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Pelargonium tomentosum - Jacq.

Common Name Peppermint Geranium
Family Geraniaceae
USDA hardiness 8-11
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Semi-shaded moist places. Sandy soils on the margins of forests along streams[260].
Range S. Africa - S.W. Cape Province.
Edibility Rating    (1 of 5)
Other Uses    (3 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (2 of 5)
Care (info)
Half Hardy Well drained soil Moist Soil Semi-shade
Pelargonium tomentosum Peppermint Geranium


http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benutzer:Michael_w
Pelargonium tomentosum Peppermint Geranium

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of shrub
Pelargonium tomentosum is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.7 m (2ft 4in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs).
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers dry or moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Habitats

 South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts:
Edible Uses: Condiment

The leaves and flowers have a strong mint scent and are used for flavouring cakes, puddings, pies, biscuits etc[183, 238]. A peppermint-flavoured tea is infused from the fresh leaves[238].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Astringent  Poultice

All parts of the plant are astringent[4]. The fresh leaves are used externally as a poultice for bruises and sprains[238].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Essential  Pot-pourri

An essential oil is obtained from the plant. It has a peppermint fragrance[1, 104]. The dried leaves are added to pot-pourri[238].

Special Uses

Dynamic accumulator  Scented Plants

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Requires a light well-drained neutral to alkaline soil in a sunny position[188, 200]. This species dislikes full sun[188]. Plants are not very cold-hardy in Britain, tolerating temperatures down to about 0°c[260]. They generally require greenhouse protection but might succeed outdoors when grown in a very sheltered warm spot in the mildest parts of the country[1]. They can also be grown in containers that are placed outdoors in the summer and then brought into the greenhouse or conservatory for the winter[238]. The plants need to be kept fairly dry in the winter[200]. Very tolerant of pruning, they can be cut right down to the base in the autumn when bringing them back indoors, or in the spring to encourage lots of fresh growth[238]. The leaves and the stems release a strong scent of peppermint when they are touched[245]. There are some named varieties selected for their ornamental value[183].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse. Stored seed should be sown in early spring in a greenhouse. The seed germinates best with a minimum temperature of 13°c, germination usually taking place within 2 weeks though it sometimes takes some months[200]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. If trying them outdoors, plant them out in early summer and consider giving them extra protection during the winter. Cuttings succeed at almost any time in the growing season but early summer is the best time in order for the new plant to become established before winter.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

Search over 900 plants ideal for food forests and permaculture gardens. Filter to search native plants to your area. The plants selected are the plants in our book 'Plants For Your Food Forest: 500 Plants for Temperate Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens, as well as plants chosen for our forthcoming related books for Tropical/Hot Wet Climates and Mediterranean/Hot Dry Climates. Native Plant Search

Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

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Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Expert comment

Author

Jacq.

Botanical References

200

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Readers comment

   Mon Mar 19 2007

Extremely invasive.

elle   Thu Oct 11 2007

Wonderfully scented foliage, nicer than peppermint even if peppermint is more useful in a culinary sense. I keep some around because rubbing a leaf is instant aromatherapy. Unlike some other members of the genus it seems a bit less tolerant of drought, at least in summer, though it's not a water hog either.

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Subject : Pelargonium tomentosum  
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