© H. Zell · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Commons
Pelargonium odoratissimum
Caution🐾Apfel-Geranie · (Pelargonium odoratissimum)
Cranesbill family (Geraniaceae)
Description
Pelargonium odoratissimum is a pelargonium species native to South Africa. It is also known as the apple geranium or apple pelargonium due to the distinct apple scent. It is in the subgenus Reniforme along with Pelargonium sidoides and Pelargonium exstipulatum.
- TeaLeafInternalTraditional use
Traditional infusion of fresh or dried apple geranium leaves as a gently calming evening tea with the characteristic fruity apple aroma. In South African folk medicine, aqueous extracts of Pelargonium odoratissimum are used for nervous restlessness, mild stomach upset and colds; in European scented-garden traditions the apple tea is mainly a pleasure tea.
Preparation & dosage
Chop 1-2 g (about 2-3 fresh or 1 tsp dried) apple geranium leaves, pour 200 ml boiling water over them, cover and infuse 8 minutes, then strain. 1-2 cups daily, preferably in the afternoon or evening. Fresh leaves give the fuller apple aroma.
- Dry amount
- 1–2 g
- Doses per day
- 2×
- Max duration
- 4 weeks
[#src_wiki_odoratissimum_en] [#src_pfaf_odoratissimum] [#src_lalli_pelargonium_chemistry]
- Essential oilLeafExternalTraditional use
Aromatherapy use of apple geranium essential oil for relaxation, nervous tension and stress. The fruity-rosy scent profile with high citronellol/geraniol content and pronounced citronellyl esters gives the apple geranium its characteristic apple note; in aromatherapy it is regarded as mildly calming and mood-balancing.
Preparation & dosage
Diffuser: 3-5 drops apple geranium essential oil in 100 ml water, vaporise for 20-30 minutes. Massage oil: 5-10 drops in 50 ml carrier oil (almond, jojoba) — corresponds to 0.5-1 %. NEVER apply undiluted. Patch test 24 h before first use.
- Doses per day
- 2×
- Max duration
- 4 weeks
⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 6 years — In children under 6 years, avoid intensive diffuser use in the bedroom due to citronellol/geraniol content. Avoid entirely in infants and toddlers.
[#src_lalli_pelargonium_chemistry] [#src_wiki_odoratissimum_en] [#src_herbalreality_pelargonium]
- RawLeafExternalFolk medicine
Folk-medicinal insect repellent: fresh leaves of the apple geranium are crushed in the garden and dabbed onto exposed skin to keep biting insects away. The citronellol/geraniol-rich scent shares its repellent effect with classical citronella and rose geranium oil, but in vitro it is weaker than the 'Citrosa' cultivar and true Cymbopogon citronella. Especially common in South African folk practice and English cottage-garden traditions.
Preparation & dosage
[#src_wiki_odoratissimum_en] [#src_pfaf_odoratissimum] [#src_herbalreality_pelargonium]
- SpiceLeafInternalFolk medicine
Culinary herb: the apple-scented leaves flavour jellies, jams (especially apple and quince jelly), syrups, sorbets, puddings and cakes — the EU flavouring legislation permits pelargonium leaves as a natural flavouring. Apple geranium sugar and leaf-perfumed confectionery are an English cottage-garden classic.
Preparation & dosage
[#src_pfaf_odoratissimum] [#src_wiki_odoratissimum_en] [#src_kew_pelargonium_odoratissimum]
- BathLeafExternalFolk medicine
Folk-medicinal relaxation bath for nervous tension, exhaustion and irritated skin. The essential oils act via skin and inhaled air; warm water releases muscle tension. The apple scent makes the bath a classical 'wellbeing bath' from South African and English folk traditions.
Preparation & dosage
Pour 1.5 L hot water over 50-100 g dried or a large handful of fresh apple geranium leaves, infuse for 20 minutes, strain and add to a full bath (35-38 °C, 15-20 minutes). Avoid concentrated use on sensitive skin.
- Dry amount
- 50–100 g
- Doses per day
- 1×
- RawWhole plantExternalFolk medicine
Scented-garden classic: the apple geranium is one of the historically oldest scented-pelargonium varieties in European collections (documented in England since 1724) and, with its small white flowers and intensely apple-scented foliage, is considered a key plant for scented beds, sensory gardens and therapeutic gardens (e.g. for dementia care homes).
[#src_kew_pelargonium_odoratissimum] [#src_wiki_odoratissimum_en] [#src_wiki_duftpelargonien_de]
Distribution in Europe
🪴 Grow at home
- ☀ Light
- full sun
- 💧 Water
- every few days
- 🌱 Soil
- Geranium compost with drainage
- 🪴 Pot
- 18 cm
- ⭐ Difficulty
- ★☆☆ beginner
- 🐾 Pets
- pet-safe
Tips:
- Apple scent when touched — great on the windowsill.
- Winter: cool (5-12 °C) and very little water.
- Fresh leaves in salads or as tea.
Care tips are general indoor-gardening recommendations, not scientific sources.