Geranium maderense (Giant herb Robert) — Tufted

Overview

Geranium maderense is a tufted herbaceous perennial in the genus Geranium, part of the Geraniaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 1-1.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 1-2 years. Geranium maderense grows best in full shade, full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include borders, groundcover, rock gardens and containers. It is native to Madeira Island and Madeira.

About

Geranium maderense, known as giant herb-Robert or the Madeira cranesbill, is a species of flowering plant in the family Geraniaceae, native to the island of Madeira. It is sometimes confused with another Madeira endemic, Geranium palmatum. Growing to 120–150 cm (47–59 in) tall and wide, it is a mound-forming evergreen biennial or triennial with deeply divided ferny leaves. Spectacular pink flowers on hairy red stems are produced in large panicles in summer. Mature plants reach roughly 1-1.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, carrying evergreen foliage. In the garden it prefers full shade, full sun and partial shade and most soil types. It tolerates soil of any pH, well-drained conditions and east-facing, south-facing, north-facing and west-facing aspects.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Geranium maderense

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

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Geranium

Sunlight: Full shade, Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type: Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Well-drained
Aspect: East-facing, South-facing, North-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness: H4

Plant details

Geranium maderense size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Herbaceous Perennial, Conservatory Greenhouse
Habit: Tufted
Foliage: Evergreen
Height: 1-1.5 metres
Spread: 0.5-1 metres
Time to full height: 1-2 years
Suggested uses: Borders, Groundcover, Rock gardens, Containers
Native to: Madeira Island, Madeira

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Geranium maderense

Propagation: Seed, Division, Cuttings
Pest resistance: Generally pest-free
Disease resistance: Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Geranium maderense?

Geranium maderense prefers full shade, full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Geranium maderense need?

Geranium maderense is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.