Pelargonium x fragrans - hybrid

  • Pelargonium fragrans flowers
  • Pelargonium fragrans flowers
  • Pelargonium fragrans foliage
  • Pelargonium fragrans form
  • Pelargonium fragrans shade
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Botanical Name
Pelargonium x fragrans - hybrid
Family
Geraniaceae - The geranium family.
Pronunciation
pe-lar-GO-nee-um FRAY-granz
Common Name(s)
English: Nutmeg pelargonium
Plant Group
  • Shrub A woody plant of relatively low height, having several stems arising from the base and lacking a single trunk; a bush.
Plant Size
  • Very Small
    Tree3m to 4m
    Shrub25cm to 50cm
    Perennial/ground coverUp to 10cm
    Bulb10cm to 20cm
    SucculentUp to 5cm
Position
  • Light or Dappled Shade Found below trees with sparse, open foliage. Ideal for the protection of herbaceous plants.
  • Partial Shade The area is in shade for part of the day and in full sun for part of the day.
  • Sun The area is in full sun for all or most of the day, all year round.
General Information
  • Drought Tolerance: High The plant is well adapted to arid conditions; it can survive long periods of drought and high temperatures without extra water.
  • Evergreen Plants that have leaves all year round.
  • Fragrant / Aromatic These plants posses a strong, usually pleasant odour.
  • Frost: Half-hardy The plant is able to survive low temperatures and some frost but requires protection against severe frost.
  • Prune hard after flowering Fast growing shrubs that grow lanky within a season. Cut off branches and stems of these plants to a third of their original length. This will increase the yield of flowers, improve the plants shape and enhance the structural strength of main branches.
  • Sand tolerant Plants adapted to survive in nutrient poor, very sandy soils.
  • Water Moderate These plants will need some extra watering compared to water-wise plants. Plant them together, in at least some shade and in a convenient proximity to the house so that grey water can be utilised during times of drought.
Specific Information

Pelargonium x fragrans is a dwarf shrub that forms a cushion shaped plant with velvety green to grey-green leaves that have a strong nutmeg fragrance. It is an upright, multi-branched little shrub which blooms prolifically for months at a time. It has a very neat appearance and is remarkably tough, coping with drought and strong winds and I have found it to be disease and insect resistant.. There are many other hybrid Fragrans varieties with a range of fragrances from 'Old Spice' to 'Green apple'.
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Flowers
Description

small, delicate pelargonium flowers with the two upper petals marked with fine red lines
Season
  • All Year Plants will seldom bloom for the entire season as given in the list, but should flower during a period within these parameters.
  • Spring to Autumn Plants will seldom bloom for the entire season as given in the list, but should flower during a period within these parameters.
Colour
  • white
Growth Rate
  • Fast Specifying growth rate can be very misleading as there is considerable variation of growth rate depending on type and species of plant, available water, supplementary feeding, mulching and general care, as well as the plants suitability and adaptability to the garden environment.
Plant Uses
  • Attracts bees, butterflies or other insects This plant attracts insects which can be food for birds or other creatures in your garden.
  • Border A strip of ground, at the edge of a driveway or path in which ornamental plants or shrubs are planted.
  • Container Trees, shrubs and ornamental species that can adapt to growing in a restricted environment.
  • Edging A low growing plant that provides softness or definition to the edges of a bed or walkway.
  • Filler Either a fast growing tree or shrub used temporarily to fill in an area while the permanent plants grow to a desired size, or a plant used to fill gaps in borders or beds.
  • Ground Cover Low-lying plants that spread fast, require minimal maintenance, and cover large expanses or bare areas between bulbs or shrubs. They provide protection from erosion and drought and improve the visual appearance of the garden.
  • Interplanting Arranging and planting plants in the garden that have different blooming times and habits of growth, extending the amount of time in which the area is in flower.
  • Pot Plant A plant that needs a protected environment on a patio or indoors.
  • Rock Garden An area constructed of larger rocks, arranged naturally, to emphasise the use of stones as a main element. Generally plants used do not need a lot of care.
  • Suitable for coastal gardens Plants adapted to dry, sandy soil, forceful wind, limited rainfall and intense sunlight.
  • Suitable for smaller gardens Such plants do not have invasive root systems, remain small or controllable and can often be grown in containers.
Distribution and Habitat

Hybrid
Planting Suggestions

These plants are easy to grow and do not need much care. Plant in any soil as long as it drains reasonably well. They like moist soil but will rot if their feet are constantly wet. The addition of compost, an application of mulch and occasional watering if the weather is dry will be all they need. I cut them back in autumn to encourage dense growth - just a quick trimming with hedge cutters is all that is needed. Grow in light shade if in a frosty area or a very hot habitat where the sun's rays may cause damage.
Medicinal Uses

Hybrid
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Comments

so sorry to see that note about your borehole. Can you email me when your new site is live?

Submitted by Diana Studer on Sun, 07/27/2014 - 11:56

Hi Diana

The death of our borehole was indeed a disaster. Will let you know when the new site is up, but is taking a bit of time - have to wait until my web gurus have a quiet spell.

Regards
Lorraine

Submitted by Lorraine on Fri, 08/01/2014 - 11:40

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