Although commonly called geraniums, pelargoniums are easily recognized by their blossom structure. Like geraniums, each flower will have five petals, but in pelargoniums the petals are arranged with two upper petals and three lower. The upper two are often larger and more richly colored. In geraniums the five petals are evenly formed and regularly spaced. Although many have charming flowers, scented geraniums are mainly grown for their aromatic foliage.
Scented geraniums are fun to grow in Austin, Texas.
They may be planted in containers that can easily be brought inside when temperatures dip to freezing. Pelargoniums will also do well as annuals planted in the ground and may even survive an occasional winter if mulched. Pelargoniums should be placed in a well draining soil in a location where they will be shaded from scorching afternoon sun. Liberal pruning will encourage dense growth. The plants benefit from an occasional feeding with fish emulsion or other fertilizer.