The Fragrant Plant That Thrives Indoors During Winter

There are many functions houseplants can perform, like adding greenery or texture to complete a room's decor. Filling a home with a delightful smell isn't always at the top of the list — but it could be. Scented geraniums (Pelargonium spp.) don't just brighten spaces with their attractive foliage; they also offer a wide array of delectable smells to add dimension to interiors during winter. These low-maintenance geraniums have a variety of leaf shapes; some are lobed with a lacy appearance, and others are more rounded or scalloped. The plants reach up to 3 feet tall, and in summer bear clusters of pink or white flowers.

Unlike artificial fragrances, which can be cloyingly strong and may be linked to unwanted health effects, these houseplants can provide a subtle alternative for those who love treating their olfactory senses. Many Pelargonium species are known for their scented foliage, and even though it's common to plant geraniums in a summer garden, they can also thrive indoors, either during winter or all year long. 

There are many different species of scented geraniums, and each one has its own fragrance, including rose, pine, lemon, apple, and peppermint. These smells won't permeate your home, but instead are released with a rub of your fingers. As a bonus, the leaves of these plants are edible and can be used to flavor desserts and herbal teas.

Since geraniums are only perennials in USDA Hardiness Zones 10 and 11, some gardeners bring them indoors for the cold seasons or grow them as houseplants year-round. Either way, Pelargonium species require well-draining soil and at least four hours of sun per day to thrive. The best location is near a sunny south-facing window, but if you can't situate the plants there, use grow lights. Despite their light requirements, they also prefer cooler conditions in winter, so don't put them near any heat sources like space heaters, radiators, or vents. Make sure to allow the soil to dry between visits with your watering can, since adjusting watering is the number one thing to do for indoor plants in winter.

If you're thinking of transitioning an outdoor Pelargonium to live indoors during winter, there are a few things you should know. Make sure you make the move before the first frost, since scented geraniums aren't cold-hardy. Examine plants for pests and slugs, and try to remove any critters before you move the pots indoors. Also, you may want to prune the Pelargoniums back one-third of the way, which will encourage fresh growth indoors. Consider saving any leaf trimmings from the plants, since they can be dried and used to make fragrant potpourris.