Scented geraniums became popular for use in making perfumes, and soon were cultivated in the warm coastal regions of France and Spain, as well as Algeria and the coast of what was the Belgian Congo. The colonists brought scented geraniums with them to the new word. Even Thomas Jefferson grew them in his gardens at the White House. Growing scented geraniums became a popular pastime of the people in Victorian England, where they would raise them in heated greenhouses. This trend continued until 1914 when fuel to heat the green houses was banned due to the war.
Today scented geraniums continue to be used in the making of perfumes.
Synthetic rose oil is made using rose scented geraniums. The dried leaves are also used in sachets and potpourri. In aromatherapy rose scented geranium is used for facial steams as it is reputed to have anti-aging effects on the skin. It is also reputed to ease insomnia and have an antidepressant effect. With so many varieties of scented geraniums available, the best way to choose a variety is to find a well stocked nursery and let your sense of smell lead the way.