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Description
Geranium Macrorrhizum, commonly known as Bigroot Geranium or Rock Cranesbill, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Geraniaceae family. This plant is native to Europe and Asia, but it has been naturalized in other parts of the world.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Angiospermae |
| Order | Geraniales |
| Family | Geraniaceae |
| Genus | Geranium |
Appearance
The Geranium Macrorrhizum plant has a height of about 30-50 cm and a spread of up to 1 meter. It has a clumping growth habit and produces several stems that are slightly hairy. The leaves are dark green, lobed, and deeply divided. The flowers of this plant are pink, purple, or white and are about 2-3 cm in diameter. They bloom from late spring to early summer and have a strong fragrance.
Care Guide
The Geranium Macrorrhizum plant is easy to care for and can be grown in a variety of conditions. Here are some tips to keep your plant healthy:
- Water: Water your plant regularly, especially during dry spells. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.
- Fertilization: Fertilize your plant once every two months with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The Geranium Macrorrhizum plant can tolerate partial shade but prefers full sunlight.
- Hardiness Zones: This plant can grow in hardiness zones 3 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Geranium Macrorrhizum plant is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can still be affected by some common issues such as:
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes brown spots on the leaves. Remove affected leaves and avoid overhead watering.
- Root rot: Overwatering can cause root rot, which can lead to the death of the plant. Ensure good drainage and avoid overwatering.
- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the plant, causing distorted growth. Use insecticidal soap to control them.
Habitat
The Geranium Macrorrhizum plant is native to Europe and Asia, where it grows in rocky and wooded areas. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate a range of temperatures and conditions.
Questions and Answers
Q: Is Geranium Macrorrhizum a good plant for beginners?
A: Yes, this plant is easy to care for and is a good choice for beginners.
Q: Can Geranium Macrorrhizum be grown in containers?
A: Yes, this plant can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-draining and the container has drainage holes.
Q: Does Geranium Macrorrhizum require pruning?
A: This plant doesn’t require pruning, but you can cut back the stems after blooming to promote bushier growth.
Q: Can I propagate Geranium Macrorrhizum from cuttings?
A: Yes, you can propagate this plant from stem cuttings. Take a cutting in late summer and root it in a well-draining soil mix.
Related Plants
- Geranium Rozanne
- Geranium Johnson’s Blue
- Geranium sanguineum
- Geranium pratense
References
- “Geranium macrorrhizum.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 29 March 2021. <http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=252901&isprofile=0&basic=geranium%20macrorrhizum>.
- “Geranium macrorrhizum.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed 29 March 2021. <https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/12210/Geranium-macrorrhizum/Details>.
- “Bigroot Geranium.” The Spruce. Accessed 29 March 2021. <https://www.thespruce.com/bigroot-geranium-plant-profile-4843667>.
