Scented Geranium Pelargonium 'Nervous Mabel' (Sc)
ABOUT
Pelargonium 'Nervous Mabel' is part of the commonly known geranium family. This plant is characterized by its ornamental foliage and striking flowers. The leaves are usually lush and vivid green, often boasting unique patterns or variegation which can include a blend of green hues, interspersed with interesting markings or contrasting colored zones. The shape of the leaves can vary from rounded to lobed, adding a textured effect to the plant's overall appearance. The flowers of 'Nervous Mabel' are particularly eye-catching, presenting in clusters known as umbels atop slender, sometimes elongated stems that rise above the foliage. These blossoms come in a range of colors depending upon the specific cultivar but often found in bright shades such as pink, red, purple, or white. Each flower typically has rounded petals that may display delicate veining or freckled patterns, contributing to the plant's decorative appeal. This geranium variety may also exhibit a notable feature in the form of scented leaves, with a fragrance that can be released when the foliage is gently touched or brushed against. These scents vary widely, from minty or lemony to rose-like or spicy, adding another layer of sensory enjoyment to the plant. Overall, Pelargonium 'Nervous Mabel' is a visually appealing plant that adds color, texture, and fragrance to gardens and indoor settings, with its combination of attractive foliage and showy flower clusters.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Geraniaceae
Synonyms
Nervous Mabel Geranium, Pelargonium 'Nervous Mabel'
Common names
Pelargonium 'Nervous Mabel'
ToxicityTo humans
Geraniums, including Pelargonium 'Nervous Mabel', are not considered highly toxic to humans. However, ingestion can potentially cause minor symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or a mild rash if the individual is allergic to the plant. Serious poisoning is rare, but it is always recommended to keep non-food plants out of reach of children who might ingest them out of curiosity.
To pets
Geraniums can be toxic to pets, particularly cats and dogs. If pets ingest Geranium (Pelargonium 'Nervous Mabel'), they could experience symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, depression, anorexia, and dermatitis. In more severe cases, ingestion could lead to more serious conditions such as central nervous system depression. Pet owners should ensure that these plants are kept out of reach of their animals to prevent any accidental ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
10
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant colors and unique textures to gardens and indoor spaces.
- Easy to Grow: Known for being low-maintenance and tolerant of various growing conditions.
- Versatile Plant: Suitable for container gardening, borders, and as a standalone ornamental plant.
- Long Blooming: Produces flowers for an extended period, often from spring to fall.
- Attracts Pollinators: Flowers can attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies to the garden.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it has a good tolerance for dry conditions, requiring less frequent watering.
- Fragrance: Foliage often has a pleasant scent, which can add a sensory dimension to gardens and indoor environments.
- Edging and Borders: Can be used as an edge plant to define garden paths and borders due to its compact growth habit.
- Mood Enhancing: The bright flowers and pleasant scent can contribute to a relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: The petals of the geranium can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, offering hues of pink, green, or brown depending on the mordant used.
- Insect-repellent sachets: Dried geranium leaves can be placed in sachets to ward off mosquitoes and other insects from closets or drawers.
- Mood enhancer: The pleasant scent of geranium can be used in homemade potpourri blends to help lift moods and create a calming ambiance in living spaces.
- Natural shoe deodorizer: Tucked inside shoes, small bags filled with dried geranium leaves can help eliminate unpleasant odors and leave a fresh scent.
- Cooking: Some culinary enthusiasts use geranium leaves to infuse sugar or to flavor desserts with its subtle rose-like aroma.
- Artisanal papermaking: The distinct texture and colorful petals of geranium can be incorporated into handmade paper for decorative effects.
- Companion planting: Geraniums can be used in the garden to help repel certain pests, protecting nearby vegetables and flowers.
- Photography subject: Due to their vibrant colors and unique patterns, geranium flowers make for interesting and beautiful subjects in macro photography.
- Homemade cosmetics: Geranium petals can be used in the formulation of natural homemade beauty products like bath bombs or soaps for their fragrance and color.
