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Herbaceous Perennial

Geranium macrorrhizum 'Spessart'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

big-root cranesbill 'Spessart'

A semi-evergreen perennial to about 40cm with soft, lobed, aromatic foliage that turns red in autumn. The flowers are white or pale pink, with a dark red calyx, produced from late spring to mid-summer

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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 Red Pink White Green
Summer Red Pink White Green
Autumn Red
Winter
Position
  • Full shade
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

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

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Geraniaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Habit
Bushy
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

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Will grow in any moderately fertile soil that is not waterlogged, in full sun or any type of shade, including dry shade

Propagation

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

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel 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 susceptble to vine weevil, capsid bug and sawflies

Diseases

May be affected by a downy mildew and powdery mildews

Get involved

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