Rose-scented pelargonium

Pelargonium capitatum

Sprawling South African coastal pelargonium with softly hairy three-lobed leaves carrying a strong rose-and-mint fragrance, and small pink flowers through the warm months.

Hardiness ratings

Rose-scented pelargonium hardiness across the four zone systems
SystemRatingTemperature rangeHow to read it
USDA hardiness zone Zone 9–11 −6.7 °C to 10 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone
RHS hardiness rating H2 1 °C to 5 °C Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance
Canadian plant hardiness zone Zone 9 −1 °C and warmer Plant tolerates down to this zone
Australian (ANBG) zone Zone 3–6 −5 °C to 15 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone

Growing notes

  • Native to the coastal Cape Floristic Region of South Africa — adapted to sandy coastal soils and salt-laden winds
  • Used in essential oil distillation alongside P. graveolens — flavour is more strongly mint-rose
  • WARNING: Listed INVASIVE in parts of California and Mediterranean Europe — adapts readily to similar climates and escapes gardens, do not plant in those regions
  • Drought tolerant and salt tolerant — excellent in coastal gardens within its appropriate range
  • Not reliably hardy outdoors in Canada — Canadian zone values shown represent the system maximum and do not imply garden cultivation north of the warmest coastal pockets.

Categories

Related plants

Cross-check Rose-scented pelargonium against your zones

Reference

Rose-scented pelargonium on Wikipedia