Pelargonium papilionaceum

The Pelargonium papilionaceum has many qualities that charm you. It forms a tall bush that can reach up to 1.5 to 2 m in height. Its large dark green leaves are evergreen and highly decorative. They are also aromatic, releasing a lemon fragrance. Its pink flowers bloom all summer long. Place it at the back of a flower bed or in a large container, especially in cold climates. It is not very hardy, but it is easy to grow in full sun or partial shade in well-drained soil.

From the Geraniaceae family, the Pelargonium papilionaceum is a species native to South Africa, like most botanical geraniums. It is a rare species that stands out for its large size. It forms an upright bush that generally exceeds 1.30 to 1.50 m in height and 80 cm to 1.30 m in width. It has straight, sturdy, and hairy stems. Its leaves are large, at least 20 to 30 cm wide. They are dark green, rough and textured, covered in short hairs, lobed, and slightly toothed. They persist throughout winter.

They also release a delicately camphor-scented lemon fragrance with the slightest touch or rustle. From May-June until the first frost, they are covered in umbels of 5 to 12 pink flowers. Their flowers have a remarkable shape, with two large upper petals speckled with violet and three small, delicate lower petals highlighting their orange stamen centre. This species tolerates short frosts of around -5 °C in sheltered locations.

This plant with aromatic foliage is ideal for creating a fragrant flower bed or even a garden dedicated to fragrant plants. Due to its tall size, it is best placed at the back. It is also perfect in a large patio or potted garden container. For the foreground, choose more miniature botanical geraniums while still opting for fresh fragrances with Pelargonium's Prince of Orange' with an orange scent or 'Prince Rupert with lemony fragrances. Add a fragrant rose from the David Austin range, such as 'The Poet's Wife' with yellow flowers, and a 'Hall's Prolific' Japanese honeysuckle for a garden with a thousand scents. The flowers of fragrant geraniums are edible and can be used in fruit salads, desserts, and potpourri.