The Allure of Rare & Heirloom Scented Geraniums

Scented geraniums have been grown for centuries for their fragrant, delicate blooms and aromatic foliage.

While many people are familiar with common varieties like rose and lemon-scented geraniums, there are also many rare and heirloom varieties that offer unique and intriguing scents.

In this blog post, I will introduce you to some of these rare and heirloom varieties and explore their many benefits.

By the end of this post, you will have a deeper understanding of the beauty and allure of these fascinating plants.

Let’s dive right in.

Rare and Heirloom Scented Geranium Varieties

Looking for something special to plant in your garden? Rare and heirloom scented geraniums might be just what you need. These unique plants come in a wide variety of interesting scents and colors, making them a beautiful and aromatic addition to any garden. Here are a few uncommon varieties of scented geraniums that are sure to impress:

Fringed Rose - This scented geranium has a strong rose fragrance and delicate fringed leaves that set it apart from other varieties.

Old Spice - With its rich, spicy scent, Old Spice is a beloved heirloom variety that has been cultivated for generations.

Lemon Fizz - This unusual plant has a refreshing lemon fragrance and brightly colored leaves that add a pop of color to any garden.

Ginger - As you might expect, Ginger scented geraniums have a spicy, warm fragrance that is perfect for fall gardens.

If you’re interested in adding these or other rare and heirloom scented geraniums to your garden, there are several online nurseries and seed companies that specialize in these unique plants. One such company is Select Seeds, which offers a wide variety of heirloom scented geraniums, including many hard-to-find varieties. So why not try something new and plant a few heirloom scented geraniums in your garden this year? You won’t be disappointed!

Tips for Growing and Caring for Rare and Heirloom Scented Geraniums

If you’re looking to grow rare or heirloom scented geraniums, you want to make sure you’re doing everything you can to help them thrive. Here are some tips for planting and growing these beautiful plants:

Start with high-quality soil: Make sure the soil you’re planting your geraniums in is rich and well-draining. A good potting mix or soil with plenty of organic matter is ideal.

Light: Scented geraniums need plenty of sunlight to grow well, so pick a spot with at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.

Watering: Water your geraniums regularly, making sure the soil stays relatively moist but never becomes waterlogged.

Fertilizer: Use a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to promote healthy growth and blooms.

Pruning: Prune your geraniums regularly throughout the growing season to encourage bushier growth and more blooms.

Propagation: Scented geraniums are easy to propagate from stem cuttings. Cut off a stem about four to six inches long, remove the lower leaves, and place the cutting in a pot of moist soil. Keep the soil moist until the cutting takes root.

Enjoy your beautiful scented geraniums and don’t be afraid to experiment with different varieties and growing techniques to find what works best for you.

Aromatic Qualities

Scented geraniums offer a wide range of unique fragrances that can be enjoyed in various ways. The leaves and blooms of different varieties produce a range of aromas, such as rose, lemon, mint, and citronella.

To use these fragrances in aromatherapy, you can simply crush the leaves of scented geraniums to release their essential oils. Adding a few drops of geranium oil to a warm bath can also be a relaxing and uplifting experience.

Harvesting and storing the leaves and blooms of scented geraniums is also a great way to preserve their fragrances. You can dry the leaves and stems of the plant and store them in an airtight container for later use. Alternatively, you can create scented sachets or potpourri by mixing dried geranium leaves with other fragrant herbs and flowers.

In addition to their aromatic qualities, scented geraniums can be used in a variety of other ways to enhance your life. From cooking to medicinal use, these plants offer a range of benefits that make them a valuable addition to any home or garden.

Culinary Uses

If you’re someone who enjoys cooking and likes to experiment with new flavors, you’ll be happy to hear that scented geraniums can be used in cooking in a variety of ways. These plants offer a range of distinctive flavors that can add something special to your dishes. Some popular ways to use scented geraniums in cooking include:

Infuse Oils: One of the simplest ways to incorporate the flavors of scented geraniums into your cooking is to infuse oils with the leaves. Simply heat a light oil such as sunflower or vegetable oil and add a few leaves of your chosen variety. Let the leaves steep for several hours, then strain out the leaves and use the oil to dress salads or as a finishing oil on your favorite dishes.

