About
Geranium robertianum, herb Robert, is an annual or biennial wildflower to 40 cm with sprawling, often red-flushed stems, deeply dissected, aromatic, lime-green leaves and open sprays of small, bright-pink flowers from spring to autumn. A cheerful and useful native annual of hedgebanks, walls and woodland edges, attractive to hoverflies and small bees.
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 sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesWildlife gardens, Wildflower meadow
Native toTemp. N. Hemisphere
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationThrives in sun or shade in any soil. It can be found in woodland, hedgerows and coastal locations and is useful for ground cover in shaded areas. Self-seeds happily, but any unwanted young plants are easy to remove. See herb robert for further information.
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free, but may be susceptible to powdery mildews in dry conditions