Geranium macrorrhizum 'White-Ness'

RHS Plant Profile
big-root cranesbill 'White-Ness'

Synonyms

Geranium macrorrhizum 'Mount Olympus'
Geranium macrorrhizum 'Mount Olympus White'

Award of Garden MeritPlants for pollinators
Herbaceous Perennial

A robust, florifeous, evergreen, cultivar to 50cm, spreading to 110cm, with pure white flowers and neat pale green leaves giving a fresh appearance

Position

Full shade, Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full shade Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or North–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Foliage
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Geraniaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Habit
Matforming
Genus
Geranium can be annuals, biennials and perennials, herbaceous or evergreen, with rounded, usually palmately lobed or divided leaves, and lax inflorescences of rounded, 5-petalled flowers
Name Status
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Useful as it is one of the few plants that can tolerate dry shade. Will grow in any, moderately fertile soil apart from waterlogged soils. Full sun or any type of shade

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring or propagate by basal cuttings in early to mid spring and root with bottom heat

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Ground cover

Pruning

Remove flowered stems and old leaves to encourage the production of fresh leaves and flowers

Pests

May be susceptible to vine weevil, capsid bug and sawflies

Diseases

May be susceptible to downy mildews and powdery mildews