Bigroot Geranium
Geranium macrorrhizum
Family: Geraniaceae
What it is like
Geranium macrorrhizum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.6 m (2ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.
Height (m): 0.5
Where it is found
Amongst limestone rocks, screes, in woods and scrub to 2100 metres. Shady places, especially in mountains.
C. Europe. A garden escape in Britain in S. Devon.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 1
Aphrodisiac.
Aphrodisiac: Increases the sexual appetite.
Other
Rating:
The very aromatic leaves have been used in the past as a source of geranium oil. They are used in pot-pourri and perfumery. A good dense ground cover plant. A very effective weed smotherer. Plants grow rampantly, rooting as they spread. They should be spaced about 60cm apart each way.
Essential: Essential oils that are used in perfumery, medicines, paint solvents, insect repellents etc.
Pot-pourri: Aromatic plants used to impart a pleasant smell to an area. Can this be grouped with incense or essential oil?
Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.
Ground cover: Ground Cover
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
Easily grown in dry or moist situations, in sun or light shade. Succeeds even in deep shade. Tolerates a wide range of soil types, succeeding in any moderately fertile retentive soil. Calcicole. Established plants are drought resistant. A very ornamental plant, there are many named varieties. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring or autumn. Very easy, virtually every bit of a divided plant, whether it has roots or not, will grow away and produce roots. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade; Ground Cover;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 4-8
Growth: Fast
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Full shade, semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Dry, moist