- Plant symbolism: Geraniums can be given as a gift to convey a message of friendship or good health, adding emotional value to the plant beyond its aesthetic qualities.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Geranium is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Geranium is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Balance: The Pelargonium, commonly known as Geranium, often symbolizes equilibrium due to its even floral structure and stabilizing fragrance, which is believed to promote a sense of inner balance.
- Comfort: Geraniums are also associated with comfort, especially within domestic spaces, as they are popular houseplants that bring a soothing presence to a home environment.
- Healing: The plant has been used in traditional medicine, which lends it symbolic meanings of health and recovery.
- Femininity: With their soft, rounded petals and gentle appearance, geraniums are often connected with qualities traditionally considered feminine, such as gentleness and nurturing.
- Protection: Geraniums were historically planted around homes for their believed protective properties, symbolizing a shield against negative energies.
WaterThe common name for Pelargonium 'Nervous Mabel' is Scented Geranium. This plant prefers to dry out slightly between waterings, so it's best to water it thoroughly once the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. Usually, watering once a week is sufficient, but this can vary based on temperature and humidity; in hot, dry conditions, you may need to water more frequently. When watering, aim to provide enough water so that it runs out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot, which might be around 16 ounces for a small plant or up to 1 gallon for a larger one. During the winter months or in cooler conditions, water less often to prevent root rot.
LightScented Geraniums thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. A spot near a south or west-facing window where the light is plentiful but not direct, especially during the hot afternoon hours, is ideal. They can tolerate some direct morning sunlight, which is gentler, but protect them from the harsh, direct sunlight of midday to prevent leaf scorch.
TemperatureScented Geraniums prefer a temperature range of 55 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive minimum temperatures of around 50 degrees Fahrenheit, but growth may slow down. Maximum temperature tolerated is about 80 degrees Fahrenheit; beyond this, the plant may experience stress. The ideal condition is a consistent temperature somewhere in the middle of its preferred range, avoiding any drastic fluctuations.
PruningPrune Scented Geraniums to encourage bushier growth and to remove any leggy or dead stems. The best time for pruning is in early spring before new growth begins, or throughout the growing season as needed. Typically, you can prune these plants once or twice a year, cutting back up to one-third of the plant to maintain shape and vigor.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe geranium 'Nervous Mabel' requires well-draining potting mix combined with perlite and peat for added aeration and moisture retention. A slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0 is ideal for its growth.
RepottingGeraniums, including 'Nervous Mabel', should be repotted every one to two years, preferably in spring, to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth.
Humidity & MistingGeraniums like 'Nervous Mabel' prefer moderate humidity levels around 40-60%, avoiding excessively high humidity which can promote disease.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, water when dry, and fertilize monthly.
Outdoor
Full sun, protect from frost, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
9-12 USDA.
Life cyclePelargonium 'Nervous Mabel' (Sc), commonly known as a type of Geranium, begins its life cycle as a seed. Once the seed germinates, a small seedling emerges, growing true leaves after the initial cotyledons. The plant then enters a vegetative growth phase, where it develops a robust root system and expansive foliage. As it matures, the geranium begins the flowering stage, producing clusters of flowers that can be encouraged by deadheading spent blooms to promote further flowering. After pollination, the flowers can develop into fruit, containing seeds that can be dispersed for propagation. Finally, upon environmental cues or as it reaches the end of its growing season, the plant enters dormancy, especially in regions with colder climates, and may die back, to regrow again from the roots or remaining living tissues when conditions become favorable.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Pelargonium 'Nervous Mabel', commonly known as the Scented Geranium, is through stem cuttings. This technique involves cutting a healthy stem from the plant that is about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long. The cut should be made just below a leaf node, and the lower leaves should be removed. The base of the cutting is often dipped in a rooting hormone to increase the chances of successful rooting before it is planted in a soil mix. The cutting should then be placed in a pot with moistened soil, ensuring that the leaf nodes where the lower leaves were removed are buried in the soil. The pot should be kept in a warm, well-lit area but out of direct sunlight, and the soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the new Scented Geranium plant can be gradually acclimatized to less humid conditions and eventually moved to its permanent location.
