Pelargonium graveolens / P. ×asperum / P. odoratissimum
Appearance
greenish yellow liquid
Odor Strength
Medium
Producing Countries
Egypt, India, Morocco, South Africa
Pyramid
Heart
Rose-green, minty-herbal, and slightly citrusy. Not a rose, not a geranium in the garden sense -- pelargonium is the perfumer's geranium, and it smells of citronellol, wet leaves, and green stems.
Rosy-green, minty-herbal, and slightly metallic. Like crushing a pelargonium leaf in your palm -- the rose character appears first, then the green stems, then a minty freshness, then a faintly metallic, almost wet-stone quality from the oxides. Brighter and greener than rose. More complex than either rose or mint alone.
Evolution over time
Immediately
Immediately
Bright, rosy-green with a minty-herbal lift. Citronellol dominates.
After a few hours
After a few hours
The mint fades. Warm, rosy, slightly metallic warmth remains.
After a few days
After a few days
A subtle, rosy-green, slightly woody residue. Good persistence.
Terroir & Origins
Indicative 2025 wholesale prices.
The Full Story
Pelargonium (Pelargonium graveolens and related species) is the aromatic plant that produces what the fragrance industry calls geranium essential oil. It should not be confused with garden geraniums (Geranium spp., the cranesbills) -- Pelargonium is the rose-scented species native to South Africa and widely cultivated in Reunion (Bourbon geranium), Egypt, China, and India.
The essential oil is steam-distilled from the leaves and stems. Its dominant compounds are citronellol (approximately 30%), geraniol (7-8%), and their esters (citronellyl formate, geranyl formate), which together create a characteristic rosy-green, minty-herbal profile. The oil also contains menthone, isomenthone, and rose oxides, adding minty and metallic qualities.
In perfumery, geranium oil from Pelargonium is a useful material available. It provides a cost-effective rose-like character (cheaper than rose absolute), a lifting green-herbal quality, and excellent blending properties. It is used across virtually all fragrance families.
The Egyptian origin (Bourbon-type geranium from Egypt) is considered the finest for perfumery: most natural in rose expression, with good citronellol-to-geraniol ratios and less minty character than Chinese oil.
This note in Première Peau. Nuit Elastique · Rose Monotone. Sample all seven extraits in the Discovery Set.
Pelargonium was introduced to Europe from South Africa in the 17th century. The Bourbon geranium industry on Reunion Island grew so important that it briefly rivaled the island's sugar production in economic value. Today Egypt has largely replaced Reunion as the dominant producer.
Extraction & Chemistry
Extraction method: Steam distillation of leaves and stems of Pelargonium graveolens. Major origins: Egypt (Bourbon type), Reunion, China, India. Yield approximately 0.1-0.2%. CAS 8000-46-2.
Pelargonium graveolens / P. ×asperum / P. odoratissimum
IFRA Status
No known restrictions
Synonyms
geranium, rose geranium, scented geranium
Physical Properties
Odor Strength
Medium
Appearance
greenish yellow liquid
In Perfumery
Heart note in rose, chypre, fougere, and aromatic compositions. Functions as an adaptable rosy-green modifier and cost-effective rose alternative. Citronellol-dominant (30%) with geraniol, menthone, and rose oxide contributions. Egyptian (Bourbon) origin preferred for fine fragrance. Works across virtually all families.
