Pelargonium odoratissimum or Apple Geranium

Care of the plant Pelargonium odoratissimum or Apple Geranium

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

Common names: Apple Geranium, Sweet-scented pelargonium, Peppermint pelargonium, Apple-rose-scented geranium. This species is native to the southern Western and Eastern Cape.

They are perennial plants that tend to lignify the stems with age (subshrubs) and that reach 30 cm (11.8") in height; extend horizontally. The interesting foliage gives off a pleasant aroma of mint and apple and is made up of rounded, deep green leaves with a slightly lobed margin. The white or pink flowers with reddish veins appear on flower stalks above the leaves. They bloom in spring and early summer.

They are used to form borders, under bushes, in rockeries and in pots and planters for terraces and patios. They are ideal for Mediterranean coastal gardens.

Pelargonium odoratissimum prefers light shade exposure avoiding direct sun in the hottest hours of the day in Mediterranean climates. In cooler summer regions they can be grown in full sun. It's better not to expose them to temperatures below 4 ºC (39.2 ºF).

They can grow in poor soils but prefer a well-drained substrate that contains organic matter. The transplant is done in early spring.

They resist drought quite well; They appreciate regular watering in spring and summer waiting for the substrate to dry. In autumn reduce watering and in winter water occasionally.

Fertilize with compost in late winter.

Prune wilted flower stems to promote flowering.

They are quite resistant to pests and diseases; sometimes they can be attacked by mealybugs on the roots or by whiteflies.

They are propagated by cuttings in spring or summer or by seeds sown in the nursery during the winter.