Geranium macrorrhizum
Balkan cranesbill
Clusters of small, saucer shaped, purplish pink flowers are held on slender stems above strong aromatic, light green leaves from May to September. This is one of the most versatile and useful geraniums, as it will thrive even in dry shade.
The deeply cut, semi-evergreen foliage also spreads quickly to form low hummocks that suppress weeds for most of the year. It looks lovely with strongly shaped perennials, such as bergenia, or polemonium, or planted en masse under trees, and is also valuable for hiding the foliage of spring bulbs as they die down. Furthermore, their foliage will often turn red in autumn, before dying back to overwinter.
The deeply cut, semi-evergreen foliage also spreads quickly to form low hummocks that suppress weeds for most of the year. It looks lovely with strongly shaped perennials, such as bergenia, or polemonium, or planted en masse under trees, and is also valuable for hiding the foliage of spring bulbs as they die down. Furthermore, their foliage will often turn red in autumn, before dying back to overwinter.
How to care for Geranium macrorrhizum:
This tough, low-maintenance perennial thrives in a range of garden conditions, including dry shade and poor soils, once established.
When planting, choose a site with well-drained soil in partial shade to full sun, and incorporate organic matter to improve soil structure.
Water regularly until established, but once settled, this geranium becomes more drought-tolerant and requires lower maintenance.
Avoid hoeing around the plant, as its surface-growing rhizomes can be easily damaged—weed by hand instead. Deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming and lightly trim back foliage after flowering to keep plants looking tidy.
In autumn or early spring, divide congested clumps to rejuvenate growth and spread the plant to other areas of the garden. A light mulch of compost or leaf mould in spring will support healthy foliage and flowering.
When planting, choose a site with well-drained soil in partial shade to full sun, and incorporate organic matter to improve soil structure.
Water regularly until established, but once settled, this geranium becomes more drought-tolerant and requires lower maintenance.
Avoid hoeing around the plant, as its surface-growing rhizomes can be easily damaged—weed by hand instead. Deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming and lightly trim back foliage after flowering to keep plants looking tidy.
In autumn or early spring, divide congested clumps to rejuvenate growth and spread the plant to other areas of the garden. A light mulch of compost or leaf mould in spring will support healthy foliage and flowering.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.5m
Eventual spread:
0.6m
Position:
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
-
This perennial is semi-evergreen so it can lose some of its leaves in winter. In colder regions or more exposed gardens, it may lose them all, but then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
9cm pot
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6 × 9cm pots
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