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Geranium macrorrhizum - L.

Common Name Bigroot Geranium
Family Geraniaceae
USDA hardiness 4-8
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Amongst limestone rocks, screes, in woods and scrub to 2100 metres[187]. Shady places, especially in mountains[50].
Range C. Europe. A garden escape in Britain in S. Devon.
Edibility Rating    (0 of 5)
Other Uses    (3 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (1 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Well drained soil Moist Soil Full shade Semi-shade Full sun
Geranium macrorrhizum Bigroot Geranium


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Maksim
Geranium macrorrhizum Bigroot Geranium
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Cillas

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
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.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade; Ground Cover;

Edible Uses

None known

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Aphrodisiac

Aphrodisiac[61].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Essential  Pot-pourri

The very aromatic leaves have been used in the past as a source of geranium oil[187]. They are used in pot-pourri and perfumery[244]. A good dense ground cover plant[197, 200]. A very effective weed smotherer[187, 190]. Plants grow rampantly, rooting as they spread[208]. They should be spaced about 60cm apart each way[208].

Special Uses

Food Forest  Ground cover  Scented Plants

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Easily grown in dry or moist situations, in sun or light shade[187, 200]. Succeeds even in deep shade[208]. Tolerates a wide range of soil types, succeeding in any moderately fertile retentive soil[200]. Calcicole[50]. Established plants are drought resistant[190]. A very ornamental plant, there are many named varieties[187]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits[233].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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The PFAF Bookshop

Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees, and Woodland Gardening. Our new book to be released soon is Edible Shrubs.

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Propagation

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[190]. 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.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

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12

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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