Pelargonium graveolens
| Pelargonium graveolens | |
| Light: |  |
| Moisture: |   |
| Hardiness: | 9 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Evergreen | |
| Height: | 4' |
| Width: | 3' |
| Blooms: | Late Spring-Mid Summer |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Medicinal Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Pelargonium graveolens (common name: rose geranium)
Propagation: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse. Stored seed should be sown in early spring in a greenhouse. The seed germinates best with a minimum temperature of 13°c, germination usually taking place within 2 weeks though it sometimes takes some months[1]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. If trying them outdoors, plant them out in early summer and consider giving them extra protection during the winter.
Cuttings succeed at almost any time in the growing season but early summer is the best time in order for the new plant to become established before winter.
Cultivation: Requires a light well-drained neutral to alkaline soil in a sunny position[2][1].
Plants are not very hardy in Britain, they generally require greenhouse protection but might succeed outdoors when grown in a very sheltered warm spot in the mildest parts of the country[3]. They can also be grown in containers that are placed outdoors in the summer and then brought into the greenhouse or conservatory for the winter[4]. The plants need to be kept fairly dry in the winter[1].
Very tolerant of pruning, they can be cut right down to the base in the autumn when bringing them back indoors, or in the spring to encourage lots of fresh growth[4].
Cultivated for its essential oil in S. France and Spain[5], there are many named varieties[6][1].
Range: S. Africa.
Habitat: Near the Hex river in S.W. Cape province.
Edibility: Flowers - raw. Added to salads[6].
The leaves are rose-scented and are used as a flavouring in desserts, jellies, vinegars etc[6][4].
The fresh leaves are brewed into a tea[6][4].
Medicinal: An aromatic, rose-scented herb, the whole plant has relaxant, anti-depressant and antiseptic effects, reduces inflammation and controls bleeding[4]. All parts of the plant are astringent[7]. It is used internally in the treatment of pre-menstrual and menopausal problems, nausea, tonsillitis and poor circulation[4]. Externally, it is used to treat acne, haemorrhoids, eczema, bruises, ringworm and lice[4]. The leaves can be used fresh at any time of the year[4].
The essential oil from the leaves is used in aromatherapy[4] and is also applied locally to cervical cancer[8].
Usage: An essential oil is obtained from the plant, it has an orange-rose fragrance[9][10][5]. This plant is the main constituent of geranium oil, which is used extensively in aromatherapy, skin care and as a food flavouring[4].
The leaves are used in pot-pourri[4].
Soil: Can grow in light and medium soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
In Leaf: Evergreen
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ Brickell, Christopher. The RHS Gardener's Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers. Dorling Kindersley Publishers, 1990.
- ↑ Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ 4.00 4.01 4.02 4.03 4.04 4.05 4.06 4.07 4.08 4.09 4.10 Bown, Deni. Royal Horticultural Society Encyclopaedia of Herbs and Their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, 1995.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Hill, Albert. Economic Botany. The Maple Press, 1952.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 Facciola, Stephen. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, 1990.
- ↑ Grieve, Margaret. A Modern Herbal. Penguin, 1984.
- ↑ Duke, James and Edward Ayensu. Medicinal Plants of China. Reference Publications, 1985.
- ↑ Uphof, Johannes. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim, 1959.
- ↑ RHS. The Garden Volume 111. Royal Horticultural Society, 1986.