Geraniums are one of those plants that just scream summer. Their vibrant flowers and lush foliage add a pop of color to any space. But did you know these versatile plants can do so much more than just sit pretty in a pot on your patio?
I’ve been growing geraniums for years and have found all sorts of creative ways to incorporate them into my home. Today I’m going to share 7 amazing ways you can use geraniums that go beyond the typical hanging basket or window box. Trust me, once you try these ideas you’ll be looking at geraniums in a whole new light!
1. Create a Living Centerpiece
Forget boring vases or candles – make your dining table the star of the show with a stunning geranium centerpiece. Here’s how to do it:
- Choose a shallow, wide container with good drainage
- Fill it with quality potting soil
- Plant 3-5 geraniums, mixing colors for visual interest
- Add some trailing plants like ivy around the edges
- Top with decorative stones or moss
The result is a lush, living centerpiece that will last for weeks with minimal care. Just remember to water it regularly and place a protective mat underneath to avoid water damage to your table.
I love using this technique for outdoor dinner parties. The natural beauty and subtle fragrance of the geraniums creates such a lovely ambiance. Plus, you can change up the container to match your decor – think rustic wooden boxes for a farmhouse vibe or sleek modern planters for a more contemporary look.
2. DIY Geranium Essential Oil
Did you know you can make your own geranium essential oil at home? It’s surprisingly easy and makes for a fun weekend project. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Harvest fresh geranium leaves and flowers
- Gently wash and pat dry
- Place in a glass jar and cover with a carrier oil like jojoba
- Seal and let sit in a warm, sunny spot for 2-4 weeks
- Strain out the plant material
- Store in a dark glass bottle
The resulting oil has a lovely floral scent with hints of rose and citrus. It’s great for aromatherapy or as a natural perfume. I like to add a few drops to my bathwater for a relaxing, spa-like experience.
Just be aware that homemade oils won’t be as potent as store-bought essential oils. But they’re a fun way to experiment and use up extra geranium cuttings.
3. Natural Air Freshener
Forget those artificial air fresheners full of chemicals. Geraniums can naturally purify and scent your home. The leaves contain oils that help eliminate odors and leave behind a fresh, clean scent.
To harness this power, try placing potted geraniums in areas that tend to get stuffy or smelly – think bathrooms, laundry rooms or near the kitchen trash. The plants will quietly work their magic, improving air quality and adding a subtle fragrance.
For an even stronger effect, try this quick DIY room spray:
- Steep geranium leaves in boiling water for 15 minutes
- Strain and let cool
- Add to a spray bottle with a splash of vodka (helps it evaporate)
- Mist around your home as needed
It’s a natural way to freshen up your space without harsh chemicals. Plus, you get the added bonus of beautiful plants to look at!
4. Geranium Herbal Tea
Here’s a little-known fact – certain varieties of geranium are actually edible! Rose-scented geraniums in particular make a delightful herbal tea. It has a light, floral flavor similar to rose tea but with its own unique twist.
To make geranium tea:
- Harvest young, tender leaves
- Rinse thoroughly
- Add 1-2 teaspoons of leaves per cup of boiling water
- Steep for 5-7 minutes
- Strain and enjoy!
You can drink it hot or iced. I find it especially refreshing on a warm summer day. Try adding a touch of honey if you like it sweet.
Just make absolutely sure you’re using edible geranium varieties – not all are safe to consume. When in doubt, stick to rose-scented types or consult an expert.
5. Natural Pest Repellent
Geraniums aren’t just pretty – they’re also surprisingly effective at keeping pests at bay. The strong scent of their leaves naturally repels many common garden pests like aphids, Japanese beetles and even mosquitoes.
Try planting geraniums around the perimeter of your vegetable garden or interspersed with other plants. They’ll act as a living pest control system, protecting your other plants without harsh chemicals.
For an extra boost, try making a simple geranium pest spray:
- Blend 2 cups of geranium leaves with 4 cups of water
- Strain through cheesecloth
- Add a few drops of dish soap (helps it stick to plants)
- Pour into a spray bottle
Spray on plants affected by pests, focusing on the undersides of leaves where bugs often hide. Reapply every few days or after rain.
This natural spray is safe for use on edible plants too. Just be sure to rinse produce well before eating.
6. Colorful Kitchen Herb Garden
Who says herb gardens have to be all green? Add some visual interest to your kitchen windowsill by incorporating geraniums into your herb lineup.
Choose compact, upright varieties that won’t overshadow your other herbs. I love using scented geraniums here – not only do they look beautiful, but their fragrant leaves can add subtle flavor to dishes.
Try pairing geraniums with:
- Basil
- Thyme
- Rosemary
- Chives
- Parsley
The colorful geranium flowers will brighten up your kitchen while providing fresh herbs at your fingertips. Just be sure to place them in a spot that gets plenty of sunlight.
7. Pressed Flower Art
Last but not least, let’s talk about preserving the beauty of geraniums year-round through pressed flower art. Geranium petals press beautifully and can be used to create stunning botanical artwork.
To press geranium flowers:
- Choose freshly opened blooms
- Place between sheets of absorbent paper (like coffee filters)
- Press in a heavy book for 2-3 weeks
- Carefully remove and use in your artwork
Once pressed, you can use the flowers to create beautiful cards, bookmarks or framed art pieces. I love arranging pressed geranium petals with other flowers and leaves to create miniature garden scenes.
This is a great way to enjoy your geraniums even in the depths of winter. Plus, it makes for unique, handmade gifts that friends and family will treasure.
Bringing It All Together
There you have it – 7 amazing ways to use geraniums beyond just plopping them in a pot. From natural air fresheners to edible teas, these versatile plants have so much to offer.
The key is to think outside the box and get creative. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things with your geraniums. You might be surprised at all the ways they can enhance your home and daily life.
Remember, geraniums are hardy plants that thrive on a bit of neglect. So even if you don’t have a green thumb, you can still enjoy success with these ideas. Just give them plenty of sun, well-draining soil and don’t overwater.
I hope this article has inspired you to look at geraniums in a new light. They’re so much more than just pretty flowers – they’re versatile, useful plants that deserve a place in every home. So go ahead, pick up a few geraniums and start exploring all the amazing ways you can use them. Your home (and your senses) will thank you!