Plant · GBIF taxon 2891608
Rose-scented Geranium
Pelargonium graveolensAlso known as Rose Geranium, Sweet-Scented Geranium, Old-Fashioned Rose Geranium, Rose-Scent Geranium
Rose-scented geraniums form dense, aromatic shrubs featuring deeply lobed, palmately divided leaves covered in fine, glandular hairs. When touched or bruised, the foliage releases a rich, sweet rose fragrance derived from essential oils stored within the leaf tissues. Clusters of delicate, light pink to deep violet five-petaled flowers bloom throughout the warmer months, attracting bees and butterflies.
AromaticFloweringPerennial
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Autotrophic (Photosynthesis)
Predators
- Snails and slugs
- Caterpillars
- Spider mites
ThreatsHabitat loss, climate change, invasive plant competition
HabitatsMontane shrublands, rocky valley slopes, coastal fynbos
Life span5–10 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderGeraniales
- FamilyGeraniaceae
- GenusPelargonium
- SpeciesPelargonium graveolens
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- Toxic to dogs and cats if ingested; keep plants out of reach of household pets.
- Why it is dangerous
- Contains geraniol and linalool, organic compounds that cause vomiting, lethargy, and loss of appetite in cats and dogs.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Identified by deeply divided velvety foliage emitting a strong rose scent when rubbed.
- What to do
- Place containers on elevated surfaces or window boxes safe from curious pets.
Responsible observation
- Leaf Aroma: Gently touch or rub a leaf between your fingers to release the rich rose scent.
- Sunlight Needs: Position in bright, direct sunlight to encourage lush foliage and oil production.
- Soil Care: Plant in well-draining soil and allow it to dry out slightly between waterings to protect roots.
Close Relative (c) Diana Studer, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Diana Studer · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Nicola van Berkel, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Nicola van Berkel · cc-by-sa
Image unavailableClose Relative 
Close Relative Peter Warren / CC0 · cc0
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