t the nodes. Pruning should begin once the plant is 4-5 nodes or 6" tall. Snip off the tip with sharp scissors or a razor blade. Shoots will grow within 2 to 3 weeks. Once the plant is shaped to your liking, allow it to bloom. This will take 6 to 8 weeks. Thereafter continue removing browned leaves, excessive growth, and spent flowers. If you wish to propagate new plants, allow the plant to grow beyond where you regularly trim. New growth should be 4 to 5 nodes in length. The best time of the year to prune is late winter/early spring.
Propagation: Most scenteds are hybrids. The few natural species can be grown from seed. You will not find seed in catalogs though, but you can collect your own. Species to grow from seed are: coconut, apple, lemon, old-fashioned rose, and peppermint.
The best way to propagate hybrids is from stem cuttings. It takes about 6 weeks for roots to form. The following explanation of taking stem cuttings is from Scented Geraniums: Knowing, Growing, and Enjoying Scented Pelargoniums by Jim Becker and Faye Brawner.
1. Fill a 2 ½-inch pot with soil-less mix for each cutting that you plan to take. Very lightly settle the mix with your fingers and then water the pot until the excess trickles out the drainage hole. The soil should now be ½ inch below the rim of the pot.
2. Select a healthy, established stock plant from which to take the cuttings.
3. Select actively growing shoots that are firm, not floppy. You can take cuttings throughout the growing season, but success is more certain in spring and fall. Don't use the older, woody (brown) portions of the stem. Each cutting should include at least three stem nodes, but four or five are better. A node is the point on the stem at which the leaves are attached.
4. With a single-edged razor blade (especially good for thick stems) or very sharp, scissor-type gardening shears, make your cut just above a node on the stock plant. If the stems are long enough and you need more propagating material, you can also take cuttings below the tip. Don't leave a stub: it can become a target for disease.
5. Re-cut the stem to just below its lowest node. This is the spot where root formation is best.
6. Remove the leaves from the stem that will be under or close to the soil surface. It is best to bury at least two or three nodes. Also remove any stipules that are found at the base of the leaf stems, since these can rot if buried.
7. With a sharpened pencil, make a hole in the center of the soil-less mix deep enough to bury the lower nodes and insert the cutting. Settle the soil around the cutting by gently rewatering the pot.
8. Place the potted cuttings in a spot out of the wind and direct sun. If the weather is cool, place them on a heating mat. Rooting is quickest and most successful when the soil temperature is 70 to 80 degrees. The soil should be kept evenly moist throughout the rooting season.
Pests: Scenteds are not bothered by pests when grown outdoors, but should be monitored for aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, and mealybugs indoors. The following spray remedies are listed starting with the lowest ecological impact to the highest: water jet spray, citrus spray, alcohol spray, insecticide soap, liquid rotenone/pyrethrins spray, and horticultural oil.
Pelargonium x nervosum 'Torento' is a tall, upright, robust plant with smooth, round and slightly toothed leaves. It has large, showy lavender flowers with deep purple markings. It smells like fresh cut ginger with a citrus overtone. General cultivation information above.
P. graveolens 'Variegata' is one of medium height with gray-green strongly indented leaves with silver edges and a clean, rose scent and lavender flowers. Rose-geranium essential oil comes from the species. It is used in jams, jellies, and potpourri. It makes an attractive potted plant. General cultivation information above.
citrosa is claimed to keep mosquitoes, black flies, and other biting
insects away. It has a refreshing citronella smell and is easy to cultivate.
Dark green leaves are deeply indented and it can grow to 3. General
cultivation inf