Oak-Leaved Geranium
Pelargonium quercifolium
Family: Geraniaceae
What it is like
Pelargonium quercifolium is an evergreen Shrub growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in). 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 July. 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 cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 1.5
Where it is found
Damp places in the hills of southern Cape Province. Grows in Fynbos on mountain slopes and along the sides of roads.
S. Africa.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 2
An aromatic, stimulant herb, it has a resinous scent. All parts of the plant are astringent. The plant is taken internally in the treatment of rheumatism, hypertension and heart disease. The plant can be harvested at any time and is used fresh in infusions.
Aromatic: Having an agreeable odour and stimulant qualities.
Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.
Stimulant: Excites or quickens activity of the physiological processes. Faster acting than a tonic but differing from a narcotic in that it does not give a false sense of well-being.
Other
Rating: 3
An essential oil is obtained from the plant, a ladanum fragrance. The dried leaves are added to pot-pourri and to insect-repellent sachets. Attractive oak leaf shaped balsam scented leaves, the flowers are light to dark pink with dark purple markings.
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?
Repellent: Plants that are said to deter but not necessarily kill various mammals, birds, insects etc.
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
An easily grown plant, it requires a light well-drained neutral to alkaline rather dry soil in a sunny position. Plants are not very cold-hardy in Britain, tolerating temperatures down to about -3°c or perhaps a bit lower. 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 warm pungent aroma rather like incense. 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.
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: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 8-11
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist
Things to keep in mind
Its other names
Local names
Oak leaf pelargonium.