Pelargonium graveolens 'Lady Plymouth'

The Pelargonium graveolens 'Lady Plymouth' is an old variety of scented geranium, often considered the most fragrant of all. This lovely evergreen bush stands out at first sight with its dense and harmonious habit and magnificent foliage deeply incised, with a very soft silvery green colour, finely bordered with white. It exhales an astonishing scent that reminds some of peppermint or rose with a light touch. Throughout the summer, its delicate flowers, lavender-pink tinged with violet, add to its charm. This variety is drought-resistant and should be grown in full sun, in well-drained soil, protected from frost.

The Pelargonium odorant 'Lady Plymouth', introduced to the public in 1807, still enjoys a very good reputation. This variety is derived, among others, from a botanical species native to the Cape Province in South Africa, the Pelargonium graveolens. The plant forms a perennial bush with a rounded and dense habit, reaching 50 to 70 cm (20 to 28in) in all directions. Its truly ornamental foliage is composed of leaves deeply divided into five lobes with very toothed edges, thick, soft pale green colour, irregularly variegated with very pale yellow to cream white. Some describe their fragrance as a rich rose perfume with fruity accents, distinctly fresh and invigorating. The flowering takes place from June to September in small umbels on the foliage, bearing small lavender to pale pink flowers, light, perhaps less spectacular than those of classic hybrids, either perennial or annual, but more authentic. The upper two petals, veined with violet, are larger than the three lower ones.

With a simple touch, the Pelargonium 'Lady Plymouth' releases a powerful scent and repels mosquitoes. So plant it in a pot or the ground, where you can touch it, along a path or in a pot on the terrace or veranda. Scented geraniums are precious for perfuming a room, where they delight us with their sometimes unexpected and beautiful scents. We stopped one day after the rain in front of a bed of scented geraniums and spent long moments immersing ourselves in a small symphony of delicate fragrances. In mild climates, it is a plant that perfectly withstands summer drought and requires very little maintenance, which makes it valuable for dry gardens by the seaside.

Try flavouring a recipe with scented pelargonium flowers. It works! The edible leaves are used in fruit salads and potpourri.