Rose Geranium Plant Care

Rose Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) belongs to the Geraniaceae family within the Pelargonium genus. Rose Geranium is native to South Africa. Rose Geranium is also known as Scented Geranium, Old Fashioned Geranium, Citronella plant.

Rose Geranium displays an erect, much-branched shrub growth habit, reaching up to 4.2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3.2 ft. Rose Geranium produces spiky, light brown flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 23.6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Rose Geranium every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Rose Geranium thrives in full sun.

Pelargonium graveolens tolerates temperatures of 59–70°F. Rose Geranium prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Rich moist and well-draining soil.. Good drainage is essential for Rose Geranium to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Rose Geranium every 4 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun and rich moist and well-draining soil. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Rose Geranium is suited to USDA Zone 9b – 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Rose Geranium can spread to about 3 ft (1 m) and reach about 4 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (1 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Rose Geranium while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Rose Geranium is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Rose Geranium can be propagated through stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to zonal geranium plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Rose Geranium is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Rose Geranium grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Rose Geranium is native to South Africa. In cooler regions, grow Rose Geranium as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.