Scented-leave Geranium (pelargonium)

Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is home to many animals, and we also cultivate plants from those animals’ habitats. You may see some of these plants in the animals” habitats or you can see them in our Victorian Greenhouse. Many of the plants are endangered, just like the animals.

DESCRIPTION: Scented geraniums are tender perennials that can have beautiful flowers. They are primarily grown for their aromatic foliage. When brushed with the hand or rubbed between thumb and forefinger, the leaves emit a strong scent. Most scented geraniums have clusters of small pale pink to white 5-petaled flowers that bloom in summer. Most have lobed green leaves. Dried leaves may be used in potpourris and sachets.

RANGE: Native to southern Africa. 

Photo: Missouri Botanical Garden