Pelargonium tomentosum

Pelargonium tomentosum, also known as peppermint geranium, is a lush botanical species, with a bush-like appearance and a spreading, almost creeping habit. It has luxuriant evergreen foliage that is light green and velvety. When crushed, the foliage releases a surprising scent of peppermint. This plant impresses with its fast growth, relative cold tolerance, and ability to thrive and flower in partial shade. From June to November (if there is no frost), it bears somewhat insignificant white to white-pink flowers. This surprising geranium should be planted near a passage to enjoy its fragrance.

Pelargonium tomentosum is a perennial and evergreen shrub belonging to the Geraniaceae family. In nature, it is confined to the southeastern Cape Province in South Africa, at high altitudes, in the region of the Hottentots Holland Mountains. It thrives in semi-shaded and humid habitats, on the edges of forests that border ravines near streams, in sandy soils derived from sandstone.

In its natural habitat, this geranium quickly forms a spreading shrub with sprawling and branching stems, sometimes reaching a height of 1m (3ft) and a width of 2m (7ft). In our climates, it will reach a height of 50 to 70cm (20 to 28in) (or more) and a width of 1 to 1.5m (3 to 5ft). Its pubescent and soft branches are covered with velvety and glandular hairs, responsible for the plant's fragrance. They bear persistent, soft, 10cm (4in) wide leaves that are peltate, lobed, fleshy, and velvety. They are also covered with glandular hairs that beautifully capture the morning dew. They release a strong scent of peppermint when crushed. It flowers in summer, or sometimes not at all. Its flowers appear on branching inflorescences. They are tiny, with 5 petals, and are clustered together. Their colour is white-pink, marked with small purple spots.

Pelargonium tomentosum is mainly grown for its magnificent foliage. The plant is as beautiful to behold as it is delightful to smell and pleasant to touch. Plant it in a pot indoors or in the ground, in a place where you can touch it. It will be wonderful along a pathway, or in a pot on a terrace or in a conservatory. One day after rainfall, we were captivated by a bed of fragrant geraniums and spent long moments immersing ourselves in a symphony of delicate fragrances. In mild climates, it can become exuberant and requires very little maintenance, making it valuable for coastal gardens.