Rose Geranium, Sweet scented geranium
Pelargonium graveolens
Family: Geraniaceae
What it is like
Bloom Color: Pink. Main Bloom Time: Early summer, Late summer, Late spring, Mid summer. Form: Upright or erect.
Pelargonium graveolens is an evergreen Shrub growing to 1.2 m (4ft) by 0.8 m (2ft 7in) at a medium rate. 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): 1.2
Where it is found
Near the Hex river in S.W. Cape province.
S. Africa.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Flowers - raw. Added to salads. The leaves are rose-scented and are used as a flavouring in desserts, jellies, vinegars etc. The fresh leaves are brewed into a tea.
Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.
Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.
Medicine
Rating: 3
An aromatic, rose-scented herb, the whole plant has relaxant, anti-depressant and antiseptic effects, reduces inflammation and controls bleeding. All parts of the plant are astringent. It is used internally in the treatment of pre-menstrual and menopausal problems, nausea, tonsillitis and poor circulation. Externally, it is used to treat acne, haemorrhoids, eczema, bruises, ringworm and lice. The leaves can be used fresh at any time of the year. The essential oil from the leaves is used in aromatherapy and is also applied locally to cervical cancer.
Antiinflammatory: Reduces inflammation of joints, injuries etc.
Antiseptic: Preventing sepsis, decay or putrefaction, it destroys or arrests the growth of micro-organisms.
Aromatherapy: Plants whose essential oils are used in Aromatherapy.
Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.
Cancer: Used in the treatment of cancer.
Eczema: Used in the treatment of eczema - a chronic health condition that affects the skin, causing redness, dryness, itching and infections.
Sedative: Gently calms, reducing nervousness, distress and irritation.
Other
Rating: 3
a pelargonium that was well known since the 17th century for its use in food & beverages, tea, pot pourri & perfume, It is also very popular in Bulgaria where it is used in the production of rose geranium essential oil. An essential oil is obtained from the plant, it has an orange-rose fragrance. This plant is the main constituent of geranium oil, which is used extensively in aromatherapy, skin care and as a food flavouring. The leaves are used in pot-pourri.
Essential: Essential oils that are used in perfumery, medicines, paint solvents, insect repellents 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
Landscape Uses:Container, Specimen. Requires a light well-drained neutral to alkaline soil in a sunny position. Plants are not very hardy in Britain, 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. Cultivated for its essential oil in S. France and Spain, there are many named varieties. Special Features: Attractive foliage, Fragrant foliage, Not North American native, Attracts butterflies, Attractive flowers or blooms.
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: 10-11
Growth: Medium
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist