Pelargonium x nervosum 'Cola Bottles' - Cola Scented Geranium

One of the most noticeable things about this Pelargonium - once you get close enough - is its distinctive cola scent. This plant is making us so nostalgic for sweet shop cola bottles! And it isn't the flowers making this scent. The foliage itself is scented, and you can smell it whenever you move the plant, touch the leaves, prune or deadhead. This Pelargonium is a feast for the eyes as well as the nose; setting aside the scent, its bold, rounded, fringed leaves will add vibrancy to your home, with their bright green colouring and velvety texture. Topped off with bright mauve and purple flowers in the summer, this plant really is a treat. Care for it with plenty of bright light and regular water and you'll really see what this scented geranium has to offer.

Scientific Name
Pelargonium x nervosum 'Cola Bottles' (stork plant, hybrid species with nerved plant, variety: Cola Bottles)

This plant is a variety of the hybrid species P. x nervosum, which is descended from the species P. crispum.

Common Name
Cola Geranium, Pelargonium Cola Bottles, Pelargonium Zonal, Savannah Geranium

Origin
This species is native to South Africa, growing in shady areas and woodland.

Light
Make sure this Pelargonium gets plenty of bright light without midday sun that could scorch it. If your plant is getting leggy, it might not be getting enough light. Bright light will help it stay healthy and not mouldy while getting enough to drink too.

Water
Your scented geranium will appreciate evenly moist soil; only allow the top third of the soil to dry out between waters. Make sure it isn't sat soggy though!

Humidity
Your Apple Pelargonium is perfectly happy with average household levels of humidity. A hose down every month or so will help keep its leaves happy, hydrated and dust-free.

Soil
Use a soil that drains well to keep these plants' roots happy and not soggy. Indoors, a mix with elements like coir and sand, for example a blend designed for ferns, works well. Outdoors, sandy or loamy soil is good, but make sure it's not in clay! Repot every couple of years in spring as the plant grows.

Food
Feed every four waters in the growing season, reduce to every six in autumn and winter.

Temperature
In summer, ideal temperatures for your Pelargonium will be from 15-27°C. In winter, it can stand temperatures down to 5°C. You can grow these plants outdoors as perennials, but be aware they will need protection from frost in winter, and cannot be left in soggy ground to rot!

Pet-safe
No, this plant is toxic to dogs and cats.

Sprouts Top Tips
If it doesn't get enough light, your Pelargonium will be at risk of mouldy soil, will be less likely to flower, will grow straggly and will have a less powerful scent - so this is the main aspect to get right! While it can't stand the brightest direct sun, it will be fine with a couple of hours of morning or evening sun if it gets used to it gradually, and this will be much better than being too shaded!