Peppermint Geranium
Pelargonium tomentosum
Family: Geraniaceae
What it is like
Pelargonium tomentosum is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.7 m (2ft 4in). 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 can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 0.5
Where it is found
Semi-shaded moist places. Sandy soils on the margins of forests along streams.
S. Africa - S.W. Cape Province.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
The leaves and flowers have a strong mint scent and are used for flavouring cakes, puddings, pies, biscuits etc. A peppermint-flavoured tea is infused from the fresh leaves.
Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.
Medicine
Rating: 2
All parts of the plant are astringent. The fresh leaves are used externally as a poultice for bruises and sprains.
Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.
Poultice: A moist, usually warm or hot, mass of plant material applied to the skin in the treatment of burns etc.
Other
Rating: 3
An essential oil is obtained from the plant. It has a peppermint fragrance. The dried leaves are added to pot-pourri.
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. This species dislikes full sun. Plants are not very cold-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. The leaves and the stems release a strong scent of peppermint when they are touched. There are some named varieties selected for their ornamental 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
Moisture: Dry, moist