Pelargonium graveolens is a species in the Pelargonium genus, which is indigenous to various parts of southern Africa, and in particular South Africa. It is often called geranium as it falls within the plant family Geraniaceae, although more correctly, it is referred to as Pelargonium. This specific species has great importance in the perfume industry. It is cultivated on a large scale and its foliage is distilled for its scent. P. graveolens cultivars have a wide variety of smells, including rose, citrus, mint, coconut and nutmeg, as well as various fruits. However, the most commercially important varieties are those that have rose scents.
Who can resist the wonderful fragrance of the rose geranium? Besides its appealing fragrance it ’s a useful garden plant. Forms a loose bush 2 to 3 ft. tall and wide with pink flowers in spring and summer. Full sun on coast, part shade in hot regions, moderate water. Hardy to around 20gdeg;F. Deer resistant.
The rose geranium is part of the large Geranium plant family native to South Africa, Madagascar, Egypt and Morocco. It is called Pelargonium graveolens in the botanical world. It's one of the scented geraniums, and has more deeply cut leaves and smaller flowers than the geraniums you might grow in your garden. But the scent is lovely --- it's a combination of roses and lemon, with a hint of apple. Essential oil is extracted through steam distillation from the leaves of this plant when they begin to fade and turn yellow. It is said to help repel fleas, ticks and other bothersome insects when you apply it to your skin or on your pet.
Rose geranium oil has been used for far more than flea and tick control over the centuries because the plant has many beneficial properties. These properties are believed to make it useful as an antiseptic, diuretic, deodorant, styptic, vermifuge and vulnerary. Some claim that inhaling the oil can lift the spirits and help relieve depression and anxiety. It is also useful for skin ailments such as oily conditions, burns, ulcers and other wounds. Commercial tick repellent products, such as Quantum's 100 percent Natural Herbal Skin Conditioning Spray, often include the oil of rose geranium.
