Scented-leaf geraniums (pelargoniums) are beautiful plants, with a variety of scents, including lemon and rose. The fragrance is released when the leaves are gently rubbed between the fingers. You can use the leaves to infuse desserts and cordials.
Scented geraniums can be expensive to buy, but are easy to propagate from cuttings.
You Will Need
- Multi-purpose, peat-free compost
- Perlite
- 10cm pots
- Secateurs
- Jar of water
- Pencil or dibber
Total time:
Step 1
Fill a pot with equal volumes of peat-free, multi-purpose compost and perlite to ensure good drainage.

Step 2
Choose a stem with no flowers. Cut just above a leaf node, using sharp secateurs.

Step 3
Put your cutting into water, while you take your other cuttings, so it doesn’t dry out.

Step 4
Remove the lower leaves, leaving just a couple at the top of the cutting.

Step 5

Make a final cut just below a leaf node at the base of the cutting with a sharp knife.
Step 6

Insert the bottom half in a pot of cuttings compost. Water well and place in a well-lit spot.