Bigroot Geranium

(Geranium macrorrhizum)

Bigroot Geranium (Geranium macrorrhizum)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Geranium macrorrhizum, commonly known as bigroot geranium, Bulgarian geranium, or rock crane’s-bill, is a hardy flowering herbaceous perennial plant. It is native to the South East Alps and the Balkans, typically found in rocky, mountainous areas and woodland edges, which provide well-drained soils and partial shade. This species reaches a height of 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) with a similar spread and features deeply lobed, five-lobed (palmate) leaves that emit a strong fragrance when crushed. From late spring to early summer, it produces clusters of pale pink to magenta flowers that are highly attractive to pollinators.

Bigroot geranium is valued for its aromatic foliage, which can deter certain pests, and its ability to form dense mats that suppress weeds, making it an excellent ground cover. It is also drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping. In addition to ground cover, it is used in rock gardens, borders, and underplanting for larger shrubs. While it thrives in full sun or part shade, it prefers moist, well-drained soil but can adapt to a range of soil conditions. Popular cultivars include ’Ingwersen’s Variety’ with pale pink flowers and ’White-Ness’ with white blooms, both of which have received the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. It has a history of use in traditional herbal medicine. Potential problems include root rot in overly wet conditions and mildew, though it is generally disease-resistant.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 1-1.5 feet
  • Width: 1-2 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: Purple
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Semi-Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Low, Medium
  • Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Fragrant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Rocky, mountainous areas and woodland edges

Other Names

Common Names: Rock Crane’s-Bill, Bulgarian Geranium, Rock Cranesbill, Storrodet Storkenæb, Felsen-Storchschnabel, Tuoksukurjenpolvi, Rosestorkenebb, Rotsooievaarsbek, Flocknäva

Scientific Names: , Geranium macrorrhizum, Geranium macrorhizum var. parvifolium, Geranium balkanum, Geranium kikianum, Geranium macrorrhizum f. acutilobum, Geranium macrorrhizum f. brachidentatum, Geranium lugubre, Geranium macrorhizum var. angustilobum, Geranium macrorhizum var. hirsutum

GBIF Accepted Name: Geranium macrorrhizum L.