About Pelargonium capitatum (L.) L'Hér.
Pelargonium capitatum is a low-growing shrub that reaches approximately 100 cm (39 in) in height and 1.5 m in width. Its soft stems are covered in green glandular hairs; brushing against the plant damages these hairs and releases a large amount of scented essential oil. The scent can range from a faint sweet aroma to a strong rose-like fragrance. Flower colors span from white, through multiple pink shades, to purple. While this species prefers sand dune habitats, it grows quickly in any suitable growing medium, including heavy clay soil, which allows it to easily colonize disturbed areas. Pelargonium capitatum is among several related plants that have become a significant invasive issue in coastal regions of southwest Western Australia, where it invades banksia woodland and coastal heathland. It can be easily propagated from either seed or cuttings, and grows best in well-drained sandy soils. This species is native to fynbos along the coast of South Africa, occurring from Lamberts Bay in the Western Cape eastward to Kwazulu-Natal, where it typically grows in beach sand or other well-drained sandy soils. It is a popular, low-maintenance ornamental plant, and it is also one of the Pelargonium species cultivated for essential oil production.
