SCENTED GERANIUMS
ROSE SCENTED GERANIUM
Fall in love with this aromatic and very popular indigenous herb. Plant it in the garden or containers close to walkways so that you can touch and smell it every time you walk past. Take some time to smell the roses ...
In the garden:
Scented Pelargoniums became popular when the French perfume industry realized their aromatic potential in 1847. Most pelargoniums originate from the Cape region in South Africa.
Growth Characteristics:
• Perennial, Evergreen, Frost tolerant.
• Height: ±80cmm; Spread: ±80cm.
Cultivation:
• Full sun; Well drained, composted soil.
• Plant it along walkways where it is easy to reach and brushed against to release the scent.
Harvesting:
• Pick fresh leaves throughout the year.
Repellant for:
• Citronella: Mosquitoes.
Culinary use:
• Use fresh flowers in salads and for garnishing.
• Place leaves under baked apples or cakes to impart flavour.
Citronella:
• Leaves may be infused to make tea, and used fresh to flavour desserts, punch, and vinegar.
Nutmeg:
• Leaves give flavour to pâté, jellies, desserts, cakes, punches, and coffee.
Peppermint:
• Fresh leaves are used to flavour tea, desserts, jellies, and chocolate cakes.
Fragrance:
• Use in potpourris, herb pillows.
• Citronella geranium: Lemon-scented leaves.
• Lady Plymouth: Minty, rose-lemon scent.
• Nutmeg geranium: Aromatic, with a spicy, pine-like scent.
• Peppermint geranium: Strong peppermint scent.
Cosmetic use:
• Infuse leaves as a mild astringent to clean and help circulation of pale, sluggish complexions.
• Add to bathtwater to sooth the skin.
Health benefits:
Scented Geranium may be beneficial in the following cases:
Musculo / Skeletal System
Nutmeg: Externally as a rub for aching feet or legs (fresh leaves).
Peppermint: As a poultice for bruises and sprains,
Preparation and dosage:
• Fresh Leaves.