I just love the tiny blooms on these plants, so this year I started with 46 of them! In years past I had only one or two plants and always managed to get a fair number of blooms, but here it is the middle of September and I haven't had a single one! I have them planted in containers and in-ground, and in all situations other than full shade or swamp. Some plants are big beautiful bushes and some are smaller, so I don't think it's an over-fertilization problem. A large batch of them are even competing with a thirsty birch tree.
What could be going on here? Any ideas?

I wish I could help. I've had them for years and never had one bloom ever! I just thought they didn't.

threegardeners said:I wish I could help. I've had them for years and never had one bloom ever! I just thought they didn't.

Well, maybe it's a rarity then? I thought the opposite...that it was a given; once the plant reached so-and-such a stage in its development that each of them would.


Here's a close-up of one of mine from a couple of years ago.

They do bloom but sometimes not prolifically compared to other plants. It has been my experience that they like well-drained soil and full sun. They will tolerate partial shade but don't usually do their best in those conditions. Water potted plants when soil feels dry. They also like a balanced fertilizer. Relocating them may solve your problem although everyone's growing conditions are different.

SongofJoy said:They do bloom but sometimes not prolifically compared to other plants. It has been my experience that they like well-drained soil and full sun. They will tolerate partial shade but don't usually do their best in those conditions. Water potted plants when soil feels dry. They also like a balanced fertilizer. Relocating them may solve your problem although everyone's growing conditions are different.

Thank you.

But once those needs are met?...

Perhaps a few cooler-than-average weeks this summer had an effect? Maybe slowed them down a bit more than usual and threw off the timing of when I think I should expect blooms?

That's possible. Things here were somewhat behind this year. They are frost sensitive so, unfortunately, not a lot of time left.

I know you know. Just stating some basics for those reading who may not know. I just don't find these to bloom as much as other geraniums, even scented varieties I've had, but that's just my experience. Great mosquito repellent plants though.

IMHO
I think it is our cooler summer , the only time I usually get blooms from my scented geraniums is when it has been a hot year or I leave them in the greenhouse.

Thanks for sharing your results, Cinda. It sure does help in the process of understanding why.

Perhaps I'll move the ones in containers into mine and see if they'll still produce some blooms before we're done for the year. Can't hurt to try, I guess.

If not, I'll at least have plenty of scented stalks for fall flower arrangements!

My whole family loves the way these smell, so that's a very good thing!

They do smell great, IMHO.