Not to be confused with the red or pink geraniums so frequently seen in summer containers, the scented geranium is not a geranium, but rather a Pelargonium. The name comes from the Greek pelargos, meaning stork, and refers to the elongated, beak-like seed cases. On the five-petaled blossoms, the upper two petals are usually larger and more richly colored than the lower three. But the flowers of the scented geranium are just an added bonus; it is the foliage that has all the allure. The leaves vary from frilly and fern-like to round and saucer-shaped. They may be green, gray-green or variegated with white margins or speckles. And it is the foliage that contains the aromatic scent, released by the sun or by brushing against the plant.
Scented geraniums were introduced into Europe from their native South Africa in the 1600s by sailors who had traveled around the Cape of Good Hope. They quickly became popular throughout Europe, particularly in Britain where, in Victorian times, gardeners used scented geraniums in ointments, potpourris, cookies, jams, jellies, cakes and teas. They arrived in America with the colonial settlers and Thomas Jefferson is said to have brought several varieties with him to the White House.
The uses of the scented geranium, both historical and contemporary, are many:
Medicinal
In herbal lore, scented geraniums were used as astringents and for treatment of dysentery and stomach ulcers. It was also believed that steeping leaves in vinegar and rubbing this on the scalp and forehead would alleviate headaches.
Culinary
Rose, lemon and mint geraniums are the best flavors to use in cooking. Generally, the leaves are infused into tea, cookies or cake, by either steeping in liquid or pouring batter over, and then discarded before serving. Another method of infusion is layering leaves in a jar of sugar and leaving it for a couple of weeks to produce delicately flavored sugar, which can then be added to baked goods or beverages. Finely cut up leaves can be added to jellies (rose geranium added to apple jelly perks it up) and vinegars. To get the best flavor, pick leaves in the early morning, just as the dew has dried.
Decorative
A staple in potpourri, scented geraniums add both aroma and texture to this fragrant concoction. In Victorian times, scented geraniums were thought to signify happiness and were added to tussie-mussies, bouquets of flowers and herbs given to convey special greetings.
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