Pelargonium sidoidies
This small shrubby geranium (H 30cm W 60cm) leads something of a double life as it is regarded here as a promising low water use ground cover or 'path edger', while in its African homeland it has a long history as a medicinal plant. In Zulu it is known as Umckaloabo which roughly translates as 'heavy cough' referring to its use for respiratory complaints. The small deep maroon flowers appear on the ends of wiry stems which zigzag from the centre of a neat mound of scalloped grey leaves. Frost hardy and tough, it would be home amongst succulents or as balcony pot plant unfazed by strong wind or salty air.
I've got one like this except with white flowers, nutmeg scented, and I use it as an edging, but I'm getting sick of it, had it for years and years.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment. You are spot on of course they are very similar and probably arose in very similar growing conditions. i think Diggers in Melbourne have this one. regards
ReplyDeleteIan