Peppermint-Scented Pelargonium
Pelargonium tomentosum
Also known as
Pennyroyal Pelargonium Mint-Geur Malva(Afr.), Peppermint scented geranium, Geranium
Pelargonium tomentosum by botanicexpedition2019nl-saf (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)
Full Shade
Easy care
Moderate watering
Tender
9a-11b
USDA zone
-7°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
1m | Max | 2m |
80cm | Min | 1m |
2 years to reach maturity
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
This plant has a strong fragrance
More images of Peppermint-Scented Pelargonium
Peppermint-Scented Pelargonium Overview
Pelargonium tomentosum is an aesthetically pleasing, aromatic low sprawling shrub that has soft hairs on the leaves and stem known throughout the temperate parts of South Africa. The name tomentosum refers to the leaves, which are thickly and evenly covered with short, curved, matted hairs creating a showy sprawling ground-cover. The peppermint-scented leaves can be used as a culinary herb, as well as being an ornamental garden-plant and being used in medicinal applications. ZA Distribution: Western Cape.
Common problems with Peppermint-Scented Pelargonium
Pests include vine weevil, caterpillars and thrips. Diseases include grey moulds, bacterial blight, fungal infections, Geranium rust, the fungi Fusarium, Pythium, Botrytis, Verticillium and Lasiodiplodia.
Peppermint-Scented Pelargonium Companion Plants
Plant next to cabbages to repel the white cabbage butterfly. Edge your vegetable garden with any of the scented geramiums, their wonderful scent will lure insects away from the fruit and vegetables.
How to harvest Peppermint-Scented Pelargonium
Harvest early in the morning or the night before usage so cuttings don’t wilt. Leaves should be removed by snipping rather than pulling.
How to propagate Peppermint-Scented Pelargonium
Cuttings
Stem cuttings (± 10 cm in length) are taken in autumn and spring, dipped into a suitable rooting hormone powder, and placed in trays containing coarse river sand watered with fungicide.
Division
Special features of Peppermint-Scented Pelargonium
Pot plant
Can be grown in pots, provided they drain well.
Indoor plant
Indoors, provide with light soil mix, good light and ventilation, and mid-day shade.
Attracts useful insects
Attracts insects such as bees and butterflies.
Attractive flowers
Other uses of Peppermint-Scented Pelargonium
Grown for their foliage and colourful flowers. Some are grown for the fragrance of their leaves. They are useful in pots or as bedding plants; in warm conditions flowers are borne almost continuously. Suitable for coastal conditions.
Medicinal
Due to the astringent characteristics of the oils in its leaves, a poultice can be made to treat sprains or bruises. It is also used for treating sore throats if the menthol is obtained correctly.
Edible
The leaves are edible and are great as a flavoring for cakes or tea. The little white flowers can be used as a fragrant garnish.
Insect repellant
Mosquitoes, flies and horseflies can't bear the smell of any scented geraniums, rub the leaves and sprigs onto counter tops and windowsills, over blankets and pillows to keep these pests away.
