Geranium macrorrhizum 'Spessart'
big-root cranesbill 'Spessart'
'Spessart' is a semi-evergreen perennial to about 40cm with soft, lobed, aromatic foliage that turns red in autumn. The flowers are white or pale pink, with a dark red calyx, produced from late spring to mid-summer
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Red Pink White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red Pink White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Red | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full shade
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Geraniaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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
Will grow in any moderately fertile soil that is not waterlogged, in full sun or any type of shade, including dry shade
Propagation
Propagate by division in spring or take basal cuttings in early to mid spring and root with bottom heat
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
- Ground cover
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
Remove flowered stems and old leaves to encourage the production of fresh leaves and flowers
Pests
May be susceptble to vine weevil, capsid bug and sawflies
Diseases
May be affected by a downy mildew and powdery mildews
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.