Pelargonium crispum Prince Rupert

Pelargonium crispum 'Prince Rupert' is a vigorous variety that gradually forms a small shrub with a very upright habit. it bears unique and pleasantly aromatic curly leaves that emit an intense lemon fragrance with the slightest touch. It flowers throughout summer, bearing relatively large pale-pink flowers with a purple centre. Grow it in full sun, in well-drained soil, as it is sensitive to excess water. It can only be grown in the ground in our mildest regions, free from frost.

'Prince Rupert' originates from Pelargonium crispum, a botanical species endemic to the southwest of the Cape Province in South Africa. 'Prince Rupert' closely resembles it, forming a woody, perennial shrub with an upright habit. Its habit is supported by stiff, sturdy, sparsely branched stems, allowing the plant to reach up to 1m (3ft) in height with a spread of 40cm (16in). The entire plant emits a pleasant scent of lemon essence. Its distinctive foliage is composed of small, rounded leaves, divided into 3 lobes. They are undulate with strongly wavy edges, measuring 3 to 5cm (1 to 2in) wide. They are a fairly vibrant green. Flowering occurs from June to September, with pale-pink 5-petalled flowers marked with lines and red-purple stamens in the throat. They can reach up to 5cm (2in) in diameter. The foliage persists through winter.

Pelargonium crispum 'Prince Rupert' possesses a powerful fragrance that delights gardeners as much as it repels mosquitoes. Plant it in a pot or in the ground in a place where you can touch it and pick its leaves as needed. It will look wonderful on a patio or in a conservatory. Scented geraniums are perfect for perfuming a room, where they delight us with their sometimes unexpected and wonderful fragrances. After rainfall one day, we came across a bed of scented geraniums and spent a long time immersing ourselves in a symphony of delicate scents. It is one of our favourites, as you may have guessed! In mild climates, it perfectly withstands summer drought and requires very little maintenance, making it valuable for dry gardens, by the seaside.

Its leaves are used in perfumery to extract an aromatic essence. The edible leaves are used in fruit salads and desserts. They are also used in potpourri.