Rose Geranium Pelargonium 'Attar of Roses' (Sc)

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Non-toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Attar of Roses, commonly known as scented geranium, is a highly fragrant perennial plant known for its unique aroma reminiscent of roses. The plant features soft, deeply lobed, velvety leaves that are green in color and often have a slightly quilted texture. The leaves are the most distinctive feature of this plant, as they release a pleasant rose-like scent when brushed or crushed, making them popular for use in scented gardens and potpourri. The flowers of Attar of Roses are delicate and usually present in shades of pink or lavender, with five petals that are rounded and slightly ruffled at the edges. The flowers grow in loose clusters and can add a subtle splash of color to the foliage that is prized for its scent. Overall, the appearance of Attar of Roses is charming and inviting, with its fragrant leaves being the main draw for many gardeners and plant enthusiasts.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Geraniaceae
- Synonyms
  Rose-scented Pelargonium, Attar of Roses Geranium, Rose Geranium
- Common names
  Pelargonium 'Attar of Roses'
Toxicity
- To humans
  Scented geraniums, including the 'Attar of Roses' variety, are generally considered non-toxic to humans. They are often used in foods and beverages for their fragrance and flavor. If ingested in large quantities they might cause mild gastrointestinal upset, but this is rare. The essential oils within the plant could potentially cause irritation if they come into contact with sensitive skin.
- To pets
  For pets, scented geraniums like 'Attar of Roses' can be mildly toxic. If a pet ingests a significant amount of the plant, it may experience digestive upset including vomiting or diarrhea. The essential oils can also be irritating to pets, particularly cats, which are more sensitive to plant-based compounds. If a pet displays symptoms after ingesting any part of the plant, it's advisable to consult a veterinarian.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Evergreen
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Pink
- Height
  2 feet (0.61 meters)
- Spread
  2 feet (0.61 meters)
- Plant type
  Shrub
- Hardiness zones
  10
- Native area
  South Africa

