Peppermint Geranium (Pelargonium tomentosum) is a fragrant, half-hardy heirloom geranium that brings the cool, minty scent of peppermint to your garden without producing the plant itself. This compact cultivar grows 12 to 24 inches tall and wide, thriving in partial shade across zones 9 and warmer climates. From summer through fall, it produces delicate blooms while its soft, velvety foliage releases its distinctive peppermint aroma when brushed or handled, creating a sensory experience that goes far beyond typical ornamental geraniums.
Partial Shade
Moderate
9-9
24in H x 24in W
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High
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The peppermint-scented foliage is the real draw here; brush the soft, downy leaves and your hands fill with a cool, minty fragrance that persists long after you've walked away. The plant blooms reliably from June through November in warm climates, offering months of small, charming flowers amid aromatic foliage. Deer leave it alone entirely, and its compact, spreading habit makes it a natural choice for containers, edging, or a fragrant focal point on a porch where you'll brush past it often.
This geranium is primarily grown for its fragrant foliage rather than culinary use. Gardeners cultivate it for its scent, brushing the leaves to release the peppermint aroma in garden beds, containers, or near seating areas where the fragrance can be appreciated. The subtle flowers add visual interest throughout the warm months, making it as much an ornamental as a fragrant accent plant.
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Start seeds indoors in a warm location with temperatures between 65 and 75°F. Sow on the surface or just barely covered, as light aids germination. Begin seeds 6 to 8 weeks before your last frost date to allow time for strong growth before transplanting outdoors.
Harden off seedlings gradually by exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days before planting out. Transplant after the danger of hard frost has passed, since this is a half-hardy cultivar. Space plants 1 inch apart in partial shade with well-draining soil.
Pinch back young plants to encourage bushier growth and more compact form. Remove spent flowers and dead foliage regularly to prevent botrytis and keep the plant tidy; this also improves air circulation around the plants. Cut back leggy growth as needed throughout the growing season to maintain the 12 to 24 inch desired size.
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