Pelargonium album

Pelargonium album is particularly loved for its fragrant foliage. Its wide and toothed, evergreen leaves release a menthol scent with a touch of apple and camphor. Plant it in a pot near a high-traffic area to enjoy its fragrance as often as possible. From May to September, it is covered with small white flowers that add to its appeal. This pelargonium is Frost-sensitive (-3 °C), likes sun or partial shade and well-drained soil, and requires protection over winter.

From the geraniaceae family, Pelargonium album is a species native to South Africa, specifically in the Pilgrim's Rest region. It forms a bush with a flat and wide bush reaching 15 to 30 cm high and 40 to 60 cm wide. Its leaves are wide, slightly lobed, and have toothed edges. They persist throughout winter. Their colour is a greyish green and they are slightly hairy. With the slightest touch or crumpling, they release a delightful menthol scent with notes of apple and camphor. Flowering occurs from May-June to October. Its flowers are small (less than 1 cm) and grouped in umbels at the end of the stems. They consist of 2 small, white upper petals with a violet spot, and 3 slightly larger lower petals. This species tolerates short freezes of around -3 °C.

This aromatic foliage plant is ideal if you decide to create a fragrant flower bed or even a whole garden dedicated to fragrant plants. It is also perfect in a pot on a terrace or in a container garden. You can associate it with other fragrant geraniums like Pelargonium 'Prince of Orange' with an orange fragrance or 'Prince Rupert' with lemony scents. Add a fragrant rose from the David Austin range like 'Gentle Hermione' with pink flowers and a 'Belgica Select' honeysuckle for a garden with many scents. The flowers of fragrant geraniums are edible and can be used in fruit salads, desserts, and potpourri.