Robert Geranium

(Geranium robertianum)

Robert Geranium (Geranium robertianum)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Geranium robertianum, commonly known as Robert Geranium or Herb-Robert, is an annual or biennial herb that thrives in a variety of habitats including deciduous woodlands, shaded hedgerows, and rocky areas in the temperate Northern Hemisphere. It typically grows as a procumbent to erect plant, reaching up to fifty centimeters in height. The plant is characterized by its small, pink, five-petalled flowers measuring 8–14 mm in diameter, which bloom profusely from April until autumn, adding a delicate charm to garden spaces. The foliage has a distinctive pungent aroma, similar to burning tires when crushed, and is traditionally used to repel mosquitoes.

Herb-Robert is valued for its ease of maintenance and its ability to thrive in challenging conditions, including poor soils and shaded areas. It is often used in informal garden settings, such as woodland gardens and naturalized areas, where it can form attractive ground cover. While it prefers full sun, it can also tolerate part shade and is adaptable to a range of soil drainage conditions. However, gardeners should be cautious as Geranium robertianum can become invasive outside its native range, particularly in parts of the United States. It is recommended to consult local guidelines before planting to prevent unwanted spread.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 0.5-1.5 feet
  • Width: 0.5-1 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Pink, Purple, White
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

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

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden

Natural Habitat

a variety of habitats including deciduous woodlands, shaded hedgerows, and rocky areas in the temperate Northern Hemisphere

Other Names

Common Names: Herb-Robert, Red Robin, Death Come Quickly, Fox Geranium, Stinking Bob, Squinter-Pip, Crow’s Foot, Stinkende Storkenæb, Stinkender Storchschnabel, Stinkender St.

Scientific Names: , Geranium robertianum, Geranium robertianum f. robertianum, Geranium robertianum subsp. maritimum, Robertium vulgare, Geranium rupertianum, Geranium robertianum subsp. celticum, Geranium scopulicola, Geranium robertianum var. laciniatum, Geranium robertianum var. leucanthum

GBIF Accepted Name: Geranium robertianum L.