Peppermint pelargonium

Pelargonium tomentosum

South African pelargonium with very large velvety silver-grey leaves that release a strong cool peppermint fragrance when brushed, and small white flowers through summer.

Hardiness ratings

Peppermint 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 Cape Floristic Region of South Africa — naturally occurs in mountain gullies in part shade
  • Tolerates more shade than most pelargoniums — useful as a fragrant ground cover under trees
  • Edible leaves — used to flavour syrups and ice cream, with a clean peppermint flavour
  • Frost-tender — needs winter protection below zone 9
  • 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 Peppermint pelargonium against your zones

Reference

Peppermint pelargonium on Wikipedia