Geranium robertianum (Herb robert) — Bushy

Overview

Geranium robertianum is a bushy annual biennial in the genus Geranium, part of the Geraniaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 1-2 years. Geranium robertianum grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildflower meadow, wildlife gardens, underplanting of roses and shrubs and flower borders and beds.

About

Geranium robertianum, commonly known as herb-robert or, in North America, as Robert's geranium, is a species of cranesbill that is widespread throughout the northern hemisphere and introduced to some countries in the southern. It is common in woods, hedges, gardens, and on waste ground, and can also be found on shingle beaches and limestone pavements. It is not rare or threatened and in some places it is considered to be invasive. It is native to North America, Albania, Algeria, Altay, Austria and other regions. Mature plants reach roughly 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, carrying deciduous foliage. In the garden it prefers full sun and partial shade and most soil types. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained, well-drained conditions and south-facing, north-facing, east-facing and west-facing aspects.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Geranium robertianum

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 sun, Partial shade
Soil type: Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Geranium robertianum size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Annual Biennial
Habit: Bushy
Foliage: Deciduous
Height: 0.1-0.5 metres
Spread: 0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height: 1-2 years
Suggested uses: Cottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens, Underplanting of roses and shrubs, Flower borders and beds

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Geranium robertianum

Propagation: Division in spring, Basal cuttings in early to mid spring
Pest resistance: Vine weevil, Capsid bug, Sawflies
Disease resistance: Downy mildews, Powdery mildews

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Geranium robertianum?

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

What soil does Geranium robertianum need?

Geranium robertianum 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 moist but well-drained to well-drained.