Lemon Scented Geranium: How to Grow, Care for, and Use This Fragrant Plant
Lemon scented geranium is a popular and highly aromatic pelargonium grown for its fresh citrus-scented leaves rather than its flowers. When the foliage is touched or warmed by the sun, it releases a clean lemon fragrance that makes it a favourite for patios, pots, windowsills, and indoor growing.
Keter Manor Outdoor Apex Double Door Garden Storage Shed (6 x 8ft)
A durable and stylish beige and brown garden storage shed perfect for storing garden tools, equipment, bikes, and outdoor essentials. Weather-resistant, low maintenance, and ideal for any garden or allotment setup.
Vegetable Plants & Seedlings
Browse Plants
All-Purpose Compost & Soil Improvers
View Compost
Plant Feed & Fertiliser for Strong Growth
Shop Fertiliser
⭐ Recommended Products — 🌸 Geraniums & Growing Essentials
Geraniums (Pelargoniums) are classic, colourful garden and patio favourites that bloom all summer long with the right care.
• Geranium Seed Collection (Mixed & Fragrant Varieties)
A varied seed pack of garden and scented geraniums — perfect for sowing early under cover to grow on for summer displays.
👉 Click here to see top options
• Geranium Plug Plants / Young Geraniums
Healthy young plants ready to plant out into borders, containers, or hanging baskets for immediate colour.
👉 Click here to see top options
• Geranium Compost / Flowering Plant Compost
Rich, well-draining compost that gives geraniums the nutrients and drainage they need for strong root growth and abundant blooms.
👉 Click here to see top options
• Geranium Feed & Fertiliser
Plant food formulated to support continuous flowering — feed regularly during the growing season for best results.
👉 Click here to see top options
• Decorative Pots & Planters for Geraniums
Attractive outdoor pots and containers that complement geranium blooms — perfect for patios, windowsills, and balconies.
👉 Click here to see top options
This complete guide explains what a lemon scented geranium is, how to grow it successfully, where it thrives best, how to care for it year-round, and the many ways it can be used.
What Is a Lemon Scented Geranium?
A lemon scented geranium is a type of pelargonium with strongly scented foliage. Despite the common name, it is not a true geranium. The lemon fragrance comes from natural oils in the leaves, which are released when the plant is brushed, crushed, or exposed to warmth.
Key characteristics include:
- Bright green, often finely cut leaves
- Strong lemon or citrus scent
- Upright or slightly spreading growth
- Small, delicate flowers
It is a tender perennial and must be protected from frost in the UK.
Why Grow a Lemon Scented Geranium?
Lemon scented geraniums are grown for more than just looks.
Reasons gardeners love them include:
- Fresh, long-lasting citrus fragrance
- Ideal for containers and indoor growing
- Attractive foliage even when not flowering
- Useful in crafts, fragrance, and some culinary uses
- Easy to grow and maintain
They are especially popular near seating areas, doorways, and windows where their scent can be enjoyed easily.
How Strong Is the Lemon Scent?
The scent is strongest when:
- Leaves are gently rubbed or crushed
- Plants are grown in full sun
- Temperatures are warm
Healthy plants grown in bright light produce the most intense fragrance.
Does Lemon Scented Geranium Flower?
Yes, but flowers are not the main feature.
- Small, delicate blooms
- Usually pale pink or lavender
- Appear in summer
Many gardeners remove flowers to encourage leaf growth and maintain a tidy shape.
Where to Grow Lemon Scented Geraniums
Lemon scented geraniums grow best in containers.
Ideal locations include:
- Pots on patios and balconies
- Windowsills indoors
- Conservatories and greenhouses
- Sheltered outdoor spots in summer
They are rarely grown directly in the ground in the UK due to frost sensitivity.
Light Requirements
- Prefer full sun to light shade
- More sunlight produces stronger scent
- Indoors, place in the brightest position available
Low light leads to weak growth and reduced fragrance.
Soil and Compost Requirements
Lemon scented geraniums need:
- Free-draining compost
- Moderate fertility
- Containers with drainage holes
Avoid heavy or water-retentive compost, which can cause root rot.
Watering Lemon Scented Geraniums
Correct watering is essential.
- Allow compost to dry slightly between watering
- Water less frequently in cool conditions
- Never let pots sit in water
Overwatering is the most common cause of problems.
Feeding Lemon Scented Geraniums
- Feed lightly during the growing season
- Use a balanced or low-nitrogen fertiliser
- Avoid overfeeding, which reduces scent strength
Too much nitrogen encourages leaf growth at the expense of fragrance.
Pruning and Shaping
Regular pruning keeps plants compact and healthy.
- Pinch out growing tips to encourage bushiness
- Remove leggy or woody stems
- Prune lightly throughout the season
Hard pruning can be done in spring if plants become untidy.
Growing Lemon Scented Geranium Indoors
This plant makes an excellent houseplant.
- Thrives on sunny windowsills
- Releases fragrance when touched
- Compact varieties suit smaller spaces
Rotate pots regularly to maintain even growth.
Overwintering Lemon Scented Geraniums
Lemon scented geraniums are not frost hardy.
How to Overwinter
- Bring plants indoors before the first frost
- Keep in a bright, frost-free location
- Reduce watering significantly
- Stop feeding until spring
Plants can be pruned lightly before overwintering to keep them manageable.
Propagating Lemon Scented Geraniums
Propagation is easy and reliable using cuttings.
How to Take Cuttings
- Take cuttings in summer or early autumn
- Choose healthy, non-flowering shoots
- Allow cut ends to dry for a few hours
- Insert into free-draining compost
Cuttings root easily and produce identical plants.
Common Problems
Weak Scent
- Not enough sunlight
- Overfeeding
- Overwatering
Yellowing Leaves
- Excess moisture
- Poor drainage
- Cold temperatures
Leggy Growth
- Insufficient light
- Lack of pruning
Most issues are easily corrected by adjusting care.
Uses for Lemon Scented Geranium
Lemon scented geraniums are surprisingly versatile.
They can be used for:
- Natural room fragrance
- Scented potpourri
- Scented sugar and syrups
- Decorative foliage arrangements
- Craft and gift projects
Only use leaves for culinary purposes if the plant is grown organically and correctly identified.
Is Lemon Scented Geranium Worth Growing?
Yes. Lemon scented geraniums are ideal for gardeners who enjoy fragrance, container plants, and low-maintenance care.
They offer:
- Strong citrus scent
- Attractive foliage year-round indoors
- Easy propagation
- Long plant lifespan with winter protection
They are particularly rewarding in small gardens and homes.
Final Thoughts: Lemon Scented Geranium
Lemon scented geranium is a charming, easy-to-grow plant that brings fragrance, texture, and versatility to both indoor and outdoor spaces. With good light, careful watering, and simple winter protection, it will thrive for years and release its refreshing citrus scent every time you brush past it.
For patios, windowsills, and conservatories, few plants offer such a strong sensory experience with so little effort.