Herb: Peppermint Geranium


Latin name: Pelargonium tomentosum


Family: Geraniaceae (Geranium Family)



Medicinal use of Peppermint Geranium:

All parts of the plant are astringent. The fresh leaves are used externally as a poultice for bruises and sprains.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Evergreen
Shrub

Height:
50 cm
(1 foot)

Flowering:
May to
July

Scent:
Scented
Shrub

Habitat of the herb:

Semi-shaded moist places. Sandy soils on the margins of forests along streams.

Edible parts of Peppermint Geranium:

The leaves and flowers have a strong mint scent and are used for flavouring cakes, puddings, pies, biscuits etc. A peppermint-flavoured tea is infused from the fresh leaves.

Other uses of the herb:

An essential oil is obtained from the plant. It has a peppermint fragrance. The dried leaves are added to pot-pourri.

Propagation of Peppermint Geranium:

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse. Stored seed should be sown in early spring in a greenhouse. The seed germinates best with a minimum temperature of 13°C, germination usually taking place within 2 weeks though it sometimes takes some months. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. If trying them outdoors, plant them out in early summer and consider giving them extra protection during the winter. Cuttings succeed at almost any time in the growing season but early summer is the best time in order for the new plant to become established before winter.

Cultivation of the herb:

Semi-shaded moist places. Sandy soils on the margins of forests along streams.

Known hazards of Pelargonium tomentosum:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.