Fauna
Plant

Rose-scented Geranium

Pelargonium graveolens

Also 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
Rose-scented Geranium reference1 / 7
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Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAutotrophic (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
Classification
  1. OrderGeraniales
  2. FamilyGeraniaceae
  3. GenusPelargonium
  4. SpeciesPelargonium graveolens
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. 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.
Related species
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