Geranium robertianum
herb robert
An annual or biennial to 30cm, forming a rosette of deeply dissected, strongly aromatic leaves. Large, open sprays of pale pink flowers to 1cm across appear in summer and autumn. It can be found in woodland, hedgerows and coastal locations and be useful for ground cover in shaded areas, but self-seeds readily, with the potential to become a nuisance if not kept in check. Despite this, it can be a useful plant for hoverflies when grown within a wildlife garden
Other common names
death-comes-quicklydragon's blood
see morefox geranium
fox grass
Jenny Wren
kiss-me-quick
knife and fork
little bachelor's buttons
little red robin
nightingales
pink bird's eye
pink pinafore
red bird's eye
red robin
redshanks
St Robert's herb
stinking Robert
wren flower
Synonyms
Geranium 'Dragon's Blood'
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink | Green | ||
| Autumn | Pink | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Geraniaceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- 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
- Temp. N. Hemisphere
How to grow
Cultivation
Thrives in sun or part shade in any well-drained soil. See herb robert for further advice
Propagation
Self-seeds freely with the potential to become a nuisance
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
- Wildflower meadow
- Low Maintenance
- Ground cover
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to downy mildew and powdery mildews
Get involved
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