Description

Pelargonium graveolens is an evergreen Shrub growing to 1.2 m by 0.8 m at a medium rate.
It is frost tender.Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. Flowers – raw are added to salads. The leaves are rose-scented and are used as a flavouring in desserts, jellies, vinegars etc. The fresh leaves are brewed into a tea. An aromatic, rose-scented herb, the whole plant has relaxant, anti-depressant and antiseptic effects, reduces inflammation and controls bleeding. All parts of the plant are astringent. It is used internally in the treatment of pre-menstrual and menopausal problems, nausea, tonsillitis and poor circulation. Externally, it is used to treat acne, haemorrhoids, eczema, bruises, ringworm and lice. The leaves can be used fresh at any time of the year. The essential oil from the leaves is used in aromatherapy and is also applied locally to cervical cancer.