Pelargonium glutinosum aka Pheasant Foot Geranium

Pelargonium glutinosum is a shrub that stays green all year. It belongs to the geranium family, Geraniaceae. It comes from South Africa’s Cape region, which has a subtropical climate. People call it clammy geranium or pheasant’s foot geranium. The name balsam-scented pelargonium refers to its scent. The RHS also lists it under the name Pelargonium viscosum. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

The shrub grows to about 5 feet [1.5 metres] tall. It keeps its leaves throughout the year. The supplied sources give no details about leaf shape or bark. Plants For A Future records blooms in May. Each flower has both male and female organs. The evidence gives no flower colour or fruit details for this species. It grows on dry, rocky ground and beside streams.

Grow this plant in sun, not shade. It needs light soil that lets excess water drain away. Sand and loam both suit it. Plants For A Future advises using neutral to alkaline soil. Its broader soil list also includes slightly acid soil. The plant accepts dry or moist soil but needs little water. Give it small amounts of water while it grows. Keep it quite dry through winter. A site with shelter by a south-facing or west-facing wall may suit it.

Cold limits where this shrub can grow outdoors. Plants For A Future says it can stand near −3°C, perhaps a little lower. Yet the source warns that frost can harm it in Britain. Most British gardens will need to keep it under glass in winter. A warm spot with shelter may work in the mildest areas. Plants in pots can spend summer outside and winter under glass. The source lists USDA zones 8–11 but also gives these frost warnings.

Plants For A Future calls this an easy plant to grow. Raise it from seed or take cuttings in the growing season. Take cuttings in early summer so they can root before winter. Sow fresh seed under glass when ripe. Sow stored seed in early spring, also under glass. Keep young plants grown from seed under glass for their first winter. The plant yields an essential oil with a ladanum-like scent. Reports cite astringent uses for all parts, meaning uses that tighten tissues. That source knows of no edible uses or hazards. This does not establish safety for people or pets.