Scented Geranium

Geranium ‘Mosquitaway’ graveolens makes an excellent patio plant. Choose a pot with holes in the base and cover the bottom with a layer of potsherds or hydrograins. Put in some potting soil mixed with sharp sand or special Geranium compost. Plant the Geranium at the correct depth, fill with soil and press firmly. Water immediately after planting. Place the pot in a sunny spot. Line a porous pot with plastic, or use a pot liner. This prevents evaporation of the water and the compost will dry put less quickly.

Thanks to the very rich flowering and sturdy stems zonal pelargonium is also an excellent bedding plant. Planted along the edge of the garden path or in a group surrounded with Box hedging – they will look great anywhere. They appear throughout the summer and will reap many admiring glances. Fertilize regularly.

This variety of zonal geraniums has thick succulent stems that can store a lot of moisture. Thanks to this ‘moisture reservoir’, the plant can tolerate drought and thrives well in pots and planters in full sun.

Water your Pelargonium ‘Mosquitaway’ in small amounts every morning, preferably avoid getting water on the leaves. The compost must not dry out, nor should it be too wet. A constant wetness could lead to root rot, so make sure it has adequate drainage. Pelargoniums are quite drought resistant. Remove the faded flowers of geranium ‘Mosquitaway’ regularly and you can then look forward to a second flowering. In addition, it is recommended to add plant food along with water on a weekly basis during the summer for a healthy growth.

The scented Geranium ‘Mosquitaway’ is not winter hardy, but you can preserve it during the winter. Slightly cut back the stems and remove old foliage. Before the first frost, place the pot in a cool, light room (7-10˚ C). Water it in small amounts (preferably in the dish below the pot), so that the compost does not dry out. In early spring put your Pelagonium in a slightly larger pot with fresh potting compost. Prune all stems to approximately half their length, just above a young shoot. As the weather gets warmer, it can be given water and nutrition. Mid spring it will be ready to head back outdoors to enhance your patio once again. Beware of late night frosts. As this plant can be overwintered you can grow very large plants. The Geranium can also make a great houseplant or kept as a greenhouse plant.