Scented Geranium Pelargonium 'Rookley' (St/d)
ABOUT
The Pelargonium 'Rookley', commonly referred to as a type of geranium, is an ornamental plant known for its appealing aesthetic and vibrant flowers. The plant produces lush, green foliage that offers a lovely backdrop for the blossoms. The leaves are generally rounded with a soft, velvety texture and can sometimes have a faint zonal marking, which appears as a subtle color variation or pattern on the leaf surface. The real showstoppers are the flowers of the Pelargonium 'Rookley'. They bloom in striking clusters that stand out against the greenery. The petals have a delicate, almost ruffled appearance that adds to their charm. The flowers come in various colors, often showcasing vivid hues that can include shades of pink, red, white, or purple. Blooming typically occurs in the warmer months, creating a lively splash of color that's perfect for garden beds, borders, or container displays. The contrast between the bright flowers and the foliage makes the Pelargonium 'Rookley' a popular choice for adding visual interest to outdoor spaces or as a potted houseplant for indoor decoration. Its appeal is further enhanced by the plant's resilience and adaptability to various growing conditions.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Rookley Scented Geranium, Rookley Pelargonium.
Common names
Pelargonium 'Rookley' (St/d)
ToxicityTo humans
Geraniums, like Pelargonium 'Rookley', are not considered highly toxic to humans. However, they can cause minor symptoms if ingested, such as mild gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, or diarrhea. Contact with the skin may sometimes result in dermatitis or irritation, especially in sensitive individuals. It is generally advisable to avoid eating any part of the geranium plant.
To pets
Geraniums are known to be toxic to pets, such as dogs and cats. If a pet ingests a geranium, it may experience symptoms including vomiting, anorexia, depression, and dermatitis. In some cases, ingestion can lead to more severe reactions, but generally, the toxicity of geraniums to pets is considered to be mild to moderate. It is important to keep geraniums out of reach of pets to prevent any accidental ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The Pelargonium 'Rookley', commonly known as scented geranium, has attractive foliage and blooms that enhance the beauty of gardens and indoor spaces.
- Fragrance: Scented geraniums are known for their pleasant aroma, which can vary among different cultivars, adding a sensory experience to the environment.
- Versatility: This plant can be utilized in various garden designs, including borders, containers, and as a bedding plant, making it suitable for diverse landscapes.
- Low Maintenance: Scented geraniums require minimal care, making them ideal for gardeners who seek plants that do not demand extensive attention or resources.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, scented geraniums can tolerate dry conditions, thus conserving water and thriving in arid climates.
- Edible Uses: Some parts of scented geraniums are edible and can be used to flavor food and drinks, though care must be taken to ensure they are safe and non-toxic before ingestion.
- Attracts Wildlife: The flowers of the scented geranium can attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, encouraging biodiversity in the garden.
- Easy Propagation: Scented geraniums can be easily propagated from cuttings, allowing gardeners to quickly expand their collection or share with others.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Insect Repellant: Pelargonium 'Rookley' can be planted in gardens to help repel mosquitoes and other insects due to its strong scent.
- Companion Planting: The strong aroma of geraniums makes them ideal as companion plants in vegetable gardens to help deter pests from crops.
- Color Dye: The petals of geraniums can be used to produce a natural dye for fabrics or crafts.
- Fragrance Production: The scented oils extracted from geraniums are often used in perfumery and aromatherapy products.
- Floral Arrangements: The vibrant flowers and leaves of geraniums can be used in fresh or dried floral arrangements for decoration.
- Culinary Garnish: Edible varieties can be used to garnish desserts and cocktails, adding a splash of color and a hint of flavor.
- Artistic Muse: The aesthetic appeal of geraniums has inspired artists to incorporate them into paintings, illustrations, and photography.
- Potpourri Ingredient: Dried geranium leaves and petals can be included in potpourri mixtures for a pleasant aroma.
- Literary Symbolism: Geraniums often symbolize friendship and positive emotions in literature and can be used in thematic garden designs.
- Educational Tool: Geraniums can be used in schools or educational programs to teach students about plant biology and horticulture.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Geranium is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Geranium is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Health and Healing: Pelargoniums, commonly known as geraniums, are often associated with health and healing due to their medicinal properties in traditional remedies.
- Friendship: Sharing a geranium plant or giving one as a gift can symbolize friendship and the desire for closer bonds because they are easy to propagate and share.
- Peace: The geranium's pleasant fragrance and attractive appearance can be symbolic of peace and tranquility, making it a common plant in gardens designed for relaxation.
- Fertility and New Life: The robust growth and prolific blooming of geraniums can symbolize fertility and the emergence of new life or new beginnings.
- Positive Energy: With its bright and cheerful flowers, geraniums are often thought to bring positive energy and good spirits into a home or garden.
WaterScented Geraniums prefer soil that is evenly moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, water thoroughly when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. Typically, this might mean watering once every 5 to 7 days, but it could be more frequent in hot, dry conditions. Make sure that the plant has proper drainage to prevent root rot. Depending on the pot size and environmental conditions, you might use up to 16 ounces of water per watering session.
LightScented Geraniums thrive in bright, indirect light. The ideal spot for these plants is one where they receive plenty of light without being exposed to the harsh direct rays of the sun, especially during the heat of the day. An east-facing window that gets morning sun or a west-facing window with filtered afternoon light would be perfect locations.
TemperatureScented Geraniums enjoy moderate temperatures and do well in a range from 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive minimal temperatures of 30 degrees Fahrenheit but should be protected from frost. The ideal temperature for promoting healthy growth and flowering is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPruning Scented Geraniums encourages bushier growth and prevents the plant from becoming leggy. Prune in the spring by cutting back up to one-third of the plant's growth. Doing so after the last frost will give the best results, as new growth will quickly fill in. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the geranium (Pelargonium 'Rookley') is well-draining potting soil with added perlite or sand to improve drainage. It prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingGeraniums should be repotted once every 1-2 years to ensure they have enough room to grow. When roots become visible at the bottom, it's time to repot.
Humidity & MistingGeraniums prefer moderate humidity levels but are quite adaptable. They perform well in typical household humidity conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place near a sunny window; avoid overwatering.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun with well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
10-11 USDA
Life cycleThe Pelargonium 'Rookley', commonly known as Scented Geranium, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in warm, moist soil, emerging as seedlings with true leaves representative of their species. As these seedlings grow, they enter a vegetative stage, developing a strong root system and full foliage through photosynthesis and nutrient absorption. Eventually, the plant reaches maturity and enters the flowering stage, producing fragrant blossoms that attract pollinators, aiding in reproduction. After pollination, flowers develop into seed pods, which eventually dry and release seeds for the next generation. In perennial growth zones, Pelargonium 'Rookley' will then enter a period of dormancy during colder months, shedding some leaves and reducing growth to conserve energy, before resuming active growth in the next season. In non-perennial zones, the plant completes its life cycle in one season, dying after seed dispersal, unless propagated or protected indoors.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating the Pelargonium 'Rookley', commonly known as a type of geranium, is through stem cuttings. This can be done in late summer or early autumn. To propagate, choose a healthy, non-flowering stem about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) in length. Cut just below a leaf node, where roots are more likely to form, and remove any lower leaves to leave two or three sets of leaves at the top. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone to encourage root growth, and plant the cutting in a mixture of peat and perlite. The cutting should be kept moist and in a warm place with indirect light until roots have developed, after which it can be transplanted.
