Geranium is a rosy, green and minty floral note distilled from the leaves of scented pelargoniums, especially rose geranium. It is classed as floral or aromatic, and perfumers prize it both as a fresh, herbaceous heart note and as an affordable way to add rose character to a composition.

What does Geranium smell like?

Geranium oil smells like rose seen through a green, leafy filter. It has a clear rosy sweetness from citronellol and geraniol, a fresh, minty-herbal edge from isomenthone, and a slightly metallic, lemony brightness. Bourbon geranium from Réunion is often considered the finest, with a rich, rosy and slightly earthy depth; Egyptian oil is greener and more herbal; Chinese oil is higher in citronellol and has a sharper rosy note. Compared with rose, geranium is drier, more aromatic and less honeyed.

Where Geranium comes from

Perfumery geranium comes from Pelargonium graveolens and related hybrids, native to South Africa, not from the hardy Geranium of European gardens. The plants are grown from cuttings, harvested several times a year and steam-distilled.

• Also known as: Rose geranium, Bourbon geranium, pelargonium, Pelargonium graveolens
• Fragrance family: Floral / Aromatic
• Type: Natural
• Main origins: Egypt and China (most world production); Réunion, Madagascar, South Africa, India
• How it's obtained: Steam distillation of the leaves and stems
• Key aroma molecules: Citronellol, geraniol, citronellyl formate, linalool, isomenthone

Geranium in perfume history

Scented pelargoniums reached Europe from the Cape in the 17th century, and distillation of geranium oil began in France soon afterwards. The crop later spread to French colonies, including Algeria and Réunion, the former Île Bourbon, which gave its name to the prized Bourbon grade. Geranium became a cornerstone of the fougère family and of classic men's grooming fragrances, where it bridges lavender and the woody base.

Geranium in modern perfumery

Geranium is widely used in both masculine and feminine perfumery, from fresh fougères to modern rose fragrances. Egypt and China now produce most of the world's supply, and major suppliers also offer fractions such as geranium rosé, which isolate its rosy facets. Frédéric Malle's Géranium pour Monsieur (2009) helped make it a star note in niche perfumery.

How Geranium wears and what it pairs with

Geranium works as a top-to-heart note, fresh at first and rosier as it dries down, with medium longevity. It pairs with lavender, rose, bergamot, patchouli, vetiver, clove, mint and cedar.

Safety and regulation

Geranium oil contains citronellol, geraniol and linalool, which are EU-declarable allergens, so they must appear on labels above set thresholds.