How to Cut Rose Geraniums

The rose geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) is a perennial evergreen shrub that is a member of the Geraniaceae family. Plants produce pink to purple-pink flowers that bloom from May through July. Often grown for its essential oil, which has an orange-rose scent, the rose geranium is a plant native to South Africa. Although the harvesting of the plants' leaves and young shoots is typically done by hand, actual cuttings are considered the most popular method of propagation.

Things You'll Need

• Garden shears

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Make plant cuttings in early summer so that new plants may become established before the colder days of winter.

   • 2

     Select a node on the stem that is at least 4 inches below the tip of the shoot you wish to cut. The node is the area where the leaves grow out of the stem.

   • 3

     Use garden shears to make a cut 1/4 of an inch below the selected node.

   • 4

     Remove the lower leaves from the cutting. Allow the cut end to dry before planting.