Geranium macrorrhizum 'Velebit'

RHS Plant Profile
big-root cranesbill 'Velebit'
Plants for pollinators
Herbaceous Perennial

A herbaceous perennial, 30cm high, spreading by rhizomes, with semi-evergreen, aromatic, lobed green leaves, which turn red in autumn, and long stems, held well above the leaves, of mid magenta-pink flowers, with reddish calyces which are less inflated than most G. macrorrhizum varieties, from late spring to midsummer

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
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Drought Resistance
Yes

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

Grow in full sun or shade in well-drained soil; excellent for ground cover

Propagation

Propagate by division or by rhizome cuttings in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Rock garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Ground cover
  • Garden edging
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free, but may be susceptible to capsid bug, geranium sawfly, vine weevil, slugs and snails

Diseases

Generally disease-free, but may be susceptible to a rust, downy mildews, leafy gall, and virus diseases; may also be susceptible to powdery mildews in dry conditions