About This Plant
Scented Geranium “Pine” is a vigorous aromatic pelargonium grown for its fresh pine-like fragrance and large decorative foliage. When the leaves are brushed or crushed they release a clean resinous scent reminiscent of pine needles, making this plant a wonderful addition to herb gardens, fragrant borders, patios, and sensory plantings.
My own plant grows about 2 meters across, and a meter high, thriving in poor soil with little water. The foliage is strongly aromatic and deer and kangaroos leave it alone.
It is sometimes available at our Tea Gardens nursery, depending on seasonal stock.
How to Grow Scented Geranium “Pine” (Pelargonium sp.)
Climate & Frost Tolerance
- Best suited to warm temperate, Mediterranean and subtropical climates
- Prefers frost-free conditions but tolerates light frost once established
- Can also be grown in large containers
Size
- Height: about 80 cm – 1 m
- Width: up to about 2 m
- Forms a large spreading aromatic shrub
Soil
- Very adaptable and grows well in poor soils
- Prefers well-drained sandy or loamy soil
- Too much fertiliser may reduce fragrance
Drainage
- Excellent drainage is important
- Does not tolerate waterlogged soil
Sun or Shade
- Full sun to part shade
- Full sun encourages stronger scent
Water Requirements
- Low to moderate watering
- Once established the plant tolerates dry conditions very well
- Avoid excessive watering
Pruning
- Trim back to keep vigurous and healthy
- Older woody stems can be removed to encourage fresh growth
Uses
Culinary Uses
- Aromatic leaves can be infused in herbal teas
- Used to flavour syrups, sugars and desserts
- Can be added to drinks or frozen in ice cubes for fragrance
- Leaves are typically used sparingly because of their strong aroma
Aromatic & Household Uses
- Excellent plant for potpourri and fragrant sachets
- Dried leaves retain their scent well
- Can be included in herbal incense blends
- Useful for linen sachets and natural room fragrance
- Popular in sensory gardens and fragrant herb collections
Garden Uses
- Herb gardens
- Fragrant borders
- Patios and containers
- Sensory gardens
- Drought tolerant plantings
Botanical Notes
There are hundreds of hybrids and unnamed clones of the genus Pelargonium. Many have been circulated in herb gardens for decades without confirmed species identification. Sorry, I can’t give you a proper Latin name for this species! It’s just a “Pine Scented Geranium”.
Botanical Name
- Pelargonium sp.
Common Names
- Pine Scented Geranium
- Scented Geranium “Pine”
- Pine Pelargonium
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