Benefits

General Benefits
- Aromatic: The plant has a strong rose-like fragrance which makes it ideal for use in gardens and homes for its pleasant odor.
- Ornamental Value: With its attractive foliage and flowers, it serves as a decorative plant enhancing the beauty of gardens and landscapes.
- Easy to Grow: This plant is relatively easy to cultivate, requiring minimal maintenance, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerant: It is quite resilient to dry conditions, which means it doesn't require frequent watering and can thrive in environments where water is scarce.
- Attracts Beneficial Insects: The flowers can attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, contributing to the health of the garden ecosystem.
- Culinary Use: The leaves are sometimes used to flavor jellies, teas, and desserts with their rose scent, although they should be used with caution and knowledge.
- Pot Pourri and Scented Products: The leaves and flowers can be dried and used in potpourri or to infuse oils, adding a natural fragrance to handmade scented products.
Medical Properties
- Antioxidant activity: May contain compounds that scavenge free radicals, potentially supporting overall health.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Can be used to reduce inflammation in various parts of the body.
- Antimicrobial effects: Exhibits properties that could help fight against certain bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
- Wound healing: Sometimes used in traditional medicine to promote the healing of minor wounds or skin irritations.
- Respiratory health: Used in herbal medicine to address common cold symptoms and sore throats.
- Anxiety and stress relief: Essential oil derived from the plant is sometimes used in aromatherapy to help relieve stress and anxiety.
- Antispasmodic effects: May be used to alleviate certain types of muscle spasms.
- Gastrointestinal benefits: Occasionally used to soothe digestive issues, such as stomach aches and diarrhea.
Please note that while some studies or anecdotal evidence may suggest these properties, more research is typically required to confirm their efficacy and safety. Always consult with a healthcare professional before using any plants for medicinal purposes.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- The scented leaves of 'Attar of Roses' can be used to flavor jellies, teas, and desserts, imparting a delicate rose-like essence.
- Leaves of the plant can be placed in drawers or closets to act as a natural moth repellent and impart a pleasant fragrance to linens and clothing.
- The plant can be processed into a natural dye for fabrics, crafting a subtle, earthy shade that varies depending on the mordant used.
- 'Attar of Roses' can be used in bath bombs and soaps for its natural fragrance and skin-soothing properties.
- The dried petals can serve as an ingredient in homemade potpourri mixes, contributing to a calming and traditional rose scent in your home.
- The essential oil extracted from the leaves can be used in aromatherapy diffusers to create a relaxing atmosphere.
- Fresh or dried leaves of 'Attar of Roses' can be infused in oil to create a scented base for perfumes or body oils.
- The plant can be incorporated into homemade candles to add a natural fragrance as they burn.
- 'Attar of Roses' leaves can be used in a natural insect-repelling spray when steeped in water or vinegar.
- When pressed or framed, the decorative leaves create an elegant botanical art for home or office decoration.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The Scented Geranium is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Scented Geranium is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Scented Geranium (Pelargonium 'Attar of Roses'): Symbolizes comfort and true friendship, reflecting the nurturing aspect and strong yet gentle aroma which is often associated with fond memories and coziness.
- Healing: Associated with healing properties, both physical and emotional, due to its use in aromatherapy and traditional medicine.
- Balance: Represents both spiritual and emotional balance, akin to the balance between its strong scent and the subtle beauty of its foliage and flowers.
- Positive Energy: Known to foster an environment of positivity and uplifting energy, likely due to its refreshing fragrance which is commonly used to rejuvenate the senses.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 2-3 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring-Early Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
Scented Geraniums, including the 'Attar of Roses', prefer moderate watering. Water your plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which might mean watering approximately once a week, depending on environmental conditions. Use room temperature water, and give the plant enough to saturate the soil without leaving the pot waterlogged, which could be around 8-16 ounces for smaller pots. During the active growing season in spring and summer, watering frequency should increase, while in winter, when the plant is dormant, reduce watering. Always check the soil moisture before watering to avoid over-watering, which can cause root rot.
Light
Scented Geraniums need bright, indirect light to thrive. Place your 'Attar of Roses' near a window where it can receive plenty of light without the harsh direct rays of the sun, especially during the heat of the day. East- or west-facing windows are typically ideal, as they provide bright light with some direct sun in the morning or late afternoon. Avoid placing the plant in too much shade, as this can lead to leggy growth and fewer blooms.
Temperature
Scented Geraniums, such as 'Attar of Roses', do best in temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can usually tolerate a range from about 50 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, but it's important to protect them from temperatures below 50 degrees, as they are not frost-tolerant. Keep your 'Attar of Roses' away from drafts and abrupt temperature changes to maintain consistent growing conditions.
Pruning
Pruning 'Attar of Roses' Scented Geraniums encourages bushier growth and prevents legginess. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins by cutting back the plant by one-third to one-half. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to promote continuous flowering and remove any dead or yellowing leaves. Pruning can be done periodically throughout the growing season to maintain the desired shape and size.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Scented Geraniums such as 'Attar of Roses' prefer a well-draining soil mix with equal parts potting soil, peat moss, and perlite or sand. The ideal pH for this plant is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
Repotting
Scented Geraniums should be repotted every one to two years to prevent root-bound conditions and rejuvenate the soil. It's best to repot in spring or early summer.
Humidity & Misting
Scented Geraniums thrive best in moderate humidity levels. They do well in typical household humidity but can benefit from increased humidity in very dry environments.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil lightly moist.
- Outdoor
  Full sun to part shade, shelter from harsh elements, well-draining soil.
- Hardiness zone
  9-11 USDA
Life cycle
Pelargonium 'Attar of Roses', commonly known as scented geranium, begins its life as a seed, germinating in warm, moist soil conditions to produce a small seedling with characteristic fragrant leaves. The seedling soon enters a vegetative growth phase, developing a robust root system, branching stems, and more leaves, which are often used in perfumes and essential oils due to their rose-like scent. As the plant matures, it enters the flowering phase, producing clusters of small, attractive flowers that can range in color, inviting pollinators to the garden. After pollination, the plant produces seeds, which complete the reproductive cycle. Throughout the growing season, the scented geranium can be propagated vegetatively through cuttings, which root easily, producing new plants identical to the parent. As a perennial in mild climates or a seasonal annual in cooler regions, the plant may enter dormancy in winter, only to regrow from the root system or surviving cuttings when warm temperatures return.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring-Early Summer
- The Scented Geranium, known scientifically as Pelargonium 'Attar of Roses', can be effectively propagated through stem cuttings. This is best done in spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate, take a cutting of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) from a healthy stem, ensuring it has at least three leaf nodes. Strip the leaves from the bottom two-thirds of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone to encourage root growth. The cutting should then be inserted into a pot filled with moist, well-draining soil, perlite, or vermiculite. Keep the cutting in a warm place with indirect light and maintain constant moisture without overwatering. Roots typically develop within a few weeks after which the new plant can be gradually acclimated to its permanent location.