Pelargonium incrassatum

Family: Geraniaceae

What it is like

Pelargonium incrassatum is an evergreen Perennial growing to 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. 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): 0.3

Where it is found

Often common on gravelly or stony plains in the north-west Cape.

S. Africa.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 1

All parts of the plant are astringent.

Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.

Other

Rating: 2

An essential oil is obtained from the plant.

Essential: Essential oils that are used in perfumery, medicines, paint solvents, insect repellents etc.

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Requires a light well-drained neutral to alkaline soil in a sunny position. Requires a sandy soil. Moisture brings the plant into growth, once the leaves begin to die away the plant should be kept dry for several months to allow it a period of dormancy. Plants are not very hardy in Britain, tolerating temperatures down to about 0°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. 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. Division of the tubers at almost any time of the year. Pot the divisions up and grow them on in a greenhouse until they are established.

Best place to grow: South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 8-11

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

P. roseum. (Andrews.)DC.