Lemon Geranium

Pelargonium crispum Geraniaceae

Growth habit

Sub-Shrub

Perennation

Cultivated as annual

Native distribution

South Africa

Biocultural value

Leaves make a refreshing lemon-flavored tea.

Location

Robison Herb Garden

Source of plant

Well-Sweep Herb Farm

Description

Erect, branched, rather stiff subshrub, to 70cm. Leaves numerous, small, appearing 2-ranked, obscurely 3-lobed to reniform, to 10x15mm, rough, lemon-scented, margin coarsely and markedly crispate; stipules broad-ovate, to 4x5mm. Inflorescence 1-2-flowered; flowers to 2cm diameter, usually pink; 2 upper petals broadly spathulate, strongly marked with deep pink, lower petal narrow; spur to 8mm.

USDA Hardiness Zone

10

Special characteristics

fragrance, tender perennial, food