This plant is a lemon-scented, shrubby, upright pelargonium with pale pink flowers and crinkled leaves.
Noteworthy CharacteristicsWorks quite well for topiary because it produces dense heads of foliage. Crispum means curled or wavy and describes the edges of these plants’ small, crinkled, lemony leaves.
CareScented geraniums will not tolerate poor drainage. In a container, ensure drainage and adequate moisture by using a good potting mix that contains ingredients like peat moss, pasteurized compost, and perlite. Use a timed-released fertilizer in the soil or an all-purpose liquid fertilizer when you water. Pelargoniums like magnesium, and a teaspoon of Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) added to each gallon of fertilizer solution every few waterings will adequately supply this nutrient. As with plants in the ground, place containers in the full sun. When temperatures get above 90°F pelargoniums appreciate some afternoon shade Bring potted plants indoors before outdoor temperatures drop below 45°F, to avoid shocking them. Place them in a south-facing windowsill that gets at least four hours of direct sunlight a day.
PropagationSow seed at 70°F in late winter or early spring, or take softwood cuttings in spring, late summer, or early fall.
ProblemsThrips, spider mites, mealybugs, caterpillars, gray mold, mildew, black leg, flower break virus, Xanthomonas blight, and edema are common problems.
Fine Gardening Recommended Products
XLUX Soil Moisture Meter
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Dramm Revolution Adjustable 9-Pattern Metal Hose Nozzle
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
D&X Garden Sprinkler
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
- Genus : Pelargonium
- Plant Height : 1 to 3 feet
- Zones : 10, 11
- Plant Width : 6 to 12 inches
- Uses : Containers
- Bloom Time : Fall, Summer
- Characteristics : Fragrant Foliage
- Light : Full Sun to Partial Shade
- Moisture : Medium Moisture
- Maintenance : Moderate
- Growth Rate : Moderate
- Plant Type : Perennials
- Flower Color : Pink
- Plant Seasonal Interest : Summer Interest
Plant Characteristics are only available to Fine Gardening members
Sign up for a free trial and get instant access to our complete plant guide as well as our entire collection of articles and videos.