Pelargonium capitatum Pink Capricorn

The Pelargonium 'Pink Capricorn' is sometimes marketed under the name 'Pink Capitatum', incorrectly according to some, although it is undeniably descended from the beautiful botanical species Pelargonium capitatum, also known as the head-flowered pelargonium. This Pink Capricorn geranium forms a small shrub with a slightly spreading habit, covered with moss-green, lobed and undulate leaves, which emit a very beautiful rose-like fragrance, with a hint of coriander, when touched. It blooms abundantly until the first frost, and its very compact, deep pink flower umbels are extremely decorative above the foliage. Vigorous and generous, this pelargonium is easily cultivated in a pot, which allows it to be protected from frost in winter.

The Pelargonium capitatum grows spontaneously on the coasts of South Africa, it is a very robust and undemanding species that behaves in its native land as a pioneer plant. It is the origin of many aromatic hybrids cultivated for their rose-scented essential oils, including the Pelargonium 'Pink Capricorn'. It is a small perennial shrub belonging to the geranium family. Its bushy habit is supported by hairy stems, which lignify over time, allowing the plant to reach 50 cm (20in) in height with a spread of 60-70 cm (24-28in). The entire plant gives off a powerful rose-like scent, with more or less lemony notes, subtly spicy, or even aniseed depending on the nose smelling it. Its foliage, highly ornamental, is composed of cordate-based, 3-lobed, undulate, toothed, and villous leaves. The abundant flowering takes place from June to October, in the form of small dense heads containing several small flowers in fresh and vibrant pink tones, lighter in the centre. On each flower, which has 5 petals, the 2 upper petals, veined with garnet, are larger than the 3 lower petals. This plant is very sensitive to frost: it perishes below 0 °C (32°F).

With just a touch, the Pelargonium "Pink Capricorn" releases a powerful and magnificent fragrance. Extremely floriferous and beautifully coloured, this variety is one of our favorites, as you may have guessed. So plant it somewhere you can touch it: in a pot, on the terrace, along a path, or in the conservatory. We were captivated, one day after the rain, by a bed of fragrant geraniums and immersed ourselves in a symphony of delicate scents. On the Riviera o Mediterranean, where it never freezes, it is a magnificent plant that withstands summer drought and requires very little maintenance.