Geranium macrorrhizum
big-root cranesbill
A mat-forming, semi-evergreen perennial growing to 45cm tall. Its rounded, divided, lobed and toothed leaves are sticky and aromatic and can turn attractive shades in the autumn. In summer, magenta-pink flowers, up to 3cm across, are held above the foliage on more or less upright stems
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 | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink | Green | ||
| Autumn | Bronze Purple Red Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full shade
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Geraniaceae
- Native to the UK
- 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
Correct
- Plant range
- S Europe
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
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal 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 susceptible to vine weevil, capsid bug and sawflies
Diseases
May be affected by a downy mildew and powdery mildews
Get involved
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