Scientific Name
Pelargonium odoratissimum (L.) L'Hér.
Common Name(s)
Apple Geranium, Apple Pelargonium, Sweet-scented Pelargonium, Peppermint Pelargonium
Synonym(s)
Geranium odoratissimum, Geraniospermum odoratissimum
Scientific Classification
Family: Geraniaceae
Genus: Pelargonium
Flower
Color: Pale pink
Bloom Time: Throughout the year, except for midsummer
Description
Pelargonium odoratissimum is a perennial and relatively flat-growing shrublet with a short thick main stem and up to 2 feet (60 cm) long flowering branches. Leaves are up to 1.6 inches (6 cm) in diameter, apple green, and covered with fine short hairs making them pleasant to touch. They have a strong apple-mint scent. Flowers are pale pink, relatively small, and appear throughout the year except for midsummer.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 8a to 11b: from 10 °F (−12.2 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Work organic compost into high-quality container potting soil that contains ingredients such as peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite. Use this soil mixture to fill pots for your Pelargoniums. Good drainage is essential, so choose containers with adequate drainage holes. If your plants are already in pots, spread organic compost lightly on the soil surface and work in, taking care not to dig up the plant's roots.
Choose locations getting direct sun for most Pelargoniums. They need at least 6 hours of sun daily. All Pelargoniums need afternoon shade if your area regularly sees summer temperatures exceeding 90 °F (32 °C).
Feed your Pelargoniums every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 or 20-20-20. Buy fertilizer that dissolves in water for easier application. Every third watering, add Epsom Salts (magnesium sulfate) to the plant water (1 teaspoon per 1 gallon) to provide magnesium. Or, add a slow-release fertilizer to the soil mix when you plant Pelargoniums in the pot; it feeds them all season.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Pelargonium.
Origin
This species is native to South Africa.
Links
- Back to genus Pelargonium
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
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