Pelargonium graveolens - Rose Geranium

Pelargonium graveolens
Rose Geranium
(syn: P. terebinthiaceum)
Family: Geraniaceae

Most of the plants commonly called geraniums are actually pelargoniums, and while both genera are members of the geranium (Geraniaceae) family. Rose geranium originated from South Africa. They were first sent to England in 1609 by the governor of Cape Colony, but were officially introduced in 1632 by botanist and plant hunter John Tradescant. Scented geraniums were popular in Victorian England and were widely grown until 1914 when fuel for greenhouses was banned during the war.

The genus Pelargonium gets is name from the resemblance of the shape of the fruit to the beak of a stork, pelargos in Greek. The species name graveolens refers to the strong fragrance of the leaves, meaning strong-smelling in Latin.

Rose geraniums are best where they can be touched and smelled. They do well in decorative settings. They may become a weed when uncontrolled or escaped, as they are highly adaptable and have invasive rhizomes. Place them in well-drained soil; pH 6-7; temperature 24°C to 29°C.

Remove flower buds if it starts to get scraggy.

Leaf
Shape: Hand-shaped
Margin: lobed
Colour: Light green – green, and may have a stripy pattern in some varieties.
Surface: Velvet-like, fine hairy
Size: 5-10cm

Flower
Colour/s: Pink - white
Inflorescence: Umbel-like
Scent: Rose
Season: Summer

Plant Category: Perennial scented bush
Growth characteristics: 1.3m high, 1m spread. Herbaceous when young and become woody with age.
Potential horticultural use: Wide use for ornamental.
Horticultural limitations: Potential weed.
Propagation methods: Seed (may self-sow); cuttings, root division.

Culinary: Fresh leaves can be added to jellies, fruit dishes, and cold plates for a mild flavour. To lightly flavour a pound cake or angel food cake, lay the leaves flat on a buttered and floured pan just before pouring batter. Discard the leaves after the cake is baked.
Farmaceutical: The leaves were used in Africa to stop diarrhoea, and an Italian study showed that scented geraniums stop bleeding. The essential oil is made into preparations to treat lice, ringworm, and shingles, usually accompanied by other herbs. The pharmaceutical industry utilises an antiseptic component of the essential oil called geraniol. Oil is also said to repel mosquitoes.
Aromatic: Refer to this link for more info on the essential oil.
Folklore: Doubt: “I haven’t made up my mind”