Scented Geranium Pelargonium 'Madame Salleron' (Min/v)

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Pelargonium 'Madame Salleron', commonly referred to as a type of geranium, is a visually striking plant characterized by its distinct leaf pattern and overall appearance. The foliage is the most noticeable feature, with leaves that are intricately patterned. The leaves are typically zoned, featuring a prominent, lighter-colored band that contrasts beautifully against the dark green leaf blade. This bi-colored pattern gives the foliage a decorative, lacy appearance that is highly valued in ornamental horticulture. The edges of the leaves are uniquely scalloped, adding further to the ornamental look of the plant. Each leaf appears finely edged, contributing to the plant's delicate and refined aura. The texture of the leaves may also be noted, as they often have a slight velvety feel. Amidst the distinctive foliage, the geranium produces flowers that are held aloft on slender stems. These blossoms can be in various shades ranging from white to pink, and they typically form in clusters above the foliage, creating a lovely contrast in both color and texture. The flowers themselves are made up of five petals, which are rounded and slightly overlapping. They provide a pleasing aesthetic, with a simple yet elegant appearance that complements the elaborate leaves. Together, the combination of the patterned, scalloped leaves and the delicate flowers make Pelargonium 'Madame Salleron' a favored choice for gardeners and plant enthusiasts who appreciate plants with a strong visual impact and a touch of classical charm. Its appearance is well-suited to a variety of settings, from container gardening to bedding displays, where its striking features can be fully appreciated.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Geraniaceae.
- Synonyms
  Madame Salleron Geranium, Variegated Geranium, Scented Geranium.
- Common names
  Pelargonium 'Madame Salleron'
Toxicity
- To humans
  Geraniums, including Pelargonium 'Madame Salleron', are not considered highly toxic to humans. However, ingestion can potentially cause minor symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is generally advised to avoid eating any parts of the plant.
- To pets
  Geraniums can be toxic to pets, particularly cats and dogs. If ingested, the geranium plant can cause symptoms such as vomiting, anorexia, depression, and dermatitis in pets. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to more serious conditions such as renal failure. It's best to keep this plant out of reach of pets to prevent accidental ingestion.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Evergreen
- Color of leaves
  Variegated
- Flower color
  White
- Height
  1 foot (30 cm)
- Spread
  1 foot (30 cm)
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  10
- Native area
  South Africa

