Scented Geraniums for Sale: What to Know Before You Buy & How to Choose the Best Plants
Scented geraniums for sale are increasingly popular with gardeners looking for fragrant foliage, attractive container plants, and something a little different from traditional flowering pelargoniums. Grown mainly for their aromatic leaves rather than their blooms, scented geraniums release strong, pleasant fragrances when touched, brushed past, or warmed by the sun.
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⭐ 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.
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• Geranium Plug Plants / Young Geraniums
Healthy young plants ready to plant out into borders, containers, or hanging baskets for immediate colour.
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• 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.
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• Geranium Feed & Fertiliser
Plant food formulated to support continuous flowering — feed regularly during the growing season for best results.
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• Decorative Pots & Planters for Geraniums
Attractive outdoor pots and containers that complement geranium blooms — perfect for patios, windowsills, and balconies.
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This complete guide explains what scented geraniums are, the different types available, where to buy them, what to look for when purchasing, and how to care for them once you get them home.
What Are Scented Geraniums?
Scented geraniums are actually a type of pelargonium, not true geraniums. They are prized for their highly aromatic leaves, which can smell of rose, lemon, mint, apple, pine, coconut, and even chocolate.
Unlike standard bedding geraniums, scented geraniums:
- Are grown mainly for foliage, not flowers
- Have smaller, often delicate blooms
- Produce fragrance when leaves are touched or crushed
- Are ideal for pots, patios, windowsills, and conservatories
They are tender perennials and must be protected from frost in the UK.
Why Buy Scented Geraniums?
Scented geraniums offer benefits beyond appearance.
Reasons gardeners look for scented geraniums for sale include:
- Strong, long-lasting fragrance
- Ideal for containers and indoor growing
- Can help deter insects when placed near seating areas
- Attractive, textured foliage
- Useful in cooking, crafts, and potpourri
They are especially popular for patios where their scent can be enjoyed up close.
Popular Types of Scented Geraniums for Sale
When browsing scented geraniums for sale, you’ll usually find plants grouped by fragrance rather than flower colour.
Rose-Scented Geraniums
- One of the most popular types
- Strong, classic rose fragrance
- Often used in baking, teas, and preserves
- Grey-green, deeply cut leaves
Lemon-Scented Geraniums
- Fresh, citrus scent
- Excellent for pots near doors and windows
- Upright growth habit
- Leaves release scent easily when touched
Mint-Scented Geraniums
- Cool, refreshing aroma
- Compact growth
- Ideal for small containers
- Popular for indoor growing
Apple-Scented Geraniums
- Soft, fruity fragrance
- Rounded, slightly fuzzy leaves
- More subtle scent than citrus types
Unusual and Specialist Scents
Some scented geraniums for sale may be labelled as:
- Coconut-scented
- Pine-scented
- Nutmeg-scented
- Chocolate-scented
These are often collector plants and may be available in limited quantities.
Are Scented Geraniums Sold as Plants or Seeds?
Most scented geraniums for sale are offered as young plants or established plants, not seeds.
- Seeds are rarely available
- Plants are usually grown from cuttings
- Buying plants ensures fragrance accuracy
Purchasing a plant is the most reliable way to get the exact scent you want.
Where Can You Buy Scented Geraniums?
Scented geraniums are available from several sources.
Garden Centres
- Often stocked in spring and early summer
- Limited variety selection
- Plants usually healthy and ready to grow
Online Plant Nurseries
- Widest choice of varieties
- Plants delivered directly to your door
- Best place to find rare scents
Plant Fairs and Shows
- Excellent for specialist varieties
- Opportunity to smell plants before buying
- Expert advice available
Availability is usually highest from April to July.
What to Look for When Buying Scented Geraniums
When choosing scented geraniums for sale, inspect plants carefully.
Healthy Plant Signs
- Fresh green or silver foliage
- No yellowing or wilting
- Compact, bushy growth
- No signs of pests
Check the Scent
- Gently rub a leaf
- Strong fragrance indicates a healthy plant
- Weak scent may suggest stress
Avoid plants with soggy compost or visible mould.
How Much Do Scented Geraniums Cost?
Prices vary depending on size and rarity.
- Small young plants: lower cost
- Established plants: higher price
- Rare or unusual scents: premium prices
Although they can cost more than standard bedding geraniums, they are long-lasting and reusable year after year.
How to Grow Scented Geraniums Successfully
Once purchased, scented geraniums are easy to care for.
Light Requirements
- Full sun to light shade
- Brighter light = stronger scent
- Indoors, place near a sunny window
Soil and Compost
- Free-draining compost
- Avoid heavy, water-retentive soil
- Containers must have drainage holes
Watering
- Allow compost to dry slightly between watering
- Do not let plants sit in water
- Reduce watering in cooler conditions
Overwatering is the most common cause of failure.
Feeding Scented Geraniums
- Feed lightly during the growing season
- Use a balanced or low-nitrogen feed
- Avoid overfeeding, which reduces scent
Too much nitrogen encourages leaf growth but weakens fragrance.
Do Scented Geraniums Flower?
Yes, but flowers are secondary.
- Small, delicate blooms
- Often pink, white, or pale purple
- Appear in summer
Flowers are attractive but less showy than standard pelargoniums.
Can Scented Geraniums Be Grown Indoors?
Yes. They are excellent indoor plants.
- Grow well on sunny windowsills
- Release fragrance when touched
- Compact varieties suit small spaces
Good airflow helps keep plants healthy indoors.
Overwintering Scented Geraniums
Scented geraniums are not frost hardy.
How to Overwinter
- Bring indoors before the first frost
- Keep in a bright, frost-free place
- Reduce watering significantly
Plants can be lightly pruned in spring to refresh growth.
Can You Take Cuttings from Scented Geraniums?
Yes, very easily.
- Take cuttings in summer or early autumn
- Root in free-draining compost
- Produces identical plants
This is a great way to multiply favourite varieties.
Uses for Scented Geraniums
Beyond ornamentals, scented geraniums have many uses.
- Fragrant potpourri
- Scented sugar and syrups
- Herbal teas (from suitable varieties)
- Natural room fragrance
- Decorative foliage for displays
Always confirm culinary suitability before use.
Common Problems
Weak Scent
- Not enough sun
- Overfeeding
- Overwatering
Yellow Leaves
- Excess water
- Poor drainage
- Cold conditions
Most issues are easily corrected.
Are Scented Geraniums Worth Buying?
Yes, especially if you enjoy fragrance and container gardening.
They offer:
- Long-lasting plants
- Unique sensory appeal
- Easy care
- Year-after-year use
For patios, windowsills, and conservatories, few plants are as rewarding.
Final Thoughts: Scented Geraniums for Sale
Scented geraniums for sale provide gardeners with an opportunity to grow beautifully fragrant plants that are easy to care for and endlessly enjoyable. Whether you prefer rose, lemon, mint, or something more unusual, there is a scented geranium to suit every space.
By choosing healthy plants, providing plenty of light, and avoiding overwatering, scented geraniums will reward you with months of fragrance and foliage — and can be enjoyed again year after year with simple overwintering.