Rose Geranium
Pelargonium graveolens
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Pl. 9850 — Pelargonium graveolens
Pelargonium graveolensPelargonium graveolensPelargonium graveolensPelargonium graveolensPelargonium graveolensPelargonium graveolensPelargonium graveolensPelargonium graveolensPelargonium graveolensPelargonium graveolensPelargonium graveolensPelargonium graveolensPelargonium graveolensPelargonium graveolens
IOverview
Overview
Rose Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) is a subshrub or shrub native to the Cape Provinces and Northern Provinces of South Africa, as well as Zimbabwe. Known for its edible and aromatic properties, this plant thrives in full sun and can tolerate both dry and moist conditions, making it adaptable to various soil types including light (sandy) and medium soils. It grows up to 1.2 meters tall and is hardy in zones 10-11. One distinctive feature of Rose Geranium is its use for culinary purposes, particularly the flowers which add a delicate rose-like flavor to dishes. Another notable characteristic is its ability to grow well in subshrub or shrub forms, making it an attractive ornamental plant as well.
Quick answers
What is Rose Geranium?
Rose Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) is a subshrub or shrub native to the Cape Provinces and Northern Provinces of South Africa, as well as Zimbabwe.
What is Rose Geranium used for?
Traditionally used for mood support. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 1 evidence-ranked use of Rose Geranium
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources- Traditional-use note: Rose Geranium appears in herbal sources around emotional well-being traditions, often as a aromatherapy. PlantSage presents this as ethnobotanical context, not as medical advice.
Traditional context only. This reviewed claim keeps the original low confidence level, but avoids treatment, disease, dosage, or guaranteed-effect language.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Rose Geranium support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Rose Geranium thrives in full sun and prefers a light to medium soil type. It is drought-tolerant but benefits from regular moisture during dry periods. The plant grows up to 1.2 meters tall and can be propagated through cuttings. Hardy in zones 10-11, it requires protection in colder climates. Harvest its edible flowers for culinary use.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
10-11
Habit
Subshrub, Shrub, Forb/herb
Mature size
1.2 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Rose Geranium for the first time
8steps
Start with planting Rose Geranium in a sunny spot and follow these simple steps for success.
- 1
What you'll need
Rose Geranium seeds or young plants, potting soil, containers, and gardening tools.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Rose Geranium in spring after the last frost when temperatures are warm.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a well-draining potting mix and ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds outdoors once soil reaches 65°F (18°C) or start indoors 4-6 weeks before planting outside.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Place in a sunny spot and protect from strong winds.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun, water when the top inch of soil dries out, and fertilize sparingly with a balanced fertilizer.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune regularly to encourage bushy growth. Harvest flowers for drying or use as needed.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, neglecting sunlight, and not pruning enough.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Flowers
Edible uses: Condiment, Tea
Other uses:Essential OilDynamic accumulatorFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
3 native · 8 introduced
Distribution
3 native · 8 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 3 native· 8 introduced
Europe2 regions
introduced (2)FranceSpain
Americas5 regions
introduced (5)Costa RicaCubaDominican RepublicHaitiPuerto Rico
Africa1 region
native (1)Zimbabwe
Broader regions
native:Cape Provinces, Northern Provinces
introduced:Mexico Southwest
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 98501336-07c6-4665-8c98-7aee26844545
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