Geranium macrorrhizum, commonly known as big root geranium is one of the hardiest and easiest perennials you can grow. It looks great in a perennial border and thrives as a groundcover just about anywhere.
I've always been a fan of hardy geraniums often called Cranesbill. In fact, I have many in my garden. However, one in particular known as Big Root geranium is worthy of its own post.
7 Reasons to Grow Big Root Geranium
- Geranium macrorrhizum is a perennial which means it comes back every year. In fact, some say it's semi-evergreen which means much of the foliage doesn't entirely die back to the ground during winter at all.
- It acts like a ground cover. The plant has a mounding shape and grows in a dense mat that suppresses weeds. However, it is not invasive.
- It's easy to transplant and propagate. Just dig up clumps and move them anywhere in the garden.
- It grows well in full sun and partial shade. Some say full shade, even dry shade.
- It's a flowering perennial with delicate deep magenta flowers from late spring through early summer.
- The leaves are also fragrant and turn a pretty shade of red or maroon in the fall.
- It's commonly sold in the deep pink version I have. However, some cultivars have white blooms and shades of pink, and there is a variegated leaf form called Geranium macrorrhizum 'Variegatum.'
Geranium Macrorrhizum Facts
- Botanical Name: Geranium macrorrhizum
- Common Name: Big Root Geranium
- Perennial flowering plant type
- USDA Zones: 3 to 8
- Height: 1.0 to 1.5 feet
- Spread: 1.0 to 2.0 feet
- Blooming Period: May to July
- Bloom Description: Pink, Purple, White
- Sun: Full sun to part shade
- Grow in average to dry soil
- No serious insect or disease problems
- Attracts Pollinators
- Drought, Deer, and Rabbit Resistant
You could call it a three season plant with flowers in the spring and summer and pretty red colored leaves in the fall shown above.
Even in the winter covered with snow, this beauty holds on.
It's a good one to grow along a sidewalk or driveway as it doesn't mind the snow pile-up in the winter. However, it does need to be cut back occasionally.
If you are looking for a new perennial or any ornamental plant to try this season consider big root geranium. You won't be disappointed.
More Favorite Perennial Plants
Frances Kranik
Where is a good source to get this from? is it native to Pennsylvania?
Patti Estep
Frances, it's not a PA native plant but you should be able to find it in a good local nursery. Try calling a few first to see if they have it. Refer to the botanical name, Geranium Macrorrhizum to make sure it's the correct geranium. That's where I purchased my original plant. However, you can also buy it online.
Cindy B
I enjoy this, too, and have transplanted it all over my beds. I have found that when its first bloom is done, it often thins back in its middle. If I dead head it a bit, it will regrow and rebloom a 2nd time.
Patti Estep
That's good to know Cindy. Thanks for sharing.
Amanda lake
Good morning. I’m going to buy some of this plant in the spring. I only have perennials and I’m not a good gardener. I think I could keep this alive. Stay warm today. It’s freezing outside.
Patti Estep
Glad to hear it Amanda. I've been moving clumps around to fill in and it seems to thrive everywhere.