Pelargonium crispum Minor

The Pelargonium crispum Minor is a lovely form of curly geranium recognisable by its smaller and intensely curled leaves. Over time, the plant forms a small evergreen shrub with a very upright habit, which is also appreciated for its pleasant lemon fragrance, noticeable with the slightest touch. It blooms from June to September, offering delicate, reasonably large, but few pink flowers with a purple centre. Grow it in full sun, in well-drained soil, as it is sensitive to excess water. Planting it in the ground is only possible in mild regions, spared from frost.

The Pelargonium crispum 'Minor' is derived from a botanic species endemic to the southwest of the Cape Province in South Africa, the Pelargonium crispum. 'Minor' closely resembles it and forms a woody and perennial shrub with an upright habit. It belongs to the geranium family. Its habit is supported by stiff, sturdy, and slightly branched stems, allowing the plant to reach about 70 cm (28in) in height with a spread of 40 cm (16in). The entire plant gives off a pleasant smell reminiscent of lemon essential oil. Its foliage, particularly ornamental, consists of small rounded leaves divided into three undulate lobes, with intensely wavy, hairy, and 3 cm (0 and 1in) wide edges. Their colour is light and vibrant green. Flowering occurs from June to September as scattered flowers with five pale pink petals marked with lines and deep red stamens in the throat. They measure up to 5 cm (2in) in diameter.

With a simple touch, Pelargonium crispum 'Minor' releases a powerful fragrance and repels mosquitoes. So, plant it in a pot or in the ground, where you can touch and admire it, along a pathway or in a large pot, on the terrace or in the conservatory. Scented geraniums are precious for perfuming a room, where they delight us with their sometimes unexpected and beautiful scents. One day after the rain, we were captivated by a bed of fragrant geraniums and spent long moments immersing ourselves in a small symphony of delicate fragrances. In very mild climates, it is a plant that perfectly withstands summer drought and requires very little maintenance, making it valuable for dry gardens by the seaside.

Its leaves are used in perfumery to extract a fragrant essence, and the English pick its flowers to flavour their jellies... Try flavouring a recipe with the scent of fragrant pelargonium. It works! The edible leaves are used in fruit salads and potpourri.