Whether you are a born collector, a historic or heirloom plant enthusiast, or simply appreciate growing unusual or fragrant plants, I’m sure you’ll enjoy building a collection of fragrant scented geraniums (Pelargonium). You can collect your scented geraniums based on fragrance, leaf type, best flowering, or whatever criteria catch your interest. These scented plants are easy to grow in containers indoors or out and make excellent house plants on the window sill. Scented geraniums are easy to propagate and fun to swap or trade with fellow collectors and gardeners. With several hundred different varieties, ease of care, fragrance and ornamental good looks, scented geraniums might just be the perfect collectible plant.
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Scented geraniums have been known and collected by gardeners for centuries. These fragrant heirloom plants continue to be justifiably popular today. Horticulture history buffs know John Tradescant introduced them in the early seventeenth century, Thomas Jefferson grew them, the Victorians adored them and more recently the scented geranium was named Herb of the Year in 2006.
Based on my personal experience, it’s hard to stop with growing just one scented geranium. These lovely plants are amusing, easy to grow, and fun to swap. You, too, might find scented geraniums to be a fun collectible, especially if you enjoy a good hunt for the unusual and the unique, or if you enjoy crafting with herbs and plants. (Rose geranium cake, anyone? How about making potpourri or scented soap or a nicely scented bath?)
Children seem to enjoy these fragrant plants tremendously: it’s not often kids are asked to give a plant the scratch and sniff test. And, there’s something about kids and collections going together. Maybe I am still a kid at heart. (For more kids gardening ideas see Five Fun Flowers for Kids.)
If your local nursery doesn’t carry scented geraniums or offers only one or two varieties, you can still build a great collection of scented geraniums by shopping mail order catalogs.
When you look for scented geraniums in a mail order plant catalog, remember that the botanical name is Pelargonium. I have found these plants listed both under geranium and under pelargonium. Some suppliers offer them individually as separate varieties, others offer them in collections, some offer them both ways. Here are a few sources to get you started listed in no particular order.
With a little detective work you are bound to find many more sources for scented geraniums or pelargoniums, both individual selections and as collections. I like to buy local if I can, because I like to support my local nurseries and also like to see the plants before I buy. But sometimes you have to shop catalogs to increase your collection with hard to find selections. As always, before you shop from any plant catalog, I suggest you check out the company. (See Finding A Mail Order Plant Catalog You Can Trust.) Enjoy your new hobby!
For tips on scented geranium care, see How to Grow Scented Geraniums. You might also like:
Scented Geraniums: Appeal and Uses
Design A Fragrant Flower Garden
Growing Flowers in Pots and Planters
MORE FLOWER GARDENS ARTICLES and FLOWER GARDENS BLOGS
Copyright March 3 2007 Barbara Martin All Rights Reserved
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