Geranium Macrorrhizum - Cranebsill - Compact - ORG

Geranium macrorrhizum, or cranesbill, is a perennial that will bring you joy in many parts of the garden. Its fresh green foliage gradually forms a dense carpet, and starting in May, pink to purplish-pink flowers appear above it. The foliage has another distinctive feature: when you brush against it or gently rub it between your fingers, it releases a spicy, aromatic scent. Later in the year, the green foliage changes color to warm shades of red, bronze, and purple. In mild winters, some of the foliage remains on the plant.

A groundcover for challenging spots

Geranium macrorrhizum is especially valuable in spots where not every perennial thrives. The plant grows in full sun but also thrives in partial shade and shade. Once well-established, it can also handle drier conditions quite well. This makes this Geranium suitable, for example, under deciduous trees and shrubs, along a hedge, or on the shady side of a border. The plant spreads via short rhizomes, gradually forming a dense green carpet. This allows it to cover the ground naturally, leaving less bare soil between the plants.

Flowers for Bees and Other Pollinators

From May through July, the open flowers emerge above the foliage. They are easily accessible to bees and other pollinating insects. The RHS has also included Geranium macrorrhizum in its Plants for Pollinators program. With a final height of about 30 to 40 centimeters, the plant remains nicely low. Combine it, for example, with ferns, Dicentra, Alchemilla, fall anemones, or other perennials suited for partial shade. After flowering, you can prune back old flower stems and less attractive foliage. The plant will respond by producing fresh new foliage, keeping it nice and compact and well-groomed.

The plant is delivered as a young, well-rooted plant in a compact P9 pot. After planting, water thoroughly until the roots are well established. You’ll then have a strong, hardy groundcover that continues to grow anew every spring.