PELARGONIUM capitatum

PELARGONIUM capitatum Species. Downy green, rose scented foliage with an obvious crinkled edge. Pale pink flowers borne grouped in distinctive, close packed heads - up to 20 flowers to the head. Hence the Latin name capitatum or head-like. Decorative, hedgehog-like green seed heads. Can reach about 60cm in the wild. In England seldom grows above 30cm. Spreading, decumbent habit. Widespread along the coast of S. Africa, where it grows in sand dunes. Can be raised from seed or cuttings. This is the true species form that can often be confused with cultivars such as 'Pink Capricorn' or 'Attar of Roses'. These are likely hybrids of the species. First introduced into England in 1690 by Hans William Bentinck, head steward to William of Orange. Click here to discover more about Pelargoniums.