Geranium macrorrhizum aka Rock Crane's Bill

Taxonomy

Geranium macrorrhizum, also known as bigroot geranium, Bulgarian geranium, and rock crane's-bill, is a hardy flowering herbaceous perennial plant in the Geraniaceae family. Native to the South east Alps and the Balkans, this plant is a rhizomatous semi-evergreen perennial that forms a thick, weed-resistant ground cover. It has deeply lobed and rounded grayish-green leaves that emit a strong aroma when crushed. The leaves turn attractive red tones in autumn. In late spring to early summer, long-lasting purple-pink flowers with inflated dark red calyces bloom in clusters above the foliage. There may be sporadic rebloom throughout the summer. The plant is cultivated as an ornamental groundcover in temperate regions, with named cultivars selected for various flower colors including white, pink, and magenta. Some popular cultivars include 'Ingwersen's Variety' and 'White-ness', which have received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. Geranium macrorrhizum has traditional uses in herbal medicine and its essential oil is used in aromatherapy. It contains various components such as flavonoids, sesquiterpenes, phenolic acids, pigments, vitamins, and mineral salts. One of the components, sesquiterpene ketone germacrone, has shown high antimicrobial activity against Bacillus subtilis. In the Bulgarian language, the name for all types of geraniums is derived from the word "здрав" which means "healthy". Overall, Geranium macrorrhizum is a floriferous carpet-forming perennial that spreads and provides a beautiful ground cover with its aromatic leaves and vibrant flowers.

Common names

Rock Crane's Bill, Bigroot Geranium, Bulgarian Geranium

How to care for Rock Crane's Bill

Difficulty

Rock Crane's Bill is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Water

Rock Crane's Bill should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Its needs are relatively simple, but one of the most important is making sure its soil is adequately moist. Without proper moisture, the plant can suffer from wilting and stunted growth. To ensure your Rock Crane's Bill is healthy, you must choose a potting soil that retains moisture.

Look for a soil with good drainage to prevent root rot, but also make sure it contains plenty of organic matter. Coco coir and sphagnum moss are both excellent ingredients for retaining moisture and providing the #self.names with the nutrients it needs to thrive. If you can find a soil that has a combination of these ingredients, your #self.names will thank you with beautiful blooms.

Lighting

Rock Crane's Bill requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Rock Crane's Bill will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

The Rock Crane's Bill should be transferred to a new pot once it has increased in size two-fold, or on an annual basis, whichever occurs earlier. Replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the necessary nutrients, is sufficient enough to support the growth of the plant, thus avoiding the need to use fertilizer. It's important to note that plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Rock Crane's Bill’s native range is C. Europe. A garden escape in Britain in S. Devon.


More info:
Wikipedia