Pelargonium acetosum aka Sorrel Leaf Pelargonium

Pelargonium acetosum belongs to the geranium family, Geraniaceae. Its common name is sorrel cranesbill. It comes from South Africa's Eastern Cape, where it grows on dry cliffs and rocky slopes. Kew lists it as a subtropical subshrub. This evergreen plant has an upright form and bushy growth. It keeps its leaves through the year when growing conditions suit it.

The stems are succulent and bear fleshy, grey-green leaves. The RHS description gives a height of about 2 feet [0.6 metres]. Its garden size range reaches 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre] tall. Spread reaches 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres]. Plants reach their mature size within one to two years. Loose groups of salmon-pink flowers appear from spring through summer. Each flower has long, narrow petals that form a star shape.

Grow this plant in fertile soil that drains well. Both sandy soil and loam suit it. It accepts acid, neutral, or alkaline soil. Choose full sun or partial shade in a sheltered spot. The RHS gives it a UK hardiness rating of H1C. It can grow outdoors in summer but needs frost-free winter shelter. To keep older plants, cut their growth back by one-third. Lift them for winter storage, then repot when spring growth starts. Another option is to keep young plants raised from cuttings.

Its small size suits pots, patios, courtyards, and flower beds. The RHS also lists coastal, cottage, and Mediterranean-style gardens as uses. A south-facing or west-facing wall offers another planting setting. Remove spent flowers regularly. Take softwood cuttings in spring or summer. Wet soil can lead to root and foot rots. Humid air can encourage grey mould. Viruses may also cause problems, including in plants kept through repeated cuttings. Pests include leafhoppers, vine weevils, caterpillars, thrips, and fungus gnats. Aphids may trouble plants kept over winter.

Plants For A Future lists buds and young leaves as edible. Eat them raw or cooked. Their sour taste resembles sorrel and suits salads, soups, and stews. The same source gives the plant a low food-use rating. It reports astringent properties in all parts and a low medicinal-use rating. It lists no known hazards, but this does not establish pet safety. It also reports no weed potential.