Consulta Plantas

Care of the shrub Pelargonium graveolens or Rose geranium

The genus Pelargonium, family Geraniaceae, comprises 200 species of herbaceous plants, succulents and shrubs native to southern Africa. Some species are: Pelargonium graveolens, Pelargonium grandiflorum, Pelargonium exstipulatum, Pelargonium cucullatum, Pelargonium crispum, Pelargonium radens, Pelargonium peltatum, Pelargonium zonale, Pelargonium tetragonum, Pelargonium quercifolium, Pelargonium capitatum, Pelargonium odoratissimum.

Common names: Rose geranium, Sweet scented geranium, Rose-scented pelargonium, Wildemalva. This species is native to Limpopo Province, South Africa.

They are erect, highly branched evergreen shrubs that reach 1.5 meters (4.92 feet) in height. They have palmatifid leaves of deep green color, velvety texture and very aromatic. The flowers appear in umbels and can be white or pink. They bloom from late winter to early summer.

They are used in rockeries, on dry slopes, on borders and in pots and planters. They are ideal for Mediterranean coastal gardens.

Pelargonium graveolens needs full sun exposure and a warm climate. They resist frost down to -5 ºC (23 ºF).

They can grow in calcareous, poor, sandy or rocky soils; good drainage is essential.

Water regularly, waiting for the substrate to dry completely.

Fertilize once with mineral fertilizer in early spring.

Prune dead flowers and trim overgrown branches to keep them compact.

They are resistant plants to the usual pests and diseases.

They are propagated from seeds sown in spring, summer or fall or by cuttings in fall or spring.

Images of the shrub Pelargonium graveolens or Rose geranium