Common Name: |
Rose Geranium |
Botanical Name: |
Pelargonium Graveolens |
Genus: |
Pelargonium |
Family: |
Geraniaceae |
Location: |
S Africa |
Cultivation: |
Well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil in sun. Pelargonium crispum, P. odoratissimum, and P. tomentosum tolerate partial shade. Plants may be cut back in early spring. If grown outdoors in cool climates, they may also be cut back before bringing in for the winter. Leafhoppers, aphids, spider mites, and whitefly may attack plants under cover. |
Propagation: |
By softwood cuttings in spring, late summer, or early autumn. |
Harvest: |
Plants are cut in late summer and distilled for oil. Leaves are picked as required. |
Height: |
1-1.5m (3-5ft) |
:Width |
60cm-1.5m (2-5ft) |
Variations: |
Grey Lady Plymouth Has gray-green foliage. |
Lady Plymouth Has irregular cream margins, and a minty rose-lemon scent. First recorded c.1800. |
Radula Has deeply cut leaves, 10cm (4in) across, and a camphoraceous rose-lemon scent, and small pink-purple flowers. Suitable for linen sachets. |
Radula Rosea Is similar to 'Radula' but has deep rose pink flowers. |
Rober's Lemon Rose Is vigorous, with soft, gray-green, unevenly lobed leaves, about 5cm (2in) long, with a lemon-rose scent. |
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Hardiness: |
Min. 2°C (36°F) |
Parts Used: |
Leaves, oil |
Properties: |
An aromatic herb that has relaxant, anti-depressant, and antiseptic effects, reduces inflammation, and controls bleeding. It has a strong lemon-rose scent. |
Medicinal Uses: |
Internally for premenstrual and menopausal problems, nausea, tonsilitis, and poor circulation. Externally for acne, eczema, hemorrhoids, bruises, ringworm, and lice. |
Culinary Uses: |
Fresh leaves are infused for tea and used to flavor fruits drinks, punches, jellies, desserts, creams and custards, candy, pastries, and baked fruits. |
Economic Uses: |
Oil is the main constituent of geranium oil, used in skin care, perfumery, aromatherapy, and food flavoring. Dried leaves are added to potpourris. |
Bibliography: |
Encylopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright ©: 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited pg.304-306
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