Pelargonium tomentosum (Peppermint geranium)

Botanical name

Pelargonium tomentosum

Other names

Peppermint geranium, Peppermint-scented geranium

Genus

Pelargonium Pelargonium

Species

P. tomentosum - P. tomentosum is a vigorous, evergreen perennial with velvety, heart-shaped, peppermint-scented, mid-green leaves and clusters of small white flowers in spring and summer.

Foliage

Evergreen

Fragrance

The bruised leaves release a strong peppermint scent.

Habit

Spreading

Awards

RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)

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Colour

Flower

White in Spring; White in Summer

Foliage

Mid-green in All seasons

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How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Caterpillars , Glasshouse leafhopper , Glasshouse whitefly , Root mealybugs , Thrips , Vine weevil

Specific diseases

Grey mould

General care

Pruning

Deadhead regularly.

Propagation methods

Softwood cuttings

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Pelargonium tomentosum (Peppermint geranium) will reach a height of 0.9m and a spread of 0.75m after 2-5 years.

Suggested uses

Beds and borders, City, Coastal, Conservatory, Containers, Drought Tolerant, Greenhouse

Cultivation

Outdoors, grow in frost-free areas in fertile, well-drained soil. Under glass, grow in a loam-less or loam-based compost in full light with shade from hot sun. Water moderately when in growth and sparingly in winter.

Soil type

Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)

Soil drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Full Sun

Aspect

North, South, East, West

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Indoor heated (H1), Tender in frost (H3)

USDA zones

Zone 11, Zone 10, Zone 9

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Pelargonium tomentosum (Peppermint geranium)

Common pest name

Omnivorous leafroller

Scientific pest name

Platynota stultana

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Polyphagous pest which could be potentially damaging to a range of crops if introduced to the UK. Awareness raising amongst the industry is needed. Also need to monitor developments in Spain where the pest is already present and consider whether EU regulation is warranted.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Pelargonium tomentosum (Peppermint geranium)

Common pest name

Banded-winged whitefly

Scientific pest name

Trialeurodes abutiloneus

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Polyphagous whitefly native to the Americas with the potential to introduce harmful viruses to the UK. EU regulation should be considered and further assessed by EPPO.

Defra's Risk register #3

Plant name

Pelargonium tomentosum (Peppermint geranium)

Common pest name

Green semi-looper

Scientific pest name

Chrysodeixis eriosoma

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Polyphagous moth pest which is morphologically identical to a pest already established in the UK in protected environments and being controlled by IPM. Not expected to cause greater impacts than other species of Chrysodeixis in the UK.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/