Baked Goods: Scented geraniums such as rose or lemon-scented varieties can be a lovely addition to baked goods such as cakes, cookies, and muffins. Finely chop the leaves and add them to your batter or use them to sprinkle on top of your baked goods before cooking.

Flavored Candies: When the leaves of scented geraniums are cooked in sugar syrup, they can be used to make flavored candies. These can be made by boiling the leaves with sugar and water until it reaches the soft ball stage, then dropping spoonfuls onto a buttered surface to cool.

Sauces and Marinades: Scented geraniums can also be used to add a subtle, floral note to savory dishes. Incorporate chopped leaves into marinades for chicken or fish or use them to garnish sauces.

Overall, incorporating scented geraniums into your cooking can offer an exciting and unique way to elevate your dishes. When cooking with these plants, it’s important to remember that they have a strong scent, so it’s best to start with a small amount and taste as you go.

Medicinal Properties

Scented geraniums are known for their therapeutic properties. You can use this plant for the treatment of various ailments. The tea made from the leaves of these plants can soothe a sore throat and help fight chest congestion.

In traditional South African medicine, scented geraniums have been used to alleviate arthritis pain and reduce inflammation. In addition, the oil extracted from the leaves has demonstrated antifungal and antibacterial properties.

With more research, scented geraniums may have a place in modern medicine. Research conducted by the University of Pretoria showed that geraniol, a compound found in rose-scented geraniums, may have potential as an antimalarial. Other studies suggest that scented geraniums could be used to treat other parasitic and fungal infections.

To gain the most potential health benefits from scented geraniums, it is important to always consult with a healthcare professional before trying any new remedies.

Scented Geraniums in History and Culture

Scented geraniums have been cultivated for centuries for their pleasing fragrances, and have played an important role in various cultures throughout history. In Victorian England, they were a popular addition to gardens and were also used in fragrances and potpourri.

Scented geraniums also have a rich history in traditional medicine. In many cultures, they were used to treat everything from headaches and sore throats to digestive issues and menstrual cramps. Today, they are still used by many as a natural remedy for a variety of ailments.

In addition to their medicinal properties, scented geraniums have also been used in beauty products. They are a popular ingredient in natural skin care products, thanks to their soothing and anti-inflammatory qualities. They have also been used in perfumes and other fragrances.

In the language of flowers, scented geraniums have traditionally been associated with courage and determination. They have also been used to convey messages of friendship and are often given as gifts.

Overall, scented geraniums have a rich and varied history in different cultures around the world. Whether you are interested in their medicinal properties, their role in beauty products, or their symbolic meaning, there is much to appreciate about these fragrant and versatile plants.

Challenges of Growing Rare and Heirloom Varieties

Growing rare and heirloom scented geraniums can present some challenges. One of the main challenges is disease prevention. Because these varieties are rare, they may be more susceptible to certain diseases and pests than common varieties.

If you want to grow rare and heirloom scented geraniums successfully, you need to be proactive in preventing diseases. This means providing proper drainage, avoiding overwatering, and keeping the plants in well-aerated soil. It also means inspecting your plants often and removing any diseased parts immediately.

Pest management is another challenge in growing these varieties. Pests can quickly wipe out a prized collection of rare or heirloom scented geraniums. To prevent pests, you should keep your plants in healthy condition and remove any debris around them. You can also use natural pesticides, like insecticidal soap or neem oil, to protect your plants without harming the environment.

Despite the potential challenges, it’s important to preserve rare and heirloom varieties for the future. These plants have unique qualities and characteristics that are worth protecting. By taking proactive measures to prevent disease and pests, you can keep your rare and heirloom scented geraniums healthy and strong for years to come.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, rare and heirloom scented geraniums offer a unique and special addition to any garden.

Their beauty, fragrance, and versatility make them a worthwhile investment for any passionate home and garden enthusiast, like myself.

These plants offer not only a feast for the senses, but also potential benefits for aromatherapy, culinary, and medicinal purposes.

So, I’m curious - which rare and heirloom scented geranium variety are you most excited to try growing in your garden?

Let me know by sending me a message - I’d love to hear from you!

And if you found this post valuable, please share it on your social media channels.

Let’s spread the allure of rare and heirloom scented geraniums together!