Bigroot geranium (Geranium macrorrhizum 'Bevan's Variety')

Overview

Geranium macrorrhizum ‘Bevan’s Variety’, commonly known as Bigroot geranium, is an exceptionally hardy and valuable perennial prized for its dense, weed-suppressing foliage. This rhizomatous semi-evergreen forms a thick ground cover, spreading reliably to create attractive, lush coverage without demanding constant attention. Its resilience makes it a cornerstone for gardeners dealing with challenging, drier sites.

This cultivar stands out due to its prolonged blooming display, featuring deep magenta flowers held above grayish-green leaves that take on attractive red hues in the autumn. Bigroot geranium tolerates significant heat and humidity better than many relatives, cementing its status as a low-maintenance choice for foundational plantings.

Whether used to stabilize slopes or simply carpet an area around trees, Geranium macrorrhizum ‘Bevan’s Variety’ offers both function and substantial aesthetic appeal from spring well into summer. Expect robust performance from this dependable selection.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Geraniaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-8
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 0.75-1 ft
  • Spread: 1.5-2 ft
• Bloom Time: April to July
• Bloom Description: Deep magenta w/ dark red sepals
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Dry to medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

The best time to plant Bigroot geranium is typically in spring or fall, setting divisions or container-grown plants into well-drained soil. Geranium macrorrhizum ‘Bevan’s Variety’ is highly adaptable, thriving in average conditions, but it strongly prefers areas with dry to medium moisture levels once established. While it handles full sun, providing some afternoon shade is beneficial in hotter climates, such as those around the St. Louis area.

Maintenance for this robust perennial is minimal. After the main flush of flowers fades, only the removal of spent flowering stems is usually necessary to maintain neatness. This plant does not generally require heavy shearing or trimming. If summer foliage yellows or declines, individual leaves can be selectively removed.

Thanks to its thick rhizomes, drought tolerance is excellent, allowing it to persist well even when water is scarce. Division of established clumps is an easy propagation method, though spreading by rhizomes is its primary growth habit. Avoid overwatering, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings to harness the full benefits of its drought tolerance.

Landscape Uses

As an effective Ground Cover, Geranium macrorrhizum ‘Bevan’s Variety’ excels at suppressing weeds and covering large areas quickly. Its tough nature makes it ideal for landscape designs intended to Naturalize, blending seamlessly with woodland edges or informal settings. Consider planting borders near walkways or using it at the front of borders where its dark magenta blooms can provide strong color contrast.

This hardy perennial also functions beautifully in less formal garden styles, fitting perfectly into cottage gardens or wild gardens where low intervention is preferred. Because the foliage is semi-evergreen and aromatic, Geranium macrorrhizum ‘Bevan’s Variety’ serves as excellent structural filler throughout the growing season.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

Geranium macrorrhizum, commonly called bigroot geranium, is a rhizomatous semi-evergreen perennial that typically grows to 12” tall but spreads to 24” wide to form a thick, weed-resistant ground cover. Deeply lobed and rounded, grayish-green leaves (4-8” long) have 5-7 lobes, with each lobe having 3 to 5 notches at the tip. Leaves are strongly aromatic when crushed, and they acquire attractive red tones in autumn. ‘Bevan’s Variety’ features deep magenta flowers (to 1” diameter) with dark red sepals appearing in terminal clusters above the foliage from mid to late spring, often providing sporadic rebloom through summer.

Tolerances

• Rabbit
• Deer
• Drought
• Erosion
• Dry Soil

Potential Problems

This selection boasts excellent resistance, suffering from no serious insect or disease problems under normal growing conditions. Gardeners should focus on preventing overly wet soil, as standing water can lead to root issues, though the plant is generally robust against pests. Due to its inherent toughness, vigilance against common garden issues is rarely required for Bigroot geranium.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Bigroot geranium suitable for?

Geranium macrorrhizum ‘Bevan’s Variety’ is highly resilient, suitable for USDA Zones 3 through 8.

How large does Geranium macrorrhizum ‘Bevan’s Variety’ grow?

This plant typically reaches a height between 0.75 and 1 foot tall, spreading to cover an area 1.5 to 2 feet wide.

When does Bigroot geranium bloom?

It displays its deep magenta flowers from April through July, sometimes offering sporadic repeat blooms later in the season.

What sun exposure does Geranium macrorrhizum ‘Bevan’s Variety’ need?

It performs well in full sun but benefits from partial shade, especially during intense afternoon heat.

Conclusion

The Bigroot geranium, Geranium macrorrhizum ‘Bevan’s Variety’, is an indispensable choice for reliable, low-maintenance coverage, especially where drought resistance is key. Its aromatic, semi-evergreen foliage and long-lasting magenta flowers add texture throughout the season. Plan to incorporate this tough perennial in your garden this spring by checking its suitability for your specific hardiness zone.

Propagation Tips

Division is the easiest and most reliable method for increasing your stock of Geranium macrorrhizum ‘Bevan’s Variety’. During spring or early fall, carefully dig up established clumps of Bigroot geranium. Using a clean, sharp spade or knife, section the root mass, ensuring each new piece has several healthy roots and shoots attached. Replant these divisions immediately into prepared soil at the same depth they were originally growing.

While the parent species may self-seed, cultivars like ‘Bevan’s Variety’ often do not come true from seed, making vegetative propagation through division essential for maintaining the desired flower color and habit. Division also helps rejuvenate older clumps, encouraging vigorous new growth and better coverage.

Companion Planting

Due to the dry to medium water needs and low maintenance profile of Bigroot geranium, it pairs exceptionally well with other Mediterranean or drought-tolerant perennials. Consider pairing Geranium macrorrhizum ‘Bevan’s Variety’ with ornamental grasses that enjoy similar sun exposures, such as Blue Fescue (Festuca glauca) for contrasting texture and color. It also complements hardy Alliums or Sedums, which are unfazed by drier soil conditions prevalent where this geranium thrives.