PlantFiles: Peppermint-Scented Geranium
Pelargonium tomentosum

I think this plant is at its best in early morning when there is a dew. The hairy leaves hold water and it can shine in the morning sun. I've grown it for many years. Plants can easily grow to cover a square yard or more in leaves that look luscious even when conditions are dry.(It will appreciate a little watering but it doesn't need a lot, the leaves start to curl if it is too dry) When it is young it will take any pruning to shape. I do find as it ages it tends to die off in the center and ceases to look as good. I may do it incorrectly but I find cutting it back hard at this stage, in an attempt to rejuvenate it more often causes it to drop dead. So I've taken to replacing them every 2-3 years.Cuttings are easily set from tip prunings so I always have a few in pots waiting to go in.
The flowers are white and held up above the leaves. I'm not particularly fond of them as they rapidly look messy and are very small compared to the leaves, so I prune them off. Any exscuse to handle this plant is a pleasure both for scent and texture.

A beautiful plant that smells just like 'Kentucky Colonel' mint.