Description:
Rose Geranium is native to the southern parts of Africa and is cultivated in India, China, Egypt, Madagascar, Central Africa, Central America, Japan, and Europe. Rose geranium, is a hybrid species that was developed from crossing Pelargonium capitatum with Pelargonium radens. Rose geranium is a shrubby perennial plant growing to a height of about 1 meter. In the tropical areas of India, it is grown as an annual.

The essential oil is extracted by steam distilled from the aerial parts i.e.flowers, leaves, and stalks of the plant. The oil being insoluble and lighter than water floats on the top of the separator and is continuously drawn off.

The yield of rose geranium oil is around 0.30–0.50%. Major constituents of essential oil are Citronellol, Geraniol, Citronellyl formate, Linalool and Isomenthone.

Cultivation and Harvesting:
Rose geranium can be cultivated in tropical, subtropical, temperate and Mediterranean climates. It can be grown on a wide variety of soils but prefers rich in organic matter, well-drained sandy to loam soils with a pH range of 5.8 to 8.0, a temperature range of 10 to 33 °C, needs enough sunshine, and frost-free conditions. Plants are mainly propagated by 10-15 cm long terminal stem cuttings having 4 to 5 terminal leaves from a healthy mother plant. Generally, a row spacing of 35 to 40 cm, with a row width of 45 to 50 cm is required. The plant has a life span of 5 to 8 years and the first harvest is carried out at 4 to 5 months after planting when the aroma of the leaves should turn from a lemony to a rose aroma. Subsequent harvesting is to be carried out in between 3 to 4-month intervals.

Odor profile:
Sweet, floral, citrusy aroma

Major Constituents:
Linalool, Menthone, isomenthone, Citronellol, Geraniol, Citronellyl formate, Geranyl formate, Geranyl acetate, Caryophellene, Phenylethyl tiglate, Geranyl tiglate, Citronellyl propanoate, Geranyl N-butyrate, α-Copaene, cis-Rose oxide, Terpineol, Phellandrene, Sabinene and Limonene.

Application:
~ Rose geranium oil is reputed to have Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory, Astringent, Anti-inflammatory, Balancing, Deodorant, Pleasing aroma, Antispasmodic, Antiviral, Antifungal and Decongestant properties.
~ This oil is used in Pharmaceuticals, Skin care, Hair care, Deodorant and Fine fragrance formulations.

Aromatherapy:
In aromatherapy Rose Geranium Essential Oil has a soothing sedative effect that promotes greater feelings of emotional stability, relaxation, and uplifts the mood. Additionally, it helps to deodorize stale indoor environments as well as repel insects.