What is Pelargonium 'Chocolate Peppermint'?

Pelargonium 'Chocolate Peppermint' is a scented variety belonging to the group of fragrant-leaved pelargoniums, derived from complex hybridisations within the Pelargonium tomentosum species and its close relatives. Like all scented geraniums, it is above all the foliage that takes centre stage — and what foliage it is: at the slightest contact or in warm weather, the leaves release an astonishing fragrance that irresistibly evokes dark chocolate mingled with fresh peppermint.

Its leaves are rounded, softly lobed and covered with a fine velvety down characteristic of tomentosum pelargoniums, marked with a darker central spot, slightly brownish, which earned it the "Chocolate" in its name. The whole plant forms a bushy, generous, naturally elegant mound of aromatic foliage.

What are the unique characteristics of this variety?

• A unique and complex fragrance: the chocolate-mint combination exists in no other plant species with this intensity. The scent is released by heat, touch, and can perfume an entire space in moments.
• Exceptional aromatic persistence: unlike flowering plants, its persistent foliage provides an olfactory presence throughout the year, even in the absence of flowers.
• Ornamental foliage in its own right: the large, round, velvety leaves with their characteristic central marking are decorative in every season.
• Delicate pink flowers: modest but charming, they appear in spring and summer in light umbels, never overshadowing the main attraction — the foliage.
• Natural robustness: like most scented pelargoniums, it is resistant to common diseases and unattractive to most pests — its aromatic foliage acts as a natural protection.

How to grow Pelargonium 'Chocolate Peppermint'?

• Light: full sun or lightly shaded. It tolerates partial shade well, but its fragrance is more intense when the sun warms the foliage.
• Substrate: light, fertile and free-draining compost. A mix of general-purpose potting compost and perlite (20–30%) is ideal. Excess root moisture is its main enemy — always ensure containers have effective drainage holes.
• Watering: moderate and measured. Allow the top 2 cm of substrate to dry between waterings. In summer, water preferably in the morning. In winter, reduce drastically — once every 2 to 3 weeks is sufficient.
• Feeding: a balanced liquid fertiliser every 2 weeks from April to September maintains dense, aromatic foliage. Favour a potassium-rich fertiliser to stimulate the essential oils responsible for the fragrance.
• Temperature: ideally 15 to 25°C. It cannot tolerate frost — overwinter indoors or in a bright conservatory at a minimum of 10°C.

How to care for Pelargonium 'Chocolate Peppermint' year-round?

• Routine maintenance: remove damaged or yellowing leaves throughout the season to maintain dense, well-aired foliage.
• Overwintering: bring indoors before the first frosts into a bright, cool space (10–15°C). Reduce watering to a minimum and stop all feeding. The plant may drop a few leaves — this is normal and temporary.
• Spring pruning: at the start of the growing season, lightly trim the longest stems to encourage dense branching and a bushy habit. This pruning also promotes the emergence of fresh, intensely fragrant new leaves.
• Repotting: every 2 years in spring, into a slightly larger pot with fresh substrate.

Where to plant Pelargonium 'Chocolate Peppermint'?

• In a pot on a terrace or balcony: placed near a pathway, garden furniture or entrance, it perfumes the space with every breeze or touch. This is its ideal position.
• Indoors near a bright window: it naturally scents a room without any diffuser or chemical product.
• In a conservatory or cold greenhouse: it thrives remarkably well here, sheltered from frost while benefiting from good light levels.
• In beds in mild regions: in areas with gentle winters, it can be planted directly in an aromatic border or pathway edging.
• Plant combinations: group it with other scented pelargoniums from our collection to create a sensory container garden, or contrast it with our trailing fuchsias for a striking mix of textures and colours.

What are the advantages for collectors?

• A rarity unavailable in mainstream garden centres: this pelargonium is found only among specialist nurseries and enthusiast collectors.
• A unique sensory contribution: in a collection of aromatic plants, it brings an absolutely unique chocolatey-minty note impossible to find elsewhere.
• Remarkable longevity: well maintained, a scented pelargonium can live 10 to 20 years, gradually developing an impressive shrubby habit and becoming more fragrant with age.
• Culinary potential: like many scented pelargoniums, its leaves can be used to flavour culinary preparations — infusions, pastries, sorbets — lending a sophisticated aromatic note.

Explore our full collection of over 40 scented pelargoniums — lemon, rose, cola, mint, eucalyptus and many more.

How to propagate Pelargonium 'Chocolate Peppermint'?

Propagation by stem cuttings is the recommended method, in spring or early summer:

• Take a semi-ripe stem cutting of 8 to 12 cm with 2 to 3 pairs of leaves.
• Remove the lower leaves and any flowers or buds present.
• Allow the cut end to air-dry for 1 to 2 hours before planting — essential to prevent rot.
• Plant in a light sand/compost mix, slightly moist.
• Place in indirect light at approximately 18–20°C.
• Keep the substrate lightly moist — without excess — until rooting in 3 to 4 weeks.