Lemon Geranium
Pelargonium crispum
Family: Geraniaceae
What it is like
Pelargonium crispum is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.7 m (2ft 4in) by 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 0.7
Where it is found
Dry lower slopes in sandy soil amongst boulders in the south-west Cape.
S. Africa.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
The leaves have a pleasant lemon aroma. They are crushed and used to flavour soups, fruit dishes, jellies, sorbets, ice-cream, cakes etc. Cake pans can be lined with the leaves and the pastry will be infused with their essence. An infusion of the leaves is used as a tea.
Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.
Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.
Medicine
Rating: 2
All parts of the plant are astringent. It can be harvested as required and used fresh.
Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.
Other
Rating: 3
An essential oil is obtained from the leaves and young shoots. Strawberry and citral-scented, it is used in perfumery and soap making. The leaves are dried for pot-pourri and for making herb pillows.
Essential: Essential oils that are used in perfumery, medicines, paint solvents, insect repellents etc.
Pot-pourri: Aromatic plants used to impart a pleasant smell to an area. Can this be grouped with incense or essential oil?
Dynamic accumulator: Plants that gather minerals or nutrients from the soil and store them in a more bioavailable form and in high concentration in their tissues. Used as fertilizer or to improve mulch.
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
Requires a light well-drained neutral to alkaline soil in a sunny position. Plants are tolerant of some shade. In order to maintain their native habit, plants require fairly dry conditions in a very sunny position. Plants are not very cold-hardy in Britain, tolerating temperatures down to about -3°c. They generally require greenhouse protection but might succeed outdoors when grown in a very sheltered warm spot in the mildest parts of the country. They can also be grown in containers that are placed outdoors in the summer and then brought into the greenhouse or conservatory for the winter. The plants need to be kept fairly dry in the winter. The bruised leaves release a strong lemon scent, rather like lemon verbena. Very tolerant of pruning, they can be cut right down to the base in the autumn when bringing them back indoors, or in the spring to encourage lots of fresh growth. A number of named varieties have been selected for their ornamental and/or culinary value.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse. Stored seed should be sown in early spring in a greenhouse. The seed germinates best with a minimum temperature of 13°c, germination usually taking place within 2 weeks though it sometimes takes some months. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. If trying them outdoors, plant them out in early summer and consider giving them extra protection during the winter. Cuttings succeed at almost any time in the growing season but early summer is the best time in order for the new plant to become established before winter.
Best place to grow: South Wall. By. West Wall. By.
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 8-11
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Dry, moist