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Herbaceous Perennial

Geranium macrorrhizum
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

big-root cranesbill

A mat-forming, semi-evergreen perennial growing to 45cm tall. Its rounded, divided, lobed and toothed leaves are sticky and aromatic and can turn attractive shades in the autumn. In summer, magenta-pink flowers, up to 3cm across, are held above the foliage on more or less upright stems

Synonyms
Geranium macrorrhizum roseum
Geranium macrorrhizum var. macrorrhizum
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Pink Green
Autumn Bronze Purple Red Green
Winter
Position
  • Full shade
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

North–facing or South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Geraniaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Habit
Matforming
Genus

Geranium can be annuals, biennials and perennials, herbaceous or evergreen, with rounded, usually palmately lobed or divided leaves, and lax inflorescences of rounded, 5-petalled flowers

Name status

Correct

Plant range
S Europe, Turkey

How to grow

Cultivation

Useful 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

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring or propagate by basal cuttings in early to mid spring and root with bottom heat

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Ground cover
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning

Remove flowered stems and old leaves to encourage the production of fresh leaves and flowers

Pests

May be susceptible to vine weevil, capsid bug and sawflies

Diseases

May be affected by a downy mildew and powdery mildews

Get involved

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