Consulta Plantas

Care of the shrub Pelargonium crispum or Lemon Geranium

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

Common names: Lemon Geranium, Crisped-leaf pelargonium, Lemon-scented pelargonium. This species is native to Western Cape Province, South Africa.

They are erect and highly branched shrubs that reach 70 cm (2.29 feet) in height. The leaves are lobed and curly and give off a pleasant lemon scent. The flowers are 2.5 cm (0.98") in diameter and can be white, pink or purple. They bloom from late spring to early fall.

They are used in pots for balconies, patios and terraces, in rockeries, on borders and in flowerbeds.

Pelargonium crispum grows in full sun or light shade exposures; it resists the intense heat of the Mediterranean summer. In winter the temperature should be above 7 ºC (44.6 ºF).

It's important that the soil is well drained, light and contains organic matter. Transplant in early spring, renewing the substrate.

Water regularly in spring and summer (twice a week if it's very hot) without wetting the leaves; reduce watering in fall and winter.

Fertilize with compost in spring and summer and with nitrogen-rich fertilizer once a month in summer.

Prune after flowering to remove wilted flowers and branches.

They are sensitive to the attack of fungi (if the humidity is excessive) and of mealybugs, thrips and mites.

They are propagated from seeds sown in spring, by division or by cuttings in any season of the year.

Images of the shrub Pelargonium crispum or Lemon Geranium