Scented geraniums are grown for fragrant leaves, and the RHS says so directly: scented-leaved pelargoniums are grown more for fragrance than flowers, while zonal types have clusters of single or double flowers and regal types have ruffled blooms. All are pelargoniums, and the ASPCA lists the genus as toxic to dogs and cats. The sources read do not describe the leaf scent of zonal or regal types.
How the types differ
| Type | What the RHS says |
|---|---|
| Scented-leaved | Perfect for a greenhouse, conservatory or sunny patio pots; heat brings out the scent; grown more for fragrance than flowers |
| Zonal | Upright and bushy; clusters of single or double flowers; for bedding or sunny patio containers; tolerates some shade |
| Regal | Flowers slightly earlier than zonal, with ruffled blooms; prefers partial shade |
Light and feeding
The RHS says most pelargoniums flower best in full sun, and indoors they need full light shielded from strong midday sun. It suggests a balanced liquid fertiliser every 10 to 14 days in spring, switching to a high-potassium feed such as tomato feed once flowers form. University of Illinois Extension says scented geranium prefers a full sun location and liquid fertilizer about every two weeks in the growing season.
The flower question
Illinois says scented geranium flowers are secondary and not very attractive. If you want flowers, the RHS points to zonal or regal types. If you want scent, the scented-leaved ones. See Scented Geranium Indoors for care.
Pets
The ASPCA geranium entry lists Pelargonium species as toxic to dogs, cats and horses, so the toxic listing covers the genus in general. It does not break out scented from zonal or regal types.
Frequently asked questions
Is a scented geranium the same as a regular geranium?
Both are pelargoniums. The RHS describes scented-leaved, zonal and regal types, and says the scented ones are grown for fragrance more than flowers.
Do scented geraniums flower?
Yes, but Illinois says the flowers are secondary and not very attractive.
Which needs more shade?
The RHS says regal types prefer partial shade and zonal types tolerate some shade.
Sources read for this page
Last reviewed 15 October 2026. Written by Md. Firozur Rahman. This page gives general guidance and cannot diagnose a plant from a description; see the Disclaimer.
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