Scented Geranium Rose Scented Geranium, kusmalva (Afrikaans),

Pelargonium capitatum

Pelargoniums can also be grown from seed in late summer and early autumn. The seed of pelargoniums is quite interesting in that attached to the elliptically shaped seed, is a feathered, tail-like structure that is coiled in a spiral. The tail allows the seed to drill and secure itself in the soil if twisted around by the wind or affected by the movement of animals. Sow the seed in a light, well-drained potting soil. Broadcast the seeds evenly in the seed tray, covering them with a layer of clean, white sand. The depth of sowing is usually one-and-a-half times the size of the seed. Water thoroughly but gently and provide light shade. Germination usually takes place within three weeks. Pelargoniums grown from seed are generally more vigorous than those made of cuttings; however, they take longer to flower. The plant grows easily in a coastal garden that has sandy soil conditions. It can be planted among smaller herbaceous border plants in a garden bed. It is also suited for terra force walls.

Cuttings can be grown at any time of the year. Soft, herbaceous stem cuttings should be taken and a rooting hormone applied to it to stimulate the rooting process. The cuttings are then placed in a coldframe to root. Rooting of this species usually takes about three weeks. Once the cuttings have rooted they can then be potted in a well-drained potting soil mix.

These plants will grow well with Scented Geranium:

These plants will not grow well with Scented Geranium so avoid planting these within close proximity:

These pests are known to attack Scented Geranium plants:

These problems and diseases are known to effect Scented Geranium plants:

The genus Pelargonium derives its name from the resemblance of the shape of the fruit to the beak of a stork, pelargos in Greek. The species name capitatus (Latin), refers to the head-like (capitate) inflorescence. Bentick introduced P. capitatum to Britain in 1690.

The rose-scented pelargonium is cultivated for its oil of geranium. The sweetly scented leaves are a wonderful skin softener. The leaves can be rubbed into the hands to soothe calluses and scratches, into heels to soften horny, cracked skin and can be tied to a piece of muslin and used in the bath as a skin and wash treatment which also soothes rashes. A tea made from leaves was an old remedy used by people from the Cape to treat kidney and bladder ailments, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and flatulence.