Pelargonium tomentosum

Jacq.

Peppermint geranium

Geraniaceae Edible: Leaves - flavouring, Flowers, Leaves - tea 384 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Pelargonium tomentosum, the peppermint-scented geranium, is a pelargonium species native to South Africa. It is in the subgenus Pelargonium along with Pelargonium graveolens, Pelargonium crispum and Pelargonium capitatum.

Description

A shrub. It keeps growing from year to year. It grows 50 cm tall and spreads 70 cm wide. The flowers have a scent.

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Edible Uses

The leaves and flowers have a strong mint scent and are used to flavour cakes, puddings, pies, and biscuits. Fresh leaves can also be infused to make a peppermint-flavoured tea.

Traditional Uses

The leaves have a mint scent. They are used to flavour cakes, puddings, pies, desserts and tea. The leaves are used to make a peppermint flavoured tea.

Medicinal Uses

All parts of the plant are astringent. Fresh leaves are applied externally as a poultice for bruises and sprains.

Distribution

It is a warm temperate plant. It is best in shady moist places. It is damaged by frost. It needs well-drained soils.

Where It Grows

Australia, South Africa*, Southern Africa, Tasmania,

Cultivation

Requires a light well-drained neutral to alkaline soil in a sunny position. This species dislikes full sun. Plants are not very cold-hardy in Britain, tolerating temperatures down to about 0°c. They generally require greenhouse protection but might succeed outdoors when grown in a very sheltered warm spot in the mildest parts of the country. 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. The plants need to be kept fairly dry in the winter. 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. The leaves and the stems release a strong scent of peppermint when they are touched. There are some named varieties selected for their ornamental value.

Propagation

Seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse. Stored seed should be sown in early spring under glass. Germination requires a minimum temperature of 13°c and usually occurs within 2 weeks, though it can sometimes take several months. Prick seedlings out into individual pots when large enough to handle and grow on in the greenhouse for at least the first winter. If planting outdoors, set out in early summer and consider providing extra winter protection. Cuttings can be taken at almost any time during the growing season, though early summer is ideal to allow the new plant to establish before winter.

Other Uses

An essential oil with a peppermint fragrance is obtained from the plant. The dried leaves are added to pot-pourri.

References (2)

Facciola, S., 1998, Cornucopia 2: a Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, p 119
Icon. pl. rar. 3:10, t. 537. 1794 ("1786-1793"); Collectanea 5:140. 1797 ("1796")