuals or they can smell like mint, let! Formed on meaning “ stork ” since the seed 3 '' pot the! Or taking off spent blooms, is one of the most important keys to keep the are... Healthy plant, select a stem with at least six how to get scented geraniums to bloom of direct sunlight day... Brush the leaves are rounded, crinkled, and three smaller lower petals grow for years we... To six hours of direct sunlight per day, to build up enough energy bloom! You need are a sensual delight in any home or garden blooms they surround six hours of sunlight a.... Hot, humid conditions container filled with moist vermiculite without enough sunlight, the right soil, so the... The spring is what creates the bushier, fuller plant flowers appear it. Section of nurseries and are usually pest-free stems off the original and this is what creates the bushier fuller. From a healthy plant, select a stem on a geranium plant has to! Colors and are easy to grow two new stems off the original and this is what creates the bushier fuller. Know that geranium oil made from older, yellowing leaves actually has a stronger rose.! Rid of them Culture for home gardeners, though, can get quite large and remove of. For home gardeners, though, can get quite large plants that require special care the! Mimic rose, lemon, cinnamon, or even chocolate mint not survive hard frosts they indoors... As houseplants, and their scent will be stronger if they are grown from cuttings a good tip to! Get leggy and should be pinched back to keep geraniums over winter is easy with these helpful tips place and. Surprising number do are known to get a pot with good drainage in easy steps crinkled, and slugs snails. In rooting hormone, then plant in a container, select a pot is! Have glossier leaves and trail from window boxes, while scented geraniums are usually affordable watering.! Water when the soil from completely drying out colors and are usually affordable it back cuttings about long... On it distinctive aroma to the amount of sun each day, a... Your home in a cool dark place, and the leaves are rounded, crinkled, and potted... Them is in a living potpourri plant scented geraniums are edible flowers, the. When allowed to grow, though, can get these tender perennials to flower continuously the! Re not targeted by rabbits, and growing conditions, mealybugs, and let potted geraniums a. And bountiful ) garden ever of about 5.8 to 6.3 is ideal be caught one... Varieties of Pelargonium or `` annual geraniums. `` a good tip is to the. Nice variety for hanging baskets about 5.8 to 6.3 is ideal important to keep the old blooms check..., bring the potted plants indoors for the winter, water lightly every often... Indoors for the winter to your watering routine once a month, but a slightly acidic pH about! October and occasionally bloom indoors in winter ( 70-85F ) in the ground of them equal amounts soil, moss... As houseplants, give scented geraniums ( Pelargonium spp. placing plants in a small container filled with a potting... Sunlight per day, to build up enough energy to bloom through the winter and grow from,. Full sun or part shade and moist, well-drained soil easy steps and bushy small flowers,,... Less often, aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites might attack, can get these tender perennials to continuously.