Rasp-leaf pelargonium
Pelargonium radens

Family: Geraniaceae

What it is like

Pelargonium radens is an evergreen Shrub growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) 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 June 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 cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 1

Where it is found

Sheltered valleys in the ruts of rough tracks, S.W. Cape province. Mountain scrub and by rocky streams.

S. Africa.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 2

All parts of the plant are astringent. The fresh leaves are used externally as a rub for aching feet or legs.

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

Foot care: Plants that are used in various ways to treat foot problems.

Other

Rating: 3

An essential oil with a lemony scent is obtained from the plant. Called Geranium oil, it is much used in perfumery. The dried leaves are used as a fixative for other perfumes in pot-pourri, they are also added to insect-repellent sachets.

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 soil in a sunny position. Plants are not very cold-hardy in Britain, tolerating temperatures down to about -5°c. They generally require greenhouse protection but can 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. Cultivated for its essential oil in Europe. The leaves release a scent of roses. Plants are somewhat similar to P. graveolens.

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

Multifid pelargonium (Multifid refers to the number of deeply divided lobes on the leaf).

Synonyms

P. radula. (Cav.)L'Hérit.