Pelargonium triste
Family: Geraniaceae
What it is like
Pelargonium triste is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower in 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): 0.5
Where it is found
Sandy or gravelly soils on hills or flats in the western Cape.
S. Africa.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Root. This species has tuberous roots that can be cooked like potatoes. Extractable - we assume this means that a starch can be extracted from it.
Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.
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. Easily grown in a sandy soil, the plant needs to be kept dry in the summer but moist in the winter and spring. 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. The flowers, especially at night, have a deliciously sweet fragrance. The bruised leaves emit a resinous scent. 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. The plant spreads by means of its tuberous roots - young suckers can be potted up at any time of the year and grown on in pots in a greenhouse until 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