Rose Geranium Pelargonium 'Camphor Rose' (Sc)
ABOUT
The Camphor Rose is a unique and aromatic plant with a distinct fragrance reminiscent of camphor. It is characterized by its lush, green foliage, which forms a dense mound of deeply lobed, soft leaves. The leaves are often heart-shaped at the base, with serrated edges that taper to a point. These leaves usually hold a rich, green hue and can release their camphor-like scent when rubbed or crushed. Adorning this greenery, the Camphor Rose produces clusters of attractive blooms that can vary in color. The flowers are showy and resemble those of traditional garden geraniums, with a rounded shape and petal arrangement that creates a full, almost pompom-like effect. The blossoms are typically made up of five petals, which might come in shades of pink, purple, or white, and often have subtle veining or darker markings that add to their visual interest. This plant is often prized for its ornamental qualities and its ability to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The blooms generally have a long flowering period, which can last throughout the warmer months, providing an extended display of color in the garden. Additionally, the Camphor Rose may occasionally produce fruit that is not typically significant in appearance. It is worth noting that the size of the Camphor Rose can vary, but specific measurements as to how tall or wide it can grow are not to be mentioned. Overall, the Camphor Rose is a delightful addition to garden beds and borders. Its fragrant foliage and cheerful blooms create a sensory experience, while the plant's robust nature allows it to serve as an attractive, low-maintenance ornamental.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Geraniaceae
Synonyms
Camphor Rose Scented Geranium, Camphor Rose Pelargonium
Common names
Pelargonium 'Camphor Rose'
ToxicityTo humans
Scented geraniums, including the 'Camphor Rose' variety, are generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, as with any plant, sensitivity can vary from person to person, and ingesting large amounts could potentially cause mild digestive upset or an allergic reaction in some individuals. Typically, scented geraniums are not associated with serious poisoning when touched or accidentally consumed in small quantities.
To pets
Scented geraniums, like the 'Camphor Rose', are known to be toxic to pets, particularly to cats and dogs. If a pet ingests a part of this plant, they may exhibit symptoms of poisoning, which can include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, anorexia, and dermatitis. It is important to keep this plant out of reach of pets to prevent any potential toxicity issues. If you suspect your pet has ingested this plant, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal poison control service immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
9-11
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant color and texture to gardens and landscapes with its stunning flowers and foliage.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care, making it suitable for gardeners with busy lifestyles or beginner gardeners.
- Drought Tolerance: Adapted to survive with lower amounts of water, ideal for xeriscaping and water-wise gardening.
- Long Blooming: Often has a lengthy blooming period, providing long-lasting visual interest in the garden or home.
- Container Gardening: Well-suited for pots and containers, allowing for versatile placement on patios, balconies, or indoors.
- Fragrance: The leaves release a pleasant scent when brushed against, which can enhance the sensory experience of a garden.
- Attracts Pollinators: Flowers can attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, aiding in the pollination of nearby plants.
- Culinary Use: Some types of geraniums are used in cooking for flavoring or as garnishes, although always verify edibility before consuming.
- Easy Propagation: Can be easily propagated from cuttings, allowing gardeners to create more plants for free.
- Cultural Significance: Often used in various traditional events and decorations, adding a layer of cultural value to its cultivation.
Medical Properties- Antibacterial: Pelargonium 'Camphor Rose' has been suggested to have antibacterial properties that may help to inhibit the growth of certain bacteria.
- Anti-inflammatory: Compounds within the plant could potentially reduce inflammation, providing relief for inflammatory conditions.
- Anxiety and Stress Relief: The scent of the plant has been used in aromatherapy to help reduce stress and anxiety levels.
- Wound Healing: There is some traditional use of the plant's extracts for promoting the healing of minor wounds and skin irritations.
- Expectorant: The plant's leaves are sometimes used in traditional medicine to help clear respiratory passages and ease coughs.
- Antifungal: Similar to its antibacterial properties, it may also possess antifungal effects against certain types of fungi.
- Immune System Support: Some herbal practitioners claim that it can help in boosting the immune system, although scientific evidence is limited.
- Skin Health: The essential oils or extracts are occasionally used in skincare products for their potential benefits to skin health.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The leaves of the Scented Geranium can be infused in teas for a subtle flavoring reminiscent of traditional Earl Grey tea, due to the plant's essential oils.
- When planted in a garden, Scented Geraniums can help repel biting insects like mosquitoes because of its strong camphor-like aroma.
- Scented Geranium leaves are sometimes used in sachets and potpourris to impart a fresh fragrance to linens, drawers, and closets.
- The essential oils extracted from Scented Geranium can be used in homemade cleaning products for their scent and potential mild antibacterial properties.
