Cranesbill (Geranium macrorrhizum ''Ingwersens Variety'')

Overview

Geranium macrorrhizum ‘Ingwersens Variety’ is a highly valued, rhizomatous semi-evergreen perennial known for its resilience and texture. This specific Cranesbill cultivar forms a dense, weed-suppressing mat, making it an excellent choice for challenging garden spots where many other plants struggle. Its heavily scented foliage provides reliable year-round interest before the soft pink flowers emerge in late spring.

This tough variety of Cranesbill is far more accommodating than many other garden geraniums. It thrives in average soil, tolerating dry conditions once established due to its thick, moisture-storing rhizomes. The visual appeal is enhanced by its semi-evergreen nature, often providing attractive red and orange tones as autumn advances.

The value of Geranium macrorrhizum ‘Ingwersens Variety’ lies in its low input requirements combined with high performance. It offers both aesthetic appeal—through its flowers and seasonal foliage color—and functional benefits, such as erosion control and deer resistance, solidifying its place as a staple perennial ground cover.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Geraniaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-8
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 1-1.5 ft
  • Spread: 1-1.5 ft
• Bloom Time: May to June
• Bloom Description: Pink
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Dry to medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

Plant Geranium macrorrhizum ‘Ingwersens Variety’ in well-drained soil anytime the ground is workable, though spring planting allows it best to establish before summer heat. While it tolerates full sun, particularly in cooler climates, providing afternoon shade is advisable in hotter regions like the St. Louis area to help maintain vibrant foliage. It performs best in average soil conditions, provided drainage is good.

Once established, watering needs are minimal; this Cranesbill handles drought exceptionally well, a benefit attributed to its robust rhizomes. Fertilization is rarely necessary; over-fertilizing can lead to overly lush, floppy growth. Unlike many perennials, this species rarely requires a hard shearing or cutback after its main bloom period finishes.

For aesthetic maintenance, simply remove individual spent flowering stems as needed. If summer heat causes some foliage decline, individual yellowing leaves can be plucked off. This plant spreads steadily by rhizomes, allowing it to naturally colonize areas, though it can be divided easily if necessary.

Landscape Uses

Geranium macrorrhizum ‘Ingwersens Variety’ excels as a dependable ground cover, fulfilling both ornamental and functional roles. Its ability to form a thick, dense layer makes it popular for stabilizing slopes prone to erosion or filling large, difficult-to-maintain areas. For border fronts, it provides consistent, low-lying structure that defines edges without obstructing taller plantings.

This Cranesbill is perfectly suited for naturalized settings or cottage gardens where a slightly wilder, yet controlled, appearance is desired. Its drought tolerance makes it an excellent candidate for dry shade areas beneath larger trees where lawn maintenance is impractical. Consider pairing the foliage and pink flowers of Geranium macrorrhizum ‘Ingwersens Variety’ with spring bulbs or late-season bloomers like ornamental grasses to extend visual interest.

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; the leaves are strongly aromatic when crushed and acquire attractive red tones in autumn. ‘Ingwersens Variety’ was found in 1929 by Walter Ingwersen and features mauve buds opening to soft pink, 5-petaled flowers with darker sepals; this specific cultivar won the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society in 1993.

Tolerances

• Rabbit
• Deer
• Drought
• Erosion
• Dry Soil

Potential Problems

This plant generally enjoys an excellent health record, presenting no serious insect or disease problems in most established landscapes. Its robust nature helps it shrug off common garden pests that bother more sensitive species. Maintaining good drainage is the most critical preventive measure to avoid any root issues, especially in areas with heavy winter moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Cranesbill suitable for?

Geranium macrorrhizum ‘Ingwersens Variety’ is suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 8.

How large does Geranium macrorrhizum ‘Ingwersens Variety’ grow?

This herbaceous perennial typically reaches 1 to 1.5 feet in height and spreads to a width of 1 to 1.5 feet, forming a substantial clump or mat.

When does Cranesbill bloom?

The primary bloom time for this Geranium is late spring through early summer, specifically from May to June, producing attractive pink flowers.

What sun exposure does Geranium macrorrhizum ‘Ingwersens Variety’ need?

It performs well in a range from full sun to partial shade, offering flexibility in planting locations across the garden.

Conclusion

The reliability and hardiness of Geranium macrorrhizum ‘Ingwersens Variety’ make it an indispensable perennial for gardeners seeking tough, beautiful coverage. Its fragrant foliage, resistance to pests, and drought tolerance ensure this variety of Cranesbill remains attractive with minimal upkeep. Check your local hardiness zone compatibility and plan your planting in well-draining soil to fully utilize this excellent ground cover.

Companion Planting

When planning the garden surrounding Geranium macrorrhizum ‘Ingwersens Variety’, consider plants that share its preference for dry to medium soil and thrive in the same lighting conditions. It pairs beautifully with other low-maintenance, medium-height perennials such as Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) or hardy Sedums, which offer textural contrast. For woodland edges or dappled shade areas, pair this Cranesbill with Hosta varieties that tolerate more sun, ensuring the ground cover fills in any gaps left by deciduous companions.

Propagation Tips

The primary method for multiplying Geranium macrorrhizum ‘Ingwersens Variety’ is through division, which is best performed in early spring or fall. Since the plant spreads via thick rhizomes, carefully dig up a section of the clump, ensuring each division has healthy roots and adequate foliage. These divisions can then be replanted immediately at the same depth in their new location. While this specific cultivar may not come true from seed, division guarantees the replication of the characteristic pink blooms and aromatic qualities of ‘Ingwersens Variety’.