About
Geranium macrorrhizum, the big-root cranesbill, is a mat-forming, semi-evergreen perennial to 45 cm tall with rounded, sticky, aromatic, divided, toothed leaves that turn attractive shades in autumn. Magenta-pink flowers to 3 cm across are held above the foliage on upright stems in summer. An excellent, vigorous and ornamental ground-cover cranesbill for a sunny or shaded position.
About the genus
Geranium, the cranesbills, are annuals, biennials and herbaceous or evergreen perennials with rounded, usually palmately lobed or divided leaves and loose clusters of rounded, five-petalled flowers in white, pink, purple or blue. Among the most versatile and garden-worthy of all perennial genera.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Full sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitMatforming
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toS Europe, Turkey
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationUseful 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
PruningRemove flowered stems and old leaves to encourage the production of fresh leaves and flowers
PropagationPropagate by division in spring or propagate by basal cuttings in early to mid spring and root with bottom heat
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to vine weevil, capsid bug and sawflies
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to downy mildews and powdery mildews