Pelargonium capitatum aka Rose Scented Pelagonium

Pelargonium capitatum has the common name rose-scented geranium. It belongs to Geraniaceae, the geranium family. This shrub keeps its leaves all year. It comes from South Africa, from the Cape to KwaZulu-Natal. It grows on coastal dunes and sandy hills. Kew puts it in the subtropical climate zone.

The plant forms a low, bushy shrub. The RHS describes plants about 2 feet [0.6 metres] tall. Its garden range reaches 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre] in height. Its spread ranges from 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres]. Plants reach full size in two to five years. Soft hairs cover the leaves, which have lobes. The leaves smell of roses. PFAF also notes their oval shape and crinkled surface. Flowers grow in groups, or clusters, in summer. They may be pink, white, or pale purple. The RHS gives flower widths of 0.8–1.2 inches. PFAF describes smaller blooms in mauve-pink, about 0.6 inches across. It gives ten to twenty flowers per cluster.

Choose a site with full sun and shelter. A spot facing south or west suits this plant. Use soil that drains well, with a fair level of nutrients. The RHS lists chalk, loam, and sand as suitable soils. It calls for neutral or alkaline soil. This tender shrub needs shelter from frost. The RHS rates it H1C, for growth outdoors in summer. For winter, move outdoor plants to bright shelter free of frost. PFAF gives a different rating: USDA zones 8–11. Remove dead flowers and trim growth as needed. Take softwood cuttings in spring, late summer, or autumn.

This scented shrub suits pots, patios, and small courtyard gardens. PFAF also suggests sunny woodland edges and spots beside walls. Its leaves add scent to dried flower mixes. Perfumers use the essential oil for its rose scent. The oil also has uses in aromatherapy and skin care. PFAF records its use in folk treatments for minor health complaints. These concern digestion, the kidneys, and the bladder. It also records use on rashes and cracked skin. These reports do not prove that treatments work or are safe.

The RHS reports few disease problems, but pests may attack. Watch for aphids, caterpillars, whitefly, and glasshouse leafhopper. Vine weevils and root mealybugs may cause trouble too. PFAF lists no known uses as food and no known hazards. This lack of reported hazards does not prove safety for people or pets. PFAF does not flag the species as weedy.