Scented Geranium Pelargonium 'Chocolate Twist' (St/c)
ABOUT
The 'Chocolate Twist' is a distinctive variety within the geranium family. Its foliage is quite striking, with leaves that display an unusual chocolate-brown hue mixed with green, giving it a unique and attractive color contrast. The leaves may also have deeply lobed edges, adding to their ornamental appearance. The plant produces flowers that stand out against the dark foliage, and these blossoms can come in a range of colors, though they are often seen in vibrant shades of pink or purple. These flowers are typically arranged in rounded clusters that sit atop the foliage, providing a pleasing visual contrast. The 'Chocolate Twist' geranium has a robust and bushy growth habit, with stems that may have a trailing or weaving pattern, creating a full and lush appearance that makes it suitable for containers or as a part of mixed garden beds. Its overall look is enhanced by the textural differences between the velvety leaves and the more delicate blossoms, resulting in a plant that is visually interesting throughout its growing season.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Geraniaceae
Synonyms
Scented Geranium, Chocolate Scented Geranium
Common names
Pelargonium 'Chocolate Twist'
ToxicityTo humans
Scented geraniums, which include the Pelargonium 'Chocolate Twist', are generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, ingestion of plant parts is not recommended as it may cause mild irritation or a stomach upset in some people. There are no serious symptoms of poisoning expected from ingesting this plant.
To pets
Scented geraniums, which include the Pelargonium 'Chocolate Twist', are not highly toxic to pets. However, they can cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested. Symptoms could include vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. In case of ingestion, it is advisable to monitor your pet and consult a veterinarian if symptoms persist or worsen.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Mixed
Flower color
Mixed
Height
1 foot (30 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Pelargonium 'Chocolate Twist', often known simply as geranium, is prized for its unique foliage and attractive, twisted petals that add aesthetic appeal to gardens and landscapes.
- Drought Tolerance: It is relatively drought-tolerant, making it a good choice for water-wise gardening or for gardeners in areas with water restrictions.
- Easy Maintenance: Geraniums are generally low maintenance, requiring minimal care once established, making them suitable for novice gardeners or those with limited time.
- Long Blooming Season: Geraniums typically have a long flowering period, providing color and interest in the garden for much of the growing season.
- Container Gardening: This variety of geranium is well-suited for container gardening, allowing for decorative arrangements on patios, balconies, or indoors.
- Attracting Wildlife: While flowering, they can attract butterflies and other pollinators to the garden, promoting biodiversity.
- Versatility: Geraniums can be used in a variety of garden settings, including borders, beds, and as ground cover, adding versatility to garden design.
- Variety of Uses: Apart from being planted in the ground, they can also be used in hanging baskets, window boxes, and other creative garden displays.
- Seasonal Interest: Some geraniums, including the 'Chocolate Twist', may offer seasonal interest with foliage that changes color in cooler temperatures.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Culinary Flavoring: The scented leaves of Pelargonium can be infused into sugars or used to flavor desserts and beverages, offering a subtle, unique taste.
- Decorative Potpourri: Dried leaves of the Pelargonium can be added to potpourri mixes to impart a chocolatey fragrance to the mix.
- Bookmarks: Thin, pressed leaves can be laminated to create natural, aromatic bookmarks.
- Homemade Paper Making: Incorporating tiny pieces of Pelargonium leaves into handmade paper can add texture and visual interest to the final product.
- Plant Dye: The leaves and flowers can be boiled and used to dye fabrics or paper, giving them a natural, earth-toned tint.
- Garden Aesthetic: Pelargonium can be used in a moonscape garden where its bronzy-chocolate foliage contrasts well against silver or white foliage plants.
- Plant Jewelry: Small portions of the plant can be preserved in resin to create unique botanical jewelry pieces like earrings or pendants.
- Natural Confetti: Dried, crumbled leaves can be used as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional confetti at celebrations.
