Geranium macrorrhizum 'Album' (white-flowered rock cranesbill) — Mound-forming or spreading

Overview

Geranium macrorrhizum 'Album' is a mound-forming or spreading perennial in the genus Geranium, part of the Geraniaceae family, with deciduous or semi-evergreen; rounded, palmately lobed, often aromatic foliage. It typically grows around 0.5 m tall. Geranium macrorrhizum 'Album' grows best in full sun to partial shade, and tolerates most soils and acid and neutral or alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5–H7. Suggested uses include groundcover, borders and rock gardens. It is native to South east Alps and Balkans.

About

Geranium macrorrhizum 'Album' is a mound-forming perennial geranium notable for its aromatic, palmately lobed foliage and white summer flowers. It grows to about 0.5 m and spreads to form a low ground cover. Flowering occurs from June to September. The foliage is deciduous or semi-evergreen and releases a scent when crushed.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Geranium macrorrhizum

About the genus

Geranium is a genus of 422 species of annual, biennial, and perennial plants that are commonly known as geraniums, hardy geraniums, or cranesbills. They are found throughout the temperate regions of the world and the mountains of the tropics, with the greatest diversity in the eastern part of the Mediterranean region.

Wikipedia contributors, "Geranium", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Geranium

In the garden

Geranium macrorrhizum 'Album' originates from the south east Alps and the Balkans and is a member of the Geraniaceae. It forms a low mound or spreading mat of rounded, palmately lobed leaves and produces white flowers from June to September, giving summer colour without rising above other low perennials. Plant 'Album' in full sun to partial shade on almost any reasonable soil — loam, chalk, sand or clay will all do provided drainage is steady and the soil is not parched. It is rated H5–H7, meaning hardy to fully hardy in the UK, and will tolerate exposed or sheltered sites and any aspect. Expect plants to reach about 0.5 m in height; leave a little room for lateral spread when planting plugs or small crowns. Use this cranesbill as a ground cover between shrubs, in low borders or in rock gardens where a low, flowering mat is required. The aromatic foliage can help define paths and edging beds as much as the flowers do; crushing the rounded leaves releases their characterful scent and confirms the cultivar at a glance.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Geranium

Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
Soil type: Almost any reasonable soil — loam, chalk, sand or clay
Soil pH: Acid, neutral or alkaline
Soil moisture: Well drained but not parched
Aspect: Any
Exposure: Exposed or sheltered
UK hardiness: H5–H7

Plant details

Geranium macrorrhizum 'Album' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Mound-forming or spreading
Foliage: Deciduous or semi-evergreen; rounded, palmately lobed, often aromatic
Height: 0.5 m
Suggested uses: Groundcover, Borders, Rock gardens
Native to: South east Alps, Balkans
Fragrance: Foliage

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Geranium macrorrhizum 'Album'

Cultivation: Among the least demanding of perennials, asking only for reasonable drainage and an open position. Shear the whole plant back hard after the first flush and water it in; most kinds then produce fresh foliage and a second showing by late summer.
Pruning: Cut back to a low framework after the first flowering to renew the foliage and prompt repeat bloom. Tidy any remaining growth in late autumn or early spring.
Propagation: Divide in spring or autumn. Many species self-seed freely, and basal cuttings suit cultivars that resent disturbance.
Pest resistance: Largely untroubled, though vine weevil grubs attack the roots of container plants and sawfly larvae occasionally strip leaves.
Disease resistance: Powdery mildew and rust may appear on congested plants in a dry summer; shearing back usually resolves both.

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Geranium macrorrhizum 'Album'?

Among the least demanding of perennials, asking only for reasonable drainage and an open position. Shear the whole plant back hard after the first flush and water it in; most kinds then produce fresh foliage and a second showing by late summer.

Where is the best place to plant Geranium macrorrhizum 'Album'?

Geranium macrorrhizum 'Album' prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.

What soil does Geranium macrorrhizum 'Album' need?

Geranium macrorrhizum 'Album' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including almost any reasonable soil — loam, chalk and sand or clay. It prefers acid and neutral or alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays well drained but not parched.

How do I prune Geranium macrorrhizum 'Album'?

Cut back to a low framework after the first flowering to renew the foliage and prompt repeat bloom. Tidy any remaining growth in late autumn or early spring.