Pelargonium pseudoglutinosum

The Pelargonium pseudoglutinosum is an attractive and rare botanical species in cultivation. It forms a beautiful evergreen shrub with leaves that are fragrant with resinous and balsamic notes. Its oval leaves, with deeply lobed edges, are almost glabrous and sticky. They have dark purple veins. It tends to flower throughout the year, without a specific period. Its flowers occur in pairs or are solitary. They are pink with dark pink spots and small purple markings on the upper petals. This pelargonium grows in well-drained and moist soils.

The Pelargonium pseudoglutinosum is a perennial shrub belonging to the geranium family. In its native habitat, it has a distribution area limited to the southern Cape in South Africa. It grows in moist ravines on well-drained soils, with winter frost and high temperatures in summer. Its bushy habit is supported by hairy stems, which lignify over time, allowing the plant to reach 1 m (3ft) in all directions in its original conditions. Its foliage consists of deeply lobed oval leaves, veined with purple. They are slightly sticky and almost glabrous. They emit a balsamic fragrance. Flowering occurs whenever it pleases, without a specific period. Its flowers are perhaps less spectacular than those of classic hybrids, whether perennial or annual, but more authentic. The petals are thin and the upper two petals are marked with garnet. This pelargonium may tolerate frost better than others, and is sometimes reported to withstand frosts down to -12° C. Given its rarity in cultivation in our climates, this remains to be verified!

Cultivate Pelargonium pseudoglutinosum in fairly moist soil. So plant it, in a pot indoors or in the ground, in a location where you can touch it to enjoy its resinous fragrance, along a path or in a pot on the terrace or veranda. In mild and humid climates, the plant will grow larger, forming a beautiful bush that requires very little maintenance. In the garden, in a naturalistic setting, combine it with single Daylilies, Andropogon grasses, and Echinaceas.