Promising Plants Profiles

Pelargonium sidoides

Genus: Pelargonium
Specific Epithet: sidoides
Common Name: rabassam
Family: Geraniaceae

Flower Color: very dark maroon
Form: evergreen, growing in trailing low mound
Hardiness Zone: 10
Height: 8-20''
Soil: well-drained, gritty soil
Sun: full sun

Uses: medicinal, ornamental
Parts Used: root

"Pelargonium sidoides is one of several wild South African species whose roots are chewed, taken in the form of infusions or powdered and mixed with food to control diarrhea. Collectively, these species are known as rabassam and have been used in Zulu medicine for many centuries.* This particular species is an attractive ornamental with silver-grey, slightly aromatic foliage and contrasting very dark, almost black flowers, which are scented. Though small, the flowers are produced in a constant succession throughout the summer, resulting in a cascade of flowering racemes.

This species is easy to grow and makes an excellent pot plant that, unlike many pelargoniums, does not get too big. It tolerates very dry sunny conditions. In the wild it occurs in short grassland, often in coastal regions, forming a dense rosette of evergreen foliage, though it may well die back to its tuberous roots during severe drought or after bush fires. In frost-free areas it can be grown outdoors where it associates well with thymes and other grey-leaved herbs. According to Kirstenbosch Botanic Garden near Cape Town, it withstands frost and snow at 2300m in Lesotho, so it may be hardier than we give it credit for. Propagation is by seed or by basal cuttings rooted in coarse sand in spring.

Caroline and Joyce, who are far more expert than I am on the subject of pelargoniums, have explained to me that the plant often sold as P. sidoides is in fact a hybrid called P. ‘Burgundy.’ They are similar in appearance but ‘Burgundy’ has smaller leaves and, alas, unscented flowers." – Deni Bown, Promising Plants Presentation, 2006

*"P. sidoides has also been used for centuries for the treatment of respiratory conditions. The Zulu words ‘umKkhulkane’ and ‘uHlabo’ were combined to form the word umckaloabo which describes a decoction made from the roots of P. sidoides and P. reniforme for treatment of bronchial problems. Modern plant research confirms the effectiveness of this treatment." – Caroline Amidon & Joyce Brobst

Plant Source: not yet available in the trade

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