Scented Geranium 'Attar of Rose'
Scented Geranium 'Attar of Rose'
Usually available: April to November
Life cycle: Perennial
Height: 30 - 90cm
Position: Sun/part shade
Soil preference: Well-drained
This is how we pack and send your Herb Plants to all states except TAS & WA
You will receive
- 1 Scented Geranium Capitatum Herb Plant in a 50 X 75mm tube - General growing instructions
All of our Herb Plants are grown organically with certified organic potting mixes and fertilisers
Botanical Name: Pelargonium capitatum ‘Attar of Rose’
Attar of Rose is a compact, bushy, evergreen scented pelargonium typically 60–80 cm high and 60–90 cm wide. Young growth is herbaceous, becoming semi-woody with age. Stems and leaves are softly hairy with many glandular hairs that give a velvety feel. Leaves are mid-green, rounded to shallowly lobed (less deeply cut than many rose types) and release a soft, lightly old-rose fragrance when brushed. Flowers are pale pink to mauve-pink with fine, darker markings on the upper petals, held in small, rounded clusters (pseudo-umbels). Peak flowering is in spring, with blooms appearing from late winter into summer in mild climates.
History
The genus name Pelargonium comes from the Greek pelargos (stork), a reference to the stork-bill shape of the fruit. The species epithet capitatum means “head-like”, describing the rounded flower clusters. The cultivar name ‘Attar of Roses’ refers to its classic rose scent reminiscent of rose-otto. The wild forms of P. capitatum are native to coastal South Africa, especially the Western and Eastern Cape. ‘Attar of Roses’ is a long-grown garden selection within the rose-scented group and is widely cultivated for its reliable fragrance and neat habit.
Growing Conditions
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Light: Full sun to light shade. In hot, dry positions a little afternoon shade keeps foliage fresh.
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Soil: Free-draining soil is essential. Tolerates sandy or poorer soils; avoid heavy, waterlogged ground.
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Water: Moderate. Water when the top few centimetres of soil are dry; allow to dry slightly between waterings.
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Feeding: Light feeders. Use a balanced, low-to-moderate-nitrogen fertiliser in spring and mid-summer.
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Pruning: Tip-prune regularly to keep a dense mound. Harder trims after the main spring flush maintain shape.
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Climate: Frost-tender. Performs very well in SE Queensland/Gold Coast conditions; protect from cold snaps inland.
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Containers: Excellent in pots and hanging baskets with a free-draining mix.
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Propagation: Tip or semi-ripe stem cuttings in spring to early autumn strike readily.
Culinary Uses
Leaves are suitable for gentle flavouring. Use sparingly and only from unsprayed plants:
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Line cake tins or sugar jars to impart a rose fragrance.
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Infuse syrups, custards, creams or compotes, then remove the leaves before serving.
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Make a light herbal tea: 3 tsp fresh chopped leaves (or 1 tsp dried) per 250 ml boiling water; steep 5–7 minutes and strain.
Note: The flavour is aromatic rather than sweet; a little goes a long way.
Medicinal Uses
Scented pelargoniums have a history of traditional use for mild astringency and mood support. The leaves are used externally in skin-soothing baths or compresses and the aroma is valued in aromatherapy for a balancing, uplifting effect. Evidence is largely traditional; use as supportive care rather than as a primary treatment.
Other Uses
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Ideal for pot-pourri, sachets and drawer fresheners (dried leaves hold fragrance well).
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Useful as cut foliage in small posies.
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Grown historically as a source of rose-like aromatic material; true commercial “geranium oil” is usually from related rose-scented pelargoniums.
All information provided on this website is for informational purposes only. Please seek professional advice before commencing any treatment.
Our shipping costs are a flat rate, meaning you can add any amount of products to your order and you will pay the same.
Express Post - $12.95
Plants are sent via Express Post only.
Dispatch days: Monday and Tuesday only.
We can send plants to Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and ACT.
We cannot send plants to Western Australia, Northern Territory or Tasmania due to restrictions.
*Subject to actual conditions. Find out more on our Delivery information page.
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If you are unhappy with the quality of herb plants, they must be photographed on the day of receiving and emailed to us within 24 hours.
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