Pelargonium crispum 'Peach Cream'

The 'Peach Cream' crispum Pelargonium is a variety of scented geranium that is particularly decorative with its bright, variegated yellow and cream foliage. This intensely crisp foliage also emits a fragrance that pleasantly resembles peaches. Over time, it forms a small, upright shrub that remains attractive throughout the year. It blooms throughout summer, offering delicate, fairly large, but few lavender-pink flowers. Grow it in full sun, in well-drained soil, as it is sensitive to excessive water. Cultivation in the ground is only possible in mild regions, spared from frost.

The Pelargonium crispum 'Peach Cream' is derived from a botanical species endemic to the southwestern Cape Province in South Africa, the Pelargonium crispum. 'Peach Cream', like its parent, forms a woody, perennial shrub with an upright habit, but its growth is slightly slower. It belongs to the geranium family. Its habit is supported by sturdy, stiff, sparsely branched stems, allowing the plant to reach approximately 80 cm (32in) in height with a spread of 40 cm (16in). The entire plant emits a pleasant fruity scent reminiscent of peaches. Its particularly ornamental foliage consists of small, round, 3-lobed leaves that are undulate, strongly crisped along the edges, and measure 3 to 5 cm (1 to 2in) wide. They are very soft grey-green, randomly patterned and speckled with light yellow and cream. Flowering occurs from June to September, with scattered flowers consisting of 5 pale mauve-pink petals marked with deep purple lines in the throat.

With a simple touch, the Pelargonium crispum 'Peach Cream' releases a delightful fragrance reputed to repel mosquitoes. Therefore, 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 wonderful scents. One day after the rain, we were captivated by a bed of scented geraniums and spent long moments immersing ourselves in a symphony of delicate fragrances. It's one of our favourites, as you may have guessed. In very mild climates, it is a plant that is perfectly resistant to summer drought and requires very little maintenance, making it valuable for dry gardens by the seaside.

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