- Educational Use: In schools, Pelargonium can be used for botany or horticulture lessons focusing on hybridization and plant genetics.
- Craft Projects: Fresh or dried Pelargonium leaves can be used in various crafts, such as in wreaths, garlands, or as an embellishment on gift packages.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Geranium is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Geranium is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Unique Beauty: The 'Chocolate Twist' variety, known more commonly as Scented Geranium, boasts unusual chocolate-mint scented leaves, symbolizing the appreciation of unique and atypical beauty in our lives.
- Comfort: The soothing chocolate fragrance emitted by the leaves suggests a sense of comfort and relaxation, commonly associated with the warm, inviting scent of cocoa.
- Balance: The combination of the unexpected chocolate scent with the traditional floral nature of Scented Geraniums represents balance and harmonization of opposing elements.
- Healing and Health: Scented Geraniums have a history of being used in folk medicine, representing healing properties and the promotion of physical and emotional wellness.
WaterThe Scented Geranium should be watered thoroughly once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Generally, this means watering approximately once a week, but frequency can vary based on temperature and humidity levels. When watering, slowly pour water until it begins to drain from the bottom of the pot, ensuring the soil is evenly moistened. During the winter months or in cooler climates, reduce watering to once every two weeks. It is important not to let the Scented Geranium sit in water, as this may lead to root rot.
LightScented Geraniums thrive in bright, indirect sunlight and should be placed in a well-lit room away from direct afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves. An east or west-facing window that receives several hours of gentle light is ideal. If natural light is insufficient, supplement with grow lights to maintain healthy growth.
TemperatureScented Geraniums prefer a temperature range between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, making them suitable for indoor environments. They can tolerate a minimum temperature of 50 degrees Fahrenheit and a maximum of 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Consistency is key, so avoid placing these plants in drafts or near heat sources that can cause rapid temperature fluctuations.
PruningPruning Scented Geraniums encourages bushy growth and prevents them from becoming leggy. Snip off any dead or yellow leaves and spent flowers to promote new growth. Prune up to one-third of the plant during early spring or after blooming to maintain its shape. Regular pruning every few months can also help rejuvenate an older plant and increase air circulation.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Scented Geranium 'Chocolate Twist' is a well-draining, fertile potting mix with added perlite or coarse sand for improved aeration. It should have a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0, to promote healthy growth.
RepottingScented Geranium 'Chocolate Twist' should be repotted every 1 to 2 years or when the plant outgrows its current pot, which can be indicated by roots circling the base or growing through the drainage holes.
Humidity & MistingScented Geranium 'Chocolate Twist' prefers moderate humidity conditions, around 40-50%, but is adaptable to lower humidity levels commonly found in home environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade in well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleGermination begins when a Chocolate Twist geranium (Pelargonium 'Chocolate Twist') seed is sown in well-draining soil and exposed to warm temperatures and moisture, initiating root and shoot development. The seedling stage follows, characterized by the emergence of the first true leaves after the seed leaves (cotyledons), requiring adequate light and water to establish. As the plant enters the vegetative stage, it develops a robust stem and a fuller complement of leaves, and should be regularly fed with fertilizer to support growth. The next phase is flowering, where the Chocolate Twist geranium produces its distinctive blooms, usually necessitating higher light levels and some pruning to encourage recurrent blooming. After the flowering stage and throughout its life, this plant may require periodic repotting or division as it outgrows its container or space. Eventually, the plant reaches maturity and, if conditions permit, it may produce seeds before entering a period of dormancy, especially in colder climates, only to regrow when favorable conditions return.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
One popular way to propagate Pelargonium 'Chocolate Twist', commonly known as scented geranium, is by stem cuttings. This can be done in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Take a cutting of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) from a healthy stem, making sure that there are at least two sets of leaves on the cutting. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting to expose the nodes. Dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth, although this is optional. Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix, water gently, and cover with a plastic bag or place in a propagator to retain humidity. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and in a few weeks, the cutting should root and can be transplanted.
