New in my Garden: the Rose Geranium

New in my Garden: the Rose Geranium. September 4, 2024.

There is a new, unfamiliar scent in the garden. It has a strong, rosy, sweet scent that is almost astringent. It comes from a large, leafy plant with a few scattered pink flowers, known as the rose geranium. Except that it is not a rose, but a geranium that smells like one. In the big world of geraniums, these special flowers belong to the genus Pelargonium. In particular, these are the scented varieties with scent notes ranging from rose, mint, and citrus to fruit and nut. But it is the rose geranium that caught my attention for our cottage garden.

Growing Rose Geranium

Also known as Attar of Rose or True Rose geranium, this herbaceous, highly scented perennial was popular for centuries as a less expensive alternative to the rose. It was used to fragrance homes and perfumes as well as flavor desserts and jellies. Additionally, it has medicinal properties for skin conditions and other ailments, earning it a place in the cottage herb garden. These days, however, rose geranium has been rather forgotten. I only heard about it in older books and referenced in vintage recipes. Rose geranium, what is that? I wondered. I tucked it away in my mind and would occasionally search for it at local nurseries, but never saw this elusive plant until years later, when we began work on the garden at Hidden Bluff.

It was this year that I began a serious online search for this rose geranium, which was finally found and ordered from a nursery on the East Coast. The long-sought-for plants were put out front, and I waited, unsure of how they would take to their new garden home. They adapted nicely. So nicely that they are now getting quite large and leafy. In fact, I will have to trim them before they take over. Later this fall, they will be moved to the herb garden’s new location out back to acclimate. This evergreen perennial shrub likes the sun and needs a well-draining spot with not too much water, so the new location should work just fine. Propagate using cuttings.

How to Use Rose Geranium

Traditionally, rose geranium is used to flavor desserts. I have often seen it paired with lemon. Infuse sugar with a few leaves or make a lovely, simple syrup. I just did that for the first time, and it was delicious! The recipe I used follows.

Have a beautiful day!