- They are traditionally used to flavor sugar; leaves layered with sugar impart their scent and flavor, which can then be used in baking.
- The leaves can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, yielding subtle green and yellow tones depending on the mordant used.
- Culinary uses extend to the leaves being frozen in ice cubes to add a unique aroma and taste to cold beverages.
- Cooking with Scented Geranium leaves can infuse dishes with a light rose-camphor flavor, suitable for delicate pastries and desserts.
- It can be used as a natural room deodorizer when simmered in a pot with water, releasing its fragrance into the air.
- The Scented Geranium can also be creatively used in homemade soaps and body lotions for its perfume and purported skin-soothing properties.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Scented Geranium is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Scented Geranium is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: The camphor scent in "Rose-scented Geranium" is associated with medicinal properties, symbolizing the plant’s potential to promote healing and restoration.
- Protection: Historically, geraniums have been used in folk magic for protection, and the strong aroma of the Rose-scented Geranium can be seen as a barrier against harm.
- Love and Fertility: Geraniums, in general, are often linked to love and fertility, and the Rose-scented Geranium, with its rose-like aroma and appearance, reinforces this association.
- Balancing Emotions: The soothing fragrance of Rose-scented Geranium is believed to help balance emotions and relieve stress, symbolizing emotional equilibrium.
WaterScented geraniums, like the Pelargonium 'Camphor Rose', should be watered regularly, but they are somewhat drought tolerant and do not like to be overwatered. Let the soil dry out slightly between waterings. Typically, watering once every 7 to 10 days should be sufficient, but this can vary depending on temperature and humidity. When watering, ensure you provide enough water to saturate the root zone. As a general rule, you might give about half a gallon of water for a medium-sized pot each time you water.
LightScented geraniums thrive in bright, indirect light. The Pelargonium 'Camphor Rose' will do well in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight a day but is protected from the harsh afternoon sun. East or west-facing windows are ideal spots for these plants where they can receive the bright but filtered light they enjoy.
TemperatureThe ideal temperature range for scented geraniums like the Pelargonium 'Camphor Rose' is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive minimum temperatures of about 50 degrees Fahrenheit but prefer not to be exposed to cold drafts. Maximum temperatures should not exceed 85 degrees to prevent heat stress.
PruningPruning scented geraniums like Pelargonium 'Camphor Rose' encourages bushier growth and prevents them from becoming too leggy. Prune these plants lightly in spring or early summer, just before they hit their peak growing season. Remove any dead or yellowing leaves and trim back excessively long stems to maintain a compact, attractive shape.
CleaningAs needed
SoilScented Geraniums like Pelargonium 'Camphor Rose' thrive in a soil mix that is well-draining with equal parts of peat, perlite, and potting soil. The best soil pH for this plant is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingScented Geraniums such as Pelargonium 'Camphor Rose' should be repotted every 1-2 years or when they outgrow their current pot, usually in spring just before the growing season begins.
Humidity & MistingThe ideal humidity level for Scented Geraniums, including Pelargonium 'Camphor Rose', is moderate, around 40-60%. They do not require high humidity and can tolerate the average indoor environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Outdoor
Full to partial sun, well-draining soil, and allow space for air circulation.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleRose-scented geranium (Pelargonium 'Camphor Rose') starts its life cycle when a seed germinates, typically in warm, moist soil conditions. It progresses to a seedling stage, where it develops its first true leaves and grows a root system. As it matures, the plant enters a vegetative stage, producing a robust foliar structure and branching stems, while continuing root development to anchor it and absorb water and nutrients. The geranium reaches the flowering stage, where it produces clusters of small, pink or purple flowers, which are attractive to pollinators, though some Pelargonium varieties may also be propagated vegetatively via cuttings. After pollination, the plant will produce seeds, thus completing its reproductive cycle. Throughout the growing seasons, the plant requires regular pruning to encourage bushy growth and to maintain a compact shape, until it eventually becomes senescent and dies, although it can live for many years with proper care.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Geranium 'Camphor Rose', a scented variety of Pelargonium, is most commonly propagated through stem cuttings. This method is preferred due to its simplicity and high success rate. To propagate by cuttings, one would cut a healthy stem about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long, ideally just below a leaf node, where the concentration of growth hormones is higher. The cut end should be allowed to callous over for a couple of hours to prevent rotting when planted. Dip the calloused end in rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth and plant it in well-draining potting mix. The pot should then be placed in a warm, bright spot out of direct sunlight until roots have developed, which generally takes a few weeks. Consistent moisture should be maintained, but overwatering should be avoided to prevent rot.
