Japanese name: アップルゼラニウム Scientific name:Pelargonium odoratissimum
[Overview]
A perennial that grows to about 60 cm tall.
It has roots that become tuberous.
The stems become woody.
The leaves are round, about 3–4 cm across, densely covered with soft hairs, and the margins are irregularly cut and wavy.
They have long petioles.
Umbels bear 3–10 flowers.
The flowers are white with 5 petals, and the upper 2 petals have red spots.
[Uses]
The whole plant smells like apples and is used as a herb.
[Cultivation]
Propagate by cuttings.
It prefers a slightly alkaline soil that is well drained, moisture-retentive and well aerated, in a sunny place.
It dislikes heat and humidity, so move it to an airy place in summer.
It is also somewhat susceptible to cold, so care is needed.
For potted plants, water thoroughly when the soil surface dries; for plants in the ground, rainfall is sufficient.
Apply base fertilizer, and also place slow-release chemical fertilizer on the soil during the growing season.