Benefits

General Benefits
- Aesthetic Appeal: Madame Salleron geraniums are known for their attractive foliage with white-edged leaves, adding charm and beauty to any garden or home.
- Easy to Grow: They are relatively easy to care for, and can thrive both indoors and outdoors with minimal maintenance.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, these geraniums can withstand periods of limited water making them suitable for a variety of climates.
- Long Blooming: They produce flowers for an extended period, often from spring through fall, providing long-lasting color.
- Versatility: Suitable for containers, borders, and as bedding plants, these geraniums are versatile in their use in the landscape.
- Fragrance: The foliage sometimes has a pleasant scent which can add a sensory dimension to gardens and indoor spaces.
- Attracts Pollinators: They can attract bees and butterflies, which are vital for pollination and maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
- Minimal Issues with Pests: Madame Salleron geraniums are generally resistant to pests, reducing the need for chemical interventions.
- Space Efficiency: Being compact in growth, they are ideal for small gardens or spaces where other plants might feel crowded.
- Seasonal Interest: With varieties that can produce variegated foliage, they offer visual interest throughout the seasons, not just when in bloom.
Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- As a natural fabric dye, the leaves of geranium can be boiled to produce a range of soft, warm hues for dyeing fabrics and yarns.
- In crafting potpourris, dried geranium leaves are often mixed with other fragrant flowers and spices to create a pleasant, long-lasting aroma for the home.
- As a flavoring agent, geranium leaves can infuse sugars or syrups with their distinctive, aromatic flavor for use in culinary recipes, particularly desserts.
- In companion planting, geraniums are thought to repel certain insects, making them beneficial companions for vegetables and other plants.
- Used in sachets, dried leaves and flowers from the geranium can be placed in small bags to freshen drawers and closets.
- In bookbinding, geranium leaves can be pressed and dried to be used as decorative elements for the covers of hand-bound books.
- For candle making, the essential oil from geranium can be added to the wax for a fragrant, mood-enhancing candle.
- As a natural shoe deodorizer, dried geranium leaves can be placed inside shoes to mitigate odors with their natural fragrance.
- In the making of homemade soaps, the oil or crushed leaves of geranium are often added for their scent and potential skin benefits.
- During art projects, the unique texture and shape of geranium leaves can be used for botanical prints and nature-inspired designs.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
Geraniums can be used in Feng Shui for their vibrant energy that promotes happiness and protection. Place geraniums in the living area or near the front entrance to invite positive chi and repel negative energies.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The geranium is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Comfort: Madame Salleron geraniums are known for their pleasant scent, which is often associated with comfort and a feeling of being soothed.
- Friendship: The geranium is traditionally symbolic of friendship, making it a thoughtful gift for a friend.
- Health: Geraniums are sometimes considered a symbol of good health, owing to their use in folk medicine and potential therapeutic properties.
- Positive Emotions: With their bright and cheerful flowers, these plants are commonly used to represent happiness and positive emotions.
- Longevity: The plant's ability to grow and flourish for many seasons can symbolize longevity and a life well-lived.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 2-3 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring-Early Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
Geraniums like Pelargonium 'Madame Salleron' prefer to be watered thoroughly but infrequently. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between watering, which typically equates to about once a week. When watering, it's important to avoid getting water on the foliage, as this can lead to fungal diseases. In a pot of around 6 inches in diameter, you might use approximately 8 to 16 ounces of water, depending on the specific conditions like heat and light. During winter, water less frequently, allowing the soil to dry out more between waterings.
Light
Geraniums thrive best in bright, indirect sunlight. Pelargonium 'Madame Salleron' should be placed in a location where it can receive about six to eight hours of daylight, ideally a little distance away from a south or west-facing window where it will get plenty of light without the risk of scorching. They can tolerate some direct sunlight, especially during the cooler hours of the morning, but they should be protected from the intense afternoon sun.
Temperature
Geraniums generally prefer to grow in temperatures that range between 55°F and 70°F. Pelargonium 'Madame Salleron' can withstand temperatures as low as 30°F but should be protected from frost. The ideal conditions for this geranium are consistent temperatures that avoid the extremes, with an emphasis on cooler nighttime temperatures to promote healthy growth.
Pruning
Pruning is essential for geraniums to encourage bushier growth and to prevent legginess. Pelargonium 'Madame Salleron' should be pruned in early spring before new growth begins, and dead or yellowing leaves should be removed promptly. Light pruning and deadheading spent flowers can be carried out throughout the growing season to promote continuous blooming.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Geranium 'Madame Salleron' thrives in well-draining soil that is light and fertile, such as a potting mix amended with perlite or vermiculite. A soil pH of 6.0 to 7.0 is ideal for optimal growth and flowering.
Repotting
Geranium 'Madame Salleron' should be repotted every one to two years to ensure it has fresh soil and sufficient room for root growth, typically in late winter or early spring.
Humidity & Misting
Geranium 'Madame Salleron' prefers moderate humidity levels and can tolerate the average indoor humidity found in most homes without the need for any special adjustments.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Place in bright, indirect light with some direct sun.
- Outdoor
  Grow in full sun to part shade; protect from strong winds.
- Hardiness zone
  10-11 USDA
Life cycle
The life cycle of Pelargonium 'Madame Salleron', commonly known as scented geranium, begins with seed germination, where the seeds need warm temperatures and constant moisture to sprout. After germination, the seedling stage involves the development of true leaves and incrementally stronger roots. As the plant enters the vegetative growth stage, it forms a robust stem and a fuller foliage with distinctive variegated leaves, during which it can be pinched to promote bushiness. Once mature, the plant enters the flowering stage, producing clusters of small, inconspicuous flowers that may attract pollinators. If pollinated, the flowers develop into seed capsules that can be harvested for propagation. Throughout its life, the scented geranium can be propagated through cuttings, allowing gardeners to clone the plant and bypassing the seed stage for faster maturation.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring-Early Summer
- The most popular method of propagation for the Pelargonium 'Madame Salleron', commonly known as the variegated geranium, is through stem cuttings. This can be done in late spring or early summer when the plant’s growth is most vigorous. To propagate, a healthy stem about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long is cut just below a node. It's important to use a sharp, clean cutting tool to avoid damaging the plant. The lower leaves are removed and the cut end can be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth. The cutting is then placed in a well-draining soil mix and kept in a warm, bright location out of direct sunlight. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the new variegated geranium can be transplanted into its own pot.