When is a geranium not a geranium?Botanically speaking what we call geraniums, the bright red, white, or pink popular flower planted in our gardens and containers every spring, are not geraniums at all.

So when is a geranium a geranim? The border plants we call geraniums are actually pelargonium, a name derived from the Greek word "pelargos" meaning "stork's bill" which describes the shape of the seed. Pelargoniums have five unequal petals in clusters atop an erect stem.

These are the sun-loing bedding annuals we buy at the greenhouse or winter over in the basement or garage. in the hope they will re-bloom the following spring.

Wild geraniums are a feathery foliage, with delicate pink flowers growing in the woods.

Scented geraniums release a frgrance reminiscent of rose, apricot, coconut, chocolate, peppermint, lemon, lime nutmeg, balsam, apple or other scents. There are even crossed varities like chocolate peppermint, or mosquito-repelling citronella and citrosa. For a good listing go to www.mulberrycreek.com for Mulberry Creek Farms, Huron, Ohio.

"The Fragrant Year" by Helen van Pelt Wilson and Leonie Bell offer more information about the scented geranium. Jellies, custard, and cakes can be made from scented geranium. A friend of mine mixes the dried leaves with some other herbs to make a delightful tea. DO NOT use the oakleaf geranium for baking as it has a pungent, earthy smell.

Most scented geraniums enjoy sun as they are a Mediterrian plant. Some can tolerate partial shade. It is a favorite household plant for my indoor winter use and goes outside in the summer. Pruning frequently is needed for dead leaves and stems.

Scented geraniums are difficult to start from stem cuttings and take a long time to grow from seed. The seeds have to be scarified (sanded, punctured, and softened ) and can takeup to 5 years to geminate. My scented Pelargonium is my most prized houseplant because of its beautiful fragrance. I shake hands with the leaves often just to enjoy the aroma.

Rarely, for a special treat I am rewarded with a small purple flower

Geranium Cake
http://community.adlandpro.com/forums/thread/362396.aspx

Geranium rice http://community.adlandpro.com/forums/thread/363212.aspx