Geranium tuberosum
Family: Geraniaceae
What it is like
Geranium tuberosum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf from October to July, in flower in May. 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. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.3
Where it is found
Cultivated ground, fields, vineyards and meadows.
Europe - Mediterranean.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Edible tubers. Up to 15mm wide.
Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Succeeds in any moderately fertile retentive soil in a sunny position. Tolerates a wide range of soil types. Established plants are drought resistant. This species is not hardy in all parts of Britain, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c. Plants come into growth in the autumn and die down in mid-summer. Plants spread by means of underground tubers and can be invasive. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits. At least one named variety has been selected for its ornamental value. 'Charlesii' has a low spreading habit.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame or as soon as it is ripe in the summer. Division in late summer or early autumn. 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: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 7-10
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist