Geranium Blog

Pelargonium x fragrans

P. x fragrans grows as a neat, compact plant with small grayish-green leaves. It has a spicy nutmeg scent. When it blooms, it is a delightful sight: tiny white flowers float above the leaves on long stems like a swarm of tiny butterflies.

[Ed. note - This article was originally published in 2/2005 and moved as part of a web site re-organization.]

Early Bloomer: Nutmeg Scented Geranium

Nutmeg geranium is one of the early spring bloomers. Another tiny white flower, too. I'm watching for seedheads. The leaves have a soft velvety texture.

A Slice of Apple Geranium

Apple Geranium is now covered with tiny white flowers and a tangle of seedheads. This morning I began collecting the little cranesbills to dry for seed. I just cut off the ones that are starting to dry and put them in a pie pan. The seeds of P. odoratissimum have a little fluffy springtail and will fly away in any wind, so it's best to get them off the plant before they "spring".

I also collected some seeds from P. x fragrans 'Nutmeg' and P. x fragrans 'Snowy Nutmeg'.

Seed Report

Pelargonium x fragrans (Nutmeg) with flowers and seedheads

As you can see, Nutmeg Geranium is covered with flowers and seed heads. The same goes for P. odoratissimum (Apple). P. grossularioides (Coconut) - always a vigorous seed producer - is just getting started.

There are two small-scale seed producers so far this year: P. 'Strawberry' has three cranesbills forming. Also, P. x fragrans 'Snowy Nutmeg' has produced a few seedheads. Will the seedlings be variegated like the parent?

And then, a zonal geranium called 'Patriot Salmon Chic' has nine seedheads so far, but who knows if they will reproduce true. And besides that, the tag says "Do not propagate".

New Scented Geraniums - Part 3 of 3

Pelargonium 'Peacock', P. x fragrans (Nutmeg), P. 'Village Hill Oak' (L to R)

This is the final group of new scented geraniums from Mountain Valley Growers.

P. 'Peacock' - Crazy splashes of cream varigation. Peacock is a rose scented geranium.

P. x fragrans - The nutmeg scented geranium is charming with small white flowers and soft grey-green leaves.

P. 'Village Hill Oak' - This is a robust plant with cute pink flowers. It is oak scented and the leaves have kind of an oak leaf look.

Pelargonium 'Peacock', P. x fragrans (Nutmeg), P. 'Village Hill Oak' (L to R)

A Scientific Geranium Question

Pelargonium x fragrans 'Nutmeg' with red leaves (March 18, 2006)

Ronnie from the U.K. asks: Why do some geranium leaves turn an "autumnal" red now, June but others do not?

My answer: The different varieties of Pelargoniums often have very unique characteristics. The red leaves could be a response to some kind of stress like sudden change in the weather (hot days and cold nights). If the plant is otherwise healthy, there is nothing in particular to be done about it, but enjoy the show.

I am wondering if any one else has any thoughts on the phenomenon Ronnie describes.

Nutmeg Geranium Sparkles

Pelargonium x fragrans (Nutmeg)

Nutmeg Geranium is just so elegant: silvery green leaves and understated yet plentiful white flowers. The lightest brush raises the spicy smell of nutmeg. This scented geranium grows as a neatly shaped mound and stays smallish.

I'd like to add a special welcome to Garden Voices readers! May our garden paths cross often.