As night comes on, they release a heady fragrance of vanilla into the air that lasts until daylight the following morning. These plants have been sentimental favorities for several hundred years. Over 100 varieties of scented-leaf pelargoniums are available. The range of detectable scents is remarkable, and includes rose, lime, ginger, peach, lemon, peppermint, nutmeg, oak, strawberry, balsam, apricot, coconut, apple, and many others. Although many scented-leaf pelargoniums grow to a large size in the ground, their size can be controlled by keeping them in pots, and by pruning the tips during the growing season.
Cuttings root easily in potting soil, and new cuttings can be made for the following years.
Plants should be placed where they can be easily touched. Leaves can be utilized in potpourri, cooking, and for toiletries.