Pelargoniums: An Herb Society of America Guide

Craft Uses

Due to their enticing aromas, scented pelargoniums are ideal for aromatic crafts like potpourri, herb pillows and sachets. Some of the species and cultivars used in commercial potpourri mixes include the rose-scented P. capitatum, P. graveolens (and cultivars in the P. 'Graveolens' group), the lemon-scented P. citronellum, P. radens and P. crispum, the cedar-rose scented P. 'Clorinda,' the fruit-scented P. odoratissimum and P. 'Sweet Mimosa' (P. 'Sweet Miriam') the nutmeg-scented P. 'Nutmeg,' the balsam-scented P. 'Fair Ellen' and the peppermint-scented P. tomentosum (14). P. hispidum has also reportedly been used in "scented mixtures" (68). Leaves will retain their scent in potpourris for a couple of years, and scent can be revived by re-crushing leaves (3). Susan Belsinger has found that the rose-scented types hold their fragrance the longest (12). Madalene Hill and Gwen Barclay prefer the small-leafed types for potpourri. Because leaves turn khaki-brown when dried, other colorful materials can be added for visual effect. Jane Cole prepares a rose blend potpourri mix with 2 cups rose petals and buds, 1 cup rose geranium leaves, ½ cup hibiscus blossoms, ½ cup patchouli, ¼-½ cup cut calamus root, and 15 drops each of rose geranium essential oil and rosewood essential oil (22). She also makes a holiday blend with oak-leafed pelargoniums, rose petals, rosemary, citrus peel, juniper, cloves, star anise, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, frankincense, myrrh, calamus root or elecampane, and essential oil of fir (22).

Jane Cole also uses scented geraniums in sleep pillows. To make a sleep pillow, mix 1 cup each of scented geranium leaves, lavender buds, sweet woodruff and hops. Fill small bags with the mixture and tuck inside a pillowcase (22). Other pelargoniums that can be used in fragrant pillows and sachets include rose-scented P. 'Lady Plymouth,' filbert-scented P. 'Concolor Lace,' almond-scented P. 'Pretty Polly,' P. 'Clorinda,' peppermint-scented P. tomentosum, nutmeg-scented P. 'Nutmeg,' coconut-scented P. grossularioides, apple-scented P. odoratissimum, and many of the lemon-scented types (21). Rose-scented pelargoniums have been used in "clutch-me sachets" to mask the odor of car exhaust while driving (73).

Next: Craft Uses continued...

Previous Page | Next Page

Back to Uses Index
Back to Contents