lemon-scented pelargonium

Pelargonium crispum

Scientific name

Pelargonium crispum is ideal for any garden as it produces pretty pink flowers for most of the year and can withstand extreme temperatures.

Pelargonium crispum is an erect, much-branched shrub that grows up to 700 mm tall. The young stems are soft and green and become woody when older. The leaves are lemon-scented, fan-shaped and the leaf margins are crisped. The leaves are distichous, meaning that they are arranged one above the other in two opposite rows. The flowers are single or in clusters of 2 or 3 and are borne on short peduncles. They are white to dark pink, about 25 mm in diameter, the flower tube about 5-8 mm long. It flowers from August to April with a peak in September and October.

The seeds are elliptically shaped, and attached to them is a feathered, tail-like structure that coils when the seed is released. The tail enables the seed to drill into and secure itself in the soil if twisted around by the wind or affected by the movement of animals.

No cultural uses have been recorded. Leaves and young shoots can be used for essential oils. Leaves can also be dried and used in a potpourri.

Propagation instructions

By seed

It can be grown from seed and cuttings. Sow seeds in autumn. Fill seed trays with a light, well-drained potting soil. Spread the seeds evenly on top of the soil. Cover seeds with a thin layer of white sand. Water thoroughly with watering can with a fine spray. Place trays in a lightly shaded area. Germination usually takes place within 4 weeks. Pelargoniums grown from seed are generally more vigorous than those grown from cuttings. Transplant seedlings into the garden or in pots. The plant can grow easily in a garden with damp to moist soils in full sun.

By cutting

Cuttings can be grown at any time of the year. Take young stem cuttings 150 mm long and apply a rooting hormone to stimulate the rooting process. Insert them into prepared holes and place in a cold frame to root. Rooting usually takes about 3-4 weeks. Once the cuttings have rooted, pot them in a well-drained potting soil mix. Feed the newly rooted cuttings with a liquid seaweed-based fertilizer.