224 / 476
GENERAL
Origin
:
Mediterranean,
sub-tropical
Humidity
:
semi-humid, very
humid
Propagation :
sowing and
pricking out,
cuttings
Maintenance :
high
CONDITIONS
Urban climate :
resistant
Dessication :
vulnerable
Stagnant water :
vulnerable
Irrigation
:
medium
Salinity/ppm :
moderate (2000
ppm)
Hardiness
:
0°C
SHAPE
Type
:
sub-shrub, shrub
Height
:
0.4 m-1 m
Spread
:
0.6 m-1.4 m
Foliage
:
evergreen
FLOWER
Colour
:
soft lilac, soft
violet
Period
:
March - June
Smell
:
scented, leaf,
sweet
FRUIT
Type of fruit :
achene
Fruit size
:
0.5 cm
In South Africa’s Cape Province, it is possible to find Lemon Geraniums growing wild in scrub
vegetation or light woodland. It is considered a sub-shrub for its herbaceous branches sprouting
from a woody base to some 90 cm in height. Nevertheless, these upright bushes are also grown as
annual plants in pots or beddings for combining attractive pink flowers with a pleasant fragrance.
The crinkled foliage grows very dense so that plants are easily formed in any shape desired. The
specific name refers to the texture of its foliage, since crispum means curly. When touched, the
glandular, evergreen leaves release a strong lemon scent. They are cordate in shape and fresh
green. In Arriyadh’s climate, where it makes a good garden plant, it should be protected from full
sun and drying winds. Short dry periods are tolerated, but this species does better with frequent
watering in well-drained soil. To guarantee appropriate moisture and allow aeration at the same
time, the ground is best improved by adding compost and perlite. All-purpose fertiliser can be
applied frequently. Lemon Geraniums do not take frost, extreme heat is best endured in semi-
shade locations. Plants stressed by adverse growing conditions are sometimes infested by spider
mites or mildew. Propagation by seed is started in late winter, while softwood cuttings may be
planted in late summer. The main flowering period is spring to early summer. Some varieties have
been selected with more showy flowers and another cultivar, ‘Variegatum’, features leaves with
ivory margins.
223
Pelargonium crispum,
Geraniaceae
Lemon-Scented Geranium