Pelargonium is a genus of flowering plants which includes about 200 species of perennials, succulents, and shrubs, commonly known as geraniums or storksbills. Confusingly, Geranium is the correct botanical name of a separate genus of related plants often called Cranesbills. Both genera are in the Family Geraniaceae. They are drought and heat tolerant, but can tolerate only minor frosts. Some species are extremely popular garden plants, grown as bedding plants in temperate regions.

Pelargonium vitifolium commonly known as Vine-Leaved Pelargonium or Balm-Scented Pelargonium is a South African endemic species from the Western Cape Province. This lovely vine leaved shrub that is stunning in full flower, with its balm scent, is ideal for your fragrant garden. Pelargonium vitifolium is an erect strongly scented shrub, 0.51 m tall. The central stem is woody at the base while the side branches are soft, herbaceous and covered with long soft hairs. The leaves are usually about 60 mm long and 80 mm wide; mostly 3-lobed but occasionally 5-lobed and slightly rough to the touch. This is due to the stiff hairs covering the leaf blades. The leaf margin is irregularly toothed and coarse. The fruit, a schizocarp, splits into 5 separate parts, or mericarps, with the basal part about 6 mm long and a tail of about 35 mm long. Pelargonium vitifolium flowers generally throughout the year, except mid-winter, but has a peak period during spring from August to October. When gardening with Pelargonium vitifolium one should bear in mind that it is best grown in a sunny area of the garden. It has been observed that animals browse on P. vitifolium. It will also make an interesting addition to a scented garden with its strong aromatic scent. Providing year-round colour, if pruned it will stay compact. In general, good sandy loam soils are suitable for most pelargoniums. The pH is not a critical factor and a neutral to slightly acid pH is suitable for most species. It requires much water to establish the species and to encourage rapid and healthy growth. Once established in the garden it will tolerate drought and wind.