Wild cranesbill (Geranium macrorrhizum 'Variegatum')
Geranium macrorrhizum 'Variegatum', or Wild cranesbill, is a tough, rhizomatous perennial perfect for weed suppression with aromatic, variegated foliage.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Geranium macrorrhizum ‘Variegatum’, known commonly as Wild cranesbill, is an exceptionally useful, semi-evergreen perennial prized for its dense, weed-suppressing ground cover habit. This cultivar stands out because its deeply lobed, grayish-green foliage is attractively variegated, offering color and texture even when not in bloom. Its toughness, stemming from thick rhizomes, makes it highly drought-tolerant once established, thriving where many other shade or sun perennials struggle.
The plant produces long-lasting, magenta or purple-pink flowers above the static foliage during late spring, adding a welcome flush of color to the garden. As a fast-spreading beauty, Geranium macrorrhizum ‘Variegatum’ is one of the best choices for covering difficult slopes or large areas needing low-maintenance greenery. Home gardeners value its hardiness across multiple zones and its resistance to common garden pests.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Geraniaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1-1.5 ft
- Spread: 1-2 ft
- Bloom Time: May to June
- Bloom Description: Magenta
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Dry to medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Plant Wild cranesbill during the cooler parts of the season—spring or fall—to allow it time to establish its necessary network of thick rhizomes. It adapts well to average, well-drained soil conditions but importantly, it performs best when cultural conditions match its preference for dry to medium moisture levels. While it tolerates full sun, especially in cooler climates, providing some afternoon shade is appreciated in hotter regions like the St. Louis area.
Maintenance for Geranium macrorrhizum ‘Variegatum’ is exceptionally low. Watering requirements are minimal once established, thanks to its drought tolerance. Fertilization is usually unnecessary; rich soil can sometimes lead to floppier growth. Do not feel compelled to aggressively shear or trim this plant after the initial bloom; usually, only removing spent flower stems is needed to keep its appearance tidy.
If the foliage does show signs of summer decline or yellowing, simply remove the affected individual leaves rather than cutting back the entire plant. Plants will naturally increase their coverage via rhizomes; clumps can be divided, offering an easy method of propagation if you wish to expand your planting area for this reliable ground cover.
Landscape Uses
The primary function of Geranium macrorrhizum ‘Variegatum’ is its outstanding performance as a resilient ground cover. Its dense habit makes it excellent for naturalizing large, slightly challenging garden areas where weed suppression is a goal. Use it along border fronts to create a robust, textural edge that contrasts nicely with finer textured plants.
For cottage gardens or wild garden settings, the Wild cranesbill blends beautifully with spring ephemerals or later-blooming perennials that enjoy similar dry to medium conditions. Because it tolerates deer, rabbits, and drought, it serves as a highly reliable, foundational plant for mixed borders requiring functional, long-lasting greenery 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, complementing the long-lasting purple-pink flowers.
Tolerances
- Rabbit
- Deer
- Drought
- Erosion
- Dry Soil
Potential Problems
This species of geranium exhibits remarkable resilience in the garden. Gardeners will rarely contend with serious insect infestations or significant disease issues in Geranium macrorrhizum ‘Variegatum’. Proper placement in well-drained soil is the best preventative measure against overly wet soil conditions that might cause root issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Wild cranesbill suitable for?
This tough plant, Wild cranesbill, is highly adaptable, thriving in USDA Zones 3 through 8.
How large does Geranium macrorrhizum ‘Variegatum’ grow?
Geranium macrorrhizum ‘Variegatum’ typically reaches a height between 1 and 1.5 feet, spreading out to occupy an area between 1 and 2 feet wide.
What sun exposure does Geranium macrorrhizum ‘Variegatum’ need?
This perennial prefers full sun or part shade, adapting well to various light levels as long as the soil does not remain waterlogged.
When does Wild cranesbill bloom?
Wild cranesbill offers its attractive magenta blooms primarily from May through June, sometimes offering sporadic rebloom later in the summer.
Conclusion
Geranium macrorrhizum ‘Variegatum’ is a superior choice for gardeners seeking a robust, low-maintenance cover that actively combats weeds while providing fragrant, variegated foliage. The reliable performance and tolerance of conditions like drought make Wild cranesbill a staple for difficult sites. Before planting, confirm that your site falls within USDA Zones 3-8 to ensure the best performance from this exceptional perennial.
Companion Planting
When selecting partners for Geranium macrorrhizum ‘Variegatum’, focus on plants that appreciate similar sun/shade ratios and thrive in dry to medium, well-drained soil. Pairing it with later-blooming perennials helps sustain garden interest throughout the season. Consider shorter Hostas or Brunnera varieties that enjoy part shade, as they will benefit from the rhizomatous ground cover stabilizing the soil beneath them. In sunnier, drier spots, look to plants like Sedum or low-growing ornamental grasses that share a tolerance for drought.
Propagation Tips
The primary method for increasing your stock of Geranium macrorrhizum ‘Variegatum’ is through division of its thick, spreading rhizomes. This process is best handled in early spring before new growth fully emerges or in the fall after flowering ceases. Simply lift a portion of the clump, ensuring each new piece has healthy roots and several growth points, and replant immediately into prepared garden soil. While the species may self-seed, dividing existing clumps guarantees that you maintain the desirable variegated characteristics inherent to the ‘Variegatum’ cultivar.
