Peppermint Geranium

This is truly a wonderful variety, with refreshing minty velvety leaves. Elegant trailing habit makes it a beautiful choice for hanging baskets and even a sprawling groundcover in sunny to semi-shady areas. Produces delicate white – purple flowers. True to its name “tometosum”, Latin for “densely woolly with matted hairs”. Like most geraniums, this variety was introduced to Europe in the 17th and 18th century by sailors returning from Cape of Good Hope, South Africa. These exotic plants were collected by naturalists hoping to discover new sources of food and medicine. The French later discovered its commercial potential through its fragrant essential oils and are still adored today for their pleasing aromas and stunning blossoms. Geraniums love the sun and dry, well-drained, rich, loamy and slightly acidic soil. Soil must drain quickly while retaining moisture. Therefore, instead of standard potting mix, plant in a soil-less mix of peat moss, perlite, vermiculite, shredded bark and sand. Prune back up to half the foliage in late winter or early spring to encourage a denser bushy growth while preventing woody and leggy stems. Height 12-24 inches.