Pelargonium capitatum

A beautiful indigenous, spreading pelargonium with soft, aromatic foliage and delicate clusters of pink flowers. In Cape Town, it typically flowers in spring, mainly September to October, with pretty pink blooms marked with darker colouring on the upper petals. Its soft, lobed leaves release a delightful rose-like fragrance when touched or crushed. With its spreading habit, it is ideal for groundcover, rockeries, borders, containers, hanging baskets and coastal gardens, where it can cascade beautifully over walls and banks.

Why You'll Love It:

• Pretty pink flowers with darker markings.
• Delightfully rose-scented foliage.
• Spreading habit ideal for groundcover and cascading displays.
• Hardy and water-wise once established.
• Excellent for coastal, sandy and low-maintenance gardens.

Plant & Care

Plant in full sun and well-drained, preferably sandy soil. Water regularly while establishing, then reduce watering once established, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid poorly drained or waterlogged areas, particularly during Cape Town's wet winter. Trim lightly after flowering if needed to maintain a neat shape or control its spread. Little feeding is needed when planted in the ground; container-grown plants can benefit from occasional feeding during active growth.

Did You Know?

The rose-scented leaves are one of this pelargonium's most distinctive features. Its seeds are also fascinating: they have hygroscopic awns that respond to moisture, helping the seeds move into the soil.