Scented Geranium Pelargonium 'Royal Oak' (Sc)
ABOUT
The plant known as 'Royal Oak' geranium is admired for its decorative foliage and vibrant blossoms. Its leaves are distinctly marked with a pattern that resembles an oak leaf, featuring deep green hues and prominent darker zones or zones that can sometimes appear almost chocolate-brown. These intricate patterns give the foliage a lush, ornamental look that's further accentuated by a lighter lime-green edge. The textural surface of the leaves often feels somewhat velvety to the touch. The geranium 'Royal Oak' is not only celebrated for its attractive leaves but also for its showy flowers. These blossoms are usually a rich, eye-catching shade of pink, drawing the eye and creating a beautiful contrast with the unique foliage. Clusters of these flowers stand proud on slender stems, creating a burst of color that can add a delightful splash to any garden space. Adding to its charm, the plant emits a delightful fragrance, which further enriches the sensory experience of any onlooker or passerby. This scent can be particularly noticeable on warm, sunny days or in the evening, making it a favorite among plants that are grown not only for their visual beauty but also for their olfactory appeal. The combination of striking leaves, lovely flowers, and enchanting fragrance make the 'Royal Oak' geranium a highly sought-after variety for garden enthusiasts.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Geraniaceae.
Synonyms
Scented Geranium, Royal Oak Geranium, Oakleaf Geranium.
Common names
Pelargonium 'Royal Oak'
ToxicityTo humans
The plant in question, commonly known as scented geranium, is generally not considered toxic to humans. However, it is always advisable to exercise caution and avoid ingesting plants unless they are known to be safe for consumption. There are no significant symptoms of poisoning associated with scented geraniums because they are not known to be poisonous to humans.
To pets
Scented geraniums are considered to be mildly toxic to pets, such as cats and dogs. If ingested, they can cause gastrointestinal irritation, including vomiting and diarrhea. In some cases, pets may also experience dermatitis. It is wise to keep scented geraniums out of reach of pets to prevent any potential adverse effects.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
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: The Pelargonium 'Royal Oak', commonly known as the scented geranium, displays attractive foliage with an oak-like leaf shape and a distinctive zonal pattern.
- Enhances Garden Design: Scented geraniums contribute interesting textures and colors to garden beds, borders, and containers.
- Fragrant: The plant emits a pleasant aroma from its leaves, adding a sensory layer to gardens and indoor spaces.
- Easy to Grow: These hardy plants are relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal maintenance once established.
- Drought Tolerant: Scented geraniums are known for their ability to withstand periods of low water, making them suitable for xeriscaping and drought-prone areas.
- Low Pest Problems: Generally resistant to many pests, reducing the need for chemical pest control.
- Attracts Beneficial Insects: The flowers can attract pollinators, such as bees, which are beneficial for the ecosystem.
- Versatile: Can be grown both indoors and outdoors, allowing for versatility in planting location.
- Culinary Use: While excluding medicinal properties, the leaves of some scented geraniums can be used to flavor foods and beverages.
- Long Blooming: Pelargonium 'Royal Oak' can produce flowers for an extended period, providing long-lasting color in the garden or home.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Pelargonium 'Royal Oak', commonly known as scented geranium, can be used in place of rose petals to flavor sugars and desserts, imparting a subtle floral note to culinary creations.
- The leaves of the scented geranium can be infused in hot water to create a fragrant rinse for linens, leaving them with a fresh, clean scent after laundering.
- Dried scented geranium leaves can be incorporated into sachets and potpourri mixes to naturally scent drawers and wardrobes.
- The essential oil from scented geranium leaves can be used in candle making, giving the candles a pleasant aroma when lit.
- When placed amongst books and paper, the leaves can help repel silverfish, an insect known for damaging paper products.
- Pressed scented geranium leaves can be used in crafting, for example by embedding them in handmade paper for decorative effect or in resin jewelry.
- Gardeners can use cuttings from the scented geranium to create natural garden stakes that release a pleasant fragrance when brushed against or watered.
- The intense smell of the scented geranium can be used to mask other less desirable odors in the household, acting as a natural deodorizer.
- The scented geranium can be grown as a companion plant in vegetable gardens to help confuse pests with its strong aroma, providing a measure of natural pest control.
- Stems of the scented geranium can be woven into wreaths and other floral arrangements, not only as decoration but also to benefit from their long-lasting fragrance.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Scented Geranium is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Scented Geranium is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Comfort: Pelargonium, commonly known as geranium, particularly the 'Royal Oak' variety with its oak-like leaf pattern, might symbolize comfort due to its cozy, homey feel and its frequent use in domestic gardens and balcony planters.
- Health/Healing: Historically, geraniums have been used in folk medicine for their healing properties, and different varieties, including the 'Royal Oak', might carry this symbolism of promoting health and well-being.
- Nostalgia: The 'Royal Oak' geranium, with its regal name and familiar scent, may evoke nostalgia for the past, perhaps symbolizing a yearning for or cherished memories of bygone eras.
- Friendship: Geraniums can represent friendship, as they are a popular plant often shared between friends and neighbors; the 'Royal Oak' specifically might embody this sentiment with its robust and reliable growth habit.
- Good Luck: With its lush, attractive foliage and pleasing scent, the 'Royal Oak' geranium could be seen as a symbol of good luck, gracing homes and gardens with its presence and beauty.
WaterThe Scented Geranium should be watered thoroughly once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, roughly every week, depending on environmental conditions. Water the plant by pouring it directly onto the soil, making sure to avoid getting water on the leaves to prevent disease. Frequency will vary with temperature and humidity; during hot conditions, it might require more frequent watering. Reduce watering in the winter when the plant is not actively growing. Typically, using about one gallon per week for a medium-sized plant should suffice, adjusting as necessary based on the plant's response.
LightScented Geraniums thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. Place the plant near a window that receives plenty of light but is shielded from the intense direct rays of the afternoon sun. An east or west-facing window is typically ideal, providing a good balance of light throughout the day.
TemperatureScented Geraniums prefer a temperature range between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive brief periods outside this range, but prolonged exposure below 50 degrees Fahrenheit or above 80 degrees Fahrenheit could damage the plant. They perform best in moderate temperatures without extreme fluctuations.
PruningPruning Scented Geraniums keeps them healthy and encourages bushier growth. Prune in early spring before active growth begins, trimming back leggy stems and removing any dead or yellowing leaves. Regularly deadhead spent flowers to promote continuous blooming. Pruning can be done every few months or as needed to maintain shape and vitality.
CleaningAs needed
SoilScented Geranium 'Royal Oak' thrives in a well-draining potting mix with added perlite and peat to ensure aeration and moisture retention. A slightly acidic to neutral pH of about 6.0 to 7.0 is ideal for this plant.
RepottingScented Geranium 'Royal Oak' should be repotted every 1-2 years or when it outgrows its current pot, usually in spring just before the new growth begins.
Humidity & MistingScented Geranium 'Royal Oak' prefers moderate humidity levels, around 40-60%. They cope well with indoor environment humidity but should not be placed in overly dry conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light, away from drafts.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade, protect from frost.
Hardiness zone
9-12 USDA
Life cyclePelargonium 'Royal Oak', commonly known as Scented Geranium, initiates its life cycle when seeds are sown in well-draining soil in early spring. Germination takes place in a warm environment, leading to the sprouting of seedlings which then develop true leaves indicative of their fragrant characteristics. As the seedlings mature, they develop into bushy plants with lobed leaves and stems that harden with time. The scented geranium enters a robust vegetative growth phase, producing lush foliage and beginning to display its signature aromatic leaves. Flowering occurs in summer, presenting clusters of small, attractive flowers, which after pollination may produce seeds to complete the cycle. Throughout the growing season, regular pruning encourages a more compact growth habit and prolonged lifespan of the plant.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
For Pelargonium 'Royal Oak', also commonly known as scented geranium, the most popular method of propagation is through stem cuttings. This is best done in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. You should select healthy, non-flowering stems and make a cutting of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. The cutting should then be planted in a pot filled with a well-draining soil mixture and kept in a warm place with indirect sunlight. Keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged is key to successful rooting. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the new plants can be gradually acclimated to more direct sunlight and eventually transplanted to